Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title WORKING WITH RADIATION PROTECTION 1 - PROTECTING PEOPLE
Code PHYS145
Coordinator Prof PR Cole
Radiation Protection
Pcole@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 4 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

·          To develop skills with spreadsheets ·          To develop skills in using computers to perform mathematical calculations typical in radiation protection of people – workers, patients, general public. ·          To illustrate the insight into physics which can be obtained by exploiting computational software packages ·          To improve science students' skills in communicating scientific information in appropriate written and oral formats ·          To provide the students with a broad introduction to radiation protection of people ·          To provide the students with the physics basis for measurement techniques used in radiation protection

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) 1.        An ability to use spreadsheets and mathematical packages to calculate and graph mathematical equations.

(LO2) 2. An ability to apply mathematical software packages to physics and radiation protection problems

(LO3) 3. An appreciation of how to present results by computer

(LO4) 4. The ability to communicate more confidently

(LO5) 5. An understanding of some of the key factors in successful communication

(LO6) 6. A understanding of the basic underlying physics properties and ideas that are utilised in radiation protection of people

(LO7) 7. A knowledge of the basic physics involved in measurement techniques used in radiation protection

(LO8) 8. An understanding of the techniques used in measurements in radiation protection applications

(LO9) 9. The ability to solve simple problems in radiation protection of people

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Communication skills

Syllabus
 

1.        Spreadsheet exercises based on physics examples and on error evaluation. 2.        Plotting functions, complex numbers, animations, integration and differentiation. 3.        Important elements of good communication in oral presentations, written reports (including laboratory reports). 4.        Radioactivity, decay modes of unstable nuclei. Naturally occurring and man-made radionuclides. 5.        Interaction of radiation with materials; radiation dose and units, absorbed dose, exposure. Range of alphas, betas, gammas and neutrons in materials. Radiation shielding. 6.        External and internal radiation dose, medical uses (therapy and imaging). 7.        Nuclear waste; high, intermediate, low level, options for storage. 8.        Ra diation detection and measurement; simple radiation meters, personal dosimeters and film badges, spectroscopic systems. 9.        Activation analysis using thermal neutrons. 10.    Mass and energy, nuclear reactions. 11.    Fission; induction by thermal neutrons, chain reaction, moderators, control of the reaction, choice of materials. Safety aspects. Artificial transmutation. 12.    Radiation protection legislation – ICRP103, IRR99 and IRMER2000 13.    Radiation protection principles for workers 14.    Radiation protection of the general public – including radon exposure 15. Radiation protection of patients

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: 11 x 1hr (S1) 6 x 2hrs (S2)
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 11 x 1hr/week (S1) 6 x 2hr/week (S2)

Teaching Method 2 - Small Group Learning - on case study problems. Plus computer lab tasks and 'communication' presentation task
Description: 11 x 2hr/week (S1) 6 x 2hr/week (S2)
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 11 x 2hr/week (S1) 6 x 2hr/week (S2)

Self-Directed Learning Description: Self-study and course work preparation and write-up/presentation

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 23

         34

 57
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 93
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2  90 minutes    35       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Write ups from computer tasks + 5 minutes presentation on 'communication' task There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. A  22 hours computer la    50       
Written answers to problems set in 3 workshops There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :S  3 workshops x 2 hour    15       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.