Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course presents a survey of the biological effects of radiation with emphasis on humans as the foundation on which protection practices are built. The student will study what makes radiation hazardous and the quantities that produce various biologic effects. Other topics to study will include safe radiation exposure levels for the general population and radiation workers, the basic philosophy of radiation protection, and how to practice radiation protection.
Radiation Protection and Biology is required as part of the Radiologic Technology degree program. It is also a prerequisite for taking the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination for certification in Radiography. Transferability of credit depends entirely upon the institution to which the student wishes to transfer.

Upon completion of this course, with a C grade or higher, the student should be able to do the following:
 

1. Practice radiation protection for patients, personnel and the general public as well as understand the current radiation standards and guidelines.
2. Analyze dose and biological effects of radiation exposure in medical radiography.

Themes, issues and concepts
 

1. The Atomic level of level of Biological Effects
2. Types of Radiation
3. Absorption of Radiant Energy
4. Radiation Quantities & Units
5. Biological Effects of Radiation
6. Fundamental Principles of Radiobiology
7. Molecular and Cellular Radiobiology
8. Early effects of Radiation
9. Late Radiation Effects
10. Radiation Protection Concepts and Practices
11. Reducing Radiation Exposure
12. Effective Dose Equivalent Limits
13. Structural Shielding
14. Radiation and Detection and Measurement
15. Minimizing Patient Exposure
16. Minimizing Operator Exposure
17. Regulatory Control of Radiation
18. State and Federal Agencies
19. Oregon Board of Radiologic Technology

Skills

1. Analyze radiation interactions with biologic matter.
2. Manipulate radiation units and quantities.
3. Determine the factors that will affect the severity of radiation damage.
4. Operate radiation detection equipment.
5. Practice radiation protection in the clinic.
6. Locate and become familiar with state radiation control regulations.