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Presentation
Presentation
This Course Unit introduces the student to nuclear medicine, focusing on using Physics to understand the concepts and models associated with radiation, atom structure, and its nucleus. The student learns about other modes of radioactive decay and their mathematical formulations, thus being able to distinguish their main differences and occurrence regimes. Likewise, the student can model the activity of radionuclides or their mixtures. The Course Unit subsequently evolves to define the biological effects of the radiation, and present the main techniques for the production of radionuclides, as well as radiopharmaceuticals, culminating in the contextualization of its use in nuclear medicine and clinical application. Regarding the use of radiation in clinical instrumentation, the student diversifies his skills based on the knowledge of techniques and equipment that use radiation in computational tomography.
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Class from course
Class from course
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Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Bachelor | Semestral | 5
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Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
3 | Mandatory | Português
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Code
Code
ULHT1706-14629
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Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
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Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
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Syllabus
Syllabus
Nuclear Medicine Atomic and Nuclear Physics Modes of Radioactive Decay Radioactive Decay Radiation-Matter Interaction Biological Effects of Radiation Production of Radionuclides and Radiopharmaceuticals Use of Radioisotopes in Medicine. Radiation Detectors and Image Acquisition Dosimetry Kinetic Modelling of Tracers Radiation Safety and Detectors Radiation Optimization in Imaging
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Objectives
Objectives
This Course Unit aims to understand the basic physical principles involved in the use of radiation in nuclear medicine and clinical practice, as well as contact with the main hospital or research equipment associated with radiation. Thus, the student will be able to: - understand and interpret the physical phenomena associated with radiation, from the atom/nucleus perspective to its impact on the interaction with surrounding matter; - to develop quantitative and predictive mathematical models of radionuclide activity or mixtures thereof for nuclear medicine or clinical practice, taking into account aspects such as the type of decay verified, activity, and desired dosage at a given time; - identify and apply best practices in safety and protection against radiation and handling of radioactive material; and - understand and implement the best methodologies in computational tomography, focusing on the quality and quantification of the digital image.
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Teaching methodologies and assessment
Teaching methodologies and assessment
Assessment may follow either a continuous or non-continuous regime, with students required to select their preferred option at the beginning of the semester. In both cases, a minimum grade of 9.5 (out of 20) in each component is required to pass. Continuous assessment includes a theoretical component (CT) and a theoretical-practical component (CTP). In CT, course content is delivered through presentations and simulations, encouraging class discussion. Assessment consists of two written tests. In CTP, students solve exercises of increasing complexity, attend guest lectures, and participate in study visits. Assessment is based on two short quizzes and the preparation and presentation of two assignments. The final grade is calculated as follows: Final Grade = 50% CT + 50% CTP, with a minimum of 9.5 required in both components. In the non-continuous regime, students are assessed through a single final exam.
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References
References
Cherry, Simon R.; Sorenson, James A.; Phelps, Michael E. - Physics in Nuclear Medicine. 4th edition, Philadelphia, USA, Saunders. 2011, ISBN: 978-1-4160-5198-5 Podgorsak, Ervin B. - Radiation Physics for Medical Physicists (Biological and Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering). 2nd edition, Springer, 2010. ISBN: 978-3-642-00874-0 Cember, Herman; Johnson, Thomas E - Introduction to Health Physics, 4th edition, McGraw Hill Medical, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-07-164323-8
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Office Hours
Office Hours
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Mobility
Mobility
No
