FYS-KJM9570 – Radiation protection and radiation safety
Course description
Course content
Radiation physics and dosimetry:
Interaction of ionizing radiation with matter – with emphasize on biological systems and radiological protection. External and internal dosimetry. Dosimetric measurement techniques in radiation protection.
Health effects and risk analysis:
Stochastic effects of ionizing radiation from high doses and high dose rates to low doses and low dose rates for both high and low LET radiation. Risk models and assessment of health risks from exposure to ionizing radiation based on radiobiological and epidemiological knowledge. Deterministic effects of ionizing radiation. Health hazards of exposure to non-ionizing radiation and electromagnetic fields.
Radiation protection:
Evolution of the radiation protection system – practices and intervention related to medical and industrial use of radiation sources, contamination of the environments, etc. Quantities in radiological protection. Dose constraints and derived limits. Radiation sources – natural and man-made sources. Shielding of radiation sources and protective measures. Regulatory aspects - radiation protection regulations, recommendations and standards. International conventions and recommendations.
Radioecology and effects of radiation on the environment:
Natural and man-made sources of radioactivity in the atmospheric, terrestrial and marine environment. Release of radioactivity to the environment - doses and consequences for man and the environment; fauna and flora included. Remedial measures and preventative measures to limit exposure and consequences for man and environment.
Radiation and nuclear safety:
Radiation safety related to ionizing radiation sources and nuclear facilities. Consequences of fallout from nuclear accidents and use of nuclear weapons. Nuclear safeguards and security. Nuclear accident preparedness. Management of radioactive waste.
Learning outcome
To understand the basis for radiation protection and radiation safety, including the health effects and risks associated with radiation exposure, so that the candidate will be able to make his/her own independent judgements of risks, protective measures, etc. and acquire the necessary background knowlegde to fill a position as health physicist.
Admission
PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.
If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.
PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
Bachelor degree in physics or chemistry. Some background knowledge about radioactivity and radiation e.g. FYS1010 – Environmental Physics (discontinued) or KJM5900 – Radioactivity (discontinued).
Overlapping courses
10 credits with FYS-KJM4570 – Radiation protection and radiation safety (discontinued)
Teaching
The course extends over a full semester with 3-4 hours of teaching per week and an excursion (one day).
Examination
Final oral exam.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more: