| Code |
13452
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| Year |
3
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| Semester |
S2
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| ECTS Credits |
6
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| Workload |
PL(30H)/T(30H)
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| Scientific area |
Biomedical Sciences
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Entry requirements |
Do not exist.
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Mode of delivery |
Face-to-face
Professor-centered teaching, with active participation of students.
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Work placements |
Not applicable.
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Learning outcomes |
The course aims to provide a solid understanding of ionising radiation and its interaction with matter, enabling students to apply principles of nuclear physics and radiation protection in biomedical contexts.
The teaching approach combines theoretical lectures, laboratory practicals, and problem-solving exercises to develop analytical and experimental skills.
By the end of the course, students will be able to explain the fundamental concepts of nuclear physics and ionising radiation, solve problems in the field, implement and analyse experiments on radiation interaction and detection, and critically assess the risks and benefits of radiation use in biomedicine, ensuring its safe application in diagnostic and therapeutic settings.
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Syllabus |
1. Introduction to Ionising Radiation
2. Nuclear Structure and Nuclear Transformations
3. Interaction of Radiation with Matter
4. Biological Effects of Ionising Radiation
5. Sources and Generators of Ionising Radiation
6. Radiation Protection and Safety
7. Diagnostic Applications of Ionising Radiation
8. Therapeutic Applications of Ionising Radiation
9. Monitoring and Dosimetry
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Main Bibliography |
Concepts of Modern Physics, A. Beiser, 6th ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, 2003. (cap. 4, 11 e 12)
Physics for Radiation Protection, James E. Martin, Handbook, 2nd Ed., Wiley-VCH, 2006. (cap. 7 e 9)
The Physics of Radiation Therapy, Faiz M. Khan and John P. Gibbons, 5th Ed., LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, a WOLTERS KLUWER business, 2014. (cap. 4)
Introductory Nuclear Physics, K. S. Krane, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1988.
Physics in Nuclear Medicine, S. R. Cherry, J. A. Sorenson, M. E. Phelps, 3rd ed., Saunders, Philadelphia, 2003.
Radiation Physics for Medical Physicists, Ervin B. Podgorsak, 2nd ed., Springer, 2010.
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Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria |
The course adopts a theoretical-practical approach, fostering active student engagement. Theoretical lectures include the presentation of key concepts with audiovisual support and guided discussions on the application of radiation in biomedicine. Theoretical-practical sessions involve problem-solving exercises, medical image analysis, and computational simulations. Individual and collaborative work includes research on radiation applications and participation in discussion forums. Independent study is based on reading scientific articles and exploring digital resources.
Continuous assessment combines a summative component (60%), through a written test, and a continuous component (40%), based on problem-solving, active participation, and research projects. The final examination accounts for 70% of the grade, requiring a minimum score of 6 (on a 0–14 scale), while continuous assessment contributes 30%. In both cases, a final mark >= 10 (on a 0–20 scale) is required for passing.
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Language |
Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
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