Physics of Nuclear Medicine, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course provides knowledge of various nuclear diagnostic methods to track the transport and turnover of chemical substances in biological and other systems, and to provide training in controlling and optimizing advanced nuclear diagnostic equipment.
The course covers technology for the production of radionuclides, pharmacological requirements, measurement of uptake and excretion and radioimmunoassays. Furthermore, nuclear medical equipment such as gamma cameras, multidetector systems, emission computed tomography, positron cameras and control measurements for these are treated. Finally, applied internal dosimetry, multicompartment analysis, patient and staff radiation protection are covered. The course includes a compulsory laboratory part.

The course comprises three modules

1. Theory part, 2.5 credits

2. Calculation part, 2.5 credits

3. Laboratory work, 2.5 credits
 

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

• Show overall knowledge of common radionuclides used in nuclear medicine and how these are produced.
• In detail describe the technical and physical aspects of SPECT and PET systems.
• Independently describe the basic principles of image reconstruction in SPECT and PET.
• Independently report on for and apply relevant radiation protection positions.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of clinical challenges in nuclear medicine.
• Be able to give a detailed report on the principle of radionuclide therapy.
• Demonstrate overall understanding of decontamination in radiological accidents.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate the ability to perform and evaluate quality controls of gamma cameras.
• Independently be able to estimate the internally absorbed doses after ingestion of radioactive substances as well as in diagnostics and therapy with radionuclides.
• Independently handle and clean contaminated surfaces.

Judgement and approach

• Critically assess the risks of nuclear medicine methods.
• Critically evaluate and independently apply the radiation protection principles in nuclear medicine.

Required Knowledge

University: At least 90 ECTS credits including the courses Radiation Dosimetry, 15 ECTS, Introductory Course in Medicine, 5 ECTS, Radiation Biology and Radiation Protection, 7.5 ECTS, Physics of X-Rays, 7.5 ECTS, or corresponding. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The teaching is campus-based and is conducted in the form of lectures, calculation exercises, seminars and laboratory work. The laboratories are compulsory. The language of instruction is Swedish or English.

Examination modes

Module 1: Theoretical part 2.5 credits
The module is examined with written exam. The grade is  assessed with Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with merit (VG).

Module 2: Calculation part 2.5 credits.
The module is examined with written exam. The grade is assessed with Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with merit (VG).

'Module 3: Laboratory work 2.5 credits.
The module is examined with written laboratory report. The grade is assessed with Fail (U) or Pass (G).

On the whole course the grades Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with merit (VG) are set. To pass the course it requires that all examinations and obligatory tasks are approved. The grade is a summary assessment of the results on part 1 and 2, where module 1 is given a weighting factor of 1/2  and module 2 a weighting factor of 1/2 and is set after all mandatory elements are approved.

Students who received a passing grade on an examination may not retake the examination.
 
Deviations from the course syllabus examination form can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support due to disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the expected syllabus of the course syllabus. At the request of the student, the course responsible teacher, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision must then be communicated to the student.

A student who has passed two tests for a course or part of a course without a passing result, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons against it (HF ch. 6 § 22). The request for a new examiner is made to the head of the Department of Radiation Sciences. For more information, see Rules for grades and examinations at basic and advanced level, dnr: FS 1.1-574-22.

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.