Course Number and Title:
NMT 222 Nuclear Physics
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: PHY 111
Course Credits and Hours
2 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
0 offsite lab hours
Course Description
This course introduces the atom and radioactivity. Major topics include atomic structure, decay processes and products, half-life, interaction of radiation with matter, units of measurement for radiation dose and exposure and dosimetry.
Additional Materials
Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging Program Policy Manual
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Identify and describe the structure of the atom. (CCC 1, 2, 6; PGC 1, 3)
- Differentiate various modes of radioactive decay. (CCC 1, 2 ,6; PGC 1,3)
- Define, explain, and calculate the activity, half-lives, and decay of radionuclides. (CCC 1, 2, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3)
- Discuss the passage of charged particles through matter. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1.2)
- Contrast and compare interactions of photons with matter.(CCC 1, 2; PGC 1, 2, 3)
- Define, explain, measure, and calculate radiation dose, radiation exposure, and internal radiation dosimetry. (CCC 1, 2, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Identify and describe the structure of the atom.
- Distinguish and compare nuclear models of elements.
- Differentiate between electrostatic and centrifugal force as they apply to the structure of atoms.
- Demonstrate an atom’s electron configuration, placing electrons in proper shells.
- Apply the Pauli exclusion principle to the organization of the atom.
- Identify and discuss the structure and nomenclature of elements in the periodic table.
- Explain the quantum theory of electromagnetic radiation.
- Identify, compare and contrast the components of the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Describe cations and anions.
- Discuss and illustrate elements using standard atomic notation (AzX).
- Identify and apply the relationship between the mass number (A) and the atomic number (Z) of elements.
- Explain the terms nuclide, isotope, isobar, isotone, isomer and provide examples of each.
- Describe characteristics of stable and unstable nuclei.
- Explain the line of nuclear stability.
- Describe orbital electron energy levels, states, and binding energies.
- Discuss Einstein’s theory regarding the conservation of mass and energy.
- Discuss the forces associated with the nuclear configuration of atoms.
- Describe mass defect, nuclear binding energy, and binding energy per nucleon of atoms.
- Calculate atomic mass units (amu) and energy equivalents of elements.
- Differentiate various modes of radioactive decay.
- Discuss the contributions of Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, Henri Becquerel, Madam Curie, and Ernest Rutherford to the discovery of radioactive material.
- Define and explain the chemistry of radioactivity.
- Explain and provide examples of background and manmade radioactivity.
- Differentiate between particulate and ionizing radiation.
- Define metastable states of isotopes, isomeric transition (IT) and internal conversion (IC).
- Define isobaric transitions including beta (b-) emission, positron (b+) emission, and electron capture (EC).
- Explain radioactive decay by beta emission: b- and (b-, γ) and provide examples.
- Explain radioactive decay by positron emission: b+ and (b+, γ) with the associated annihilation reaction and provide examples.
- Describe electron capture: (EC) or (EC, γ) and explain its competition with positron (b+) emission.
- Discuss the characteristics of radioactive decay by alpha (α) emission.
- Define nuclear fission and the components of a fission reaction.
- Illustrate modes of decay in standard notation employing radioactive equilibrium equations.
- Express and sketch all modes of radioactive decay using decay schemes.
- Define, explain, and calculate the activity, half-lives, and decay of radionuclides.
- Define and illustrate examples of the decay constant.
- Define, express, and convert units of radioactivity.
- Discuss radioactive decay as an exponential function of time.
- Define the term half-life as it applies to various isotopes.
- Describe decay factor and identify its components.
- Discuss the universal decay curve and demonstrate graphically the rate of decay, half-life, and change in activity over time.
- Identify all components of the universal radioactive decay formula.
- Apply the universal decay formula to calculate activity, half-life, and time of radioactive decay using various isotopes and scenarios.
- Calculate activity of isotopes using decay charts, decay factors, and pre-decay factors.
- Estimate activity of isotopes with known half-life by counting in half-lives.
- Distinguish half-lives of common radiopharmaceuticals used in Nuclear Medicine and PET.
- Discuss the decay of a sample containing a mixture of isotopes.
- Discuss the significance of parent-daughter relationships with regards to radioactive decay.
- Define, contrast, and compare secular and transient equilibrium states.
- Discuss the passage of charged particles through matter.
- Outline the specific properties of beta () and alpha (α) charged particles.
- Discuss the collisions of beta () and alpha (α) particles with matter causing ionizations, secondary ionizations, and excitations.
- Describe the characteristics of electromagnetic radiation.
- Describe the interaction of α and particles with atomic nuclei resulting in Bremsstrahlung (breaking radiation).
- Discuss charged particle tracks and associated energy deposition.
- Define linear energy transfer (LET).
- Discuss and compare the range of alpha and beta particles in matter and identify the Bragg ionization peak.
- Explain and contrast the interactions of electrons with matter resulting in either characteristic x-rays or Auger electrons.
- Contrast and compare interactions of photons with matter.
- Define photons and compare their similarities and differences to x-rays.
- Identify all types of high-energy photons: gamma rays, x-rays, annihilation radiation and bremsstrahlung.
- Explain the photoelectric effect and resultant photoelectrons.
- Describe Compton scattering, recoil electrons and backscattering events.
- Define pair production and the associated annihilation reaction, explaining the specific energy involvement.
- Describe coherent (Rayleigh) scattering.
- Discuss photonuclear reactions.
- Outline the energy deposition of photon interactions through matter and resultant radiobiological effects.
- Discuss photon attenuation, absorber materials, linear attenuation coefficients (µ), and half-value layer (HVL).
- Calculate change in intensity of a monoenergetic photon beam given the thickness and linear attenuation coefficient of the absorbing material.
- .Define, explain, measure, and calculate radiation dose, radiation exposure, and internal radiation dosimetry
- Identify and convert the standard and SI units of measurement for radiation dose, absorbed dose, and equivalent dose.
- Discuss and compare target organ and critical organ.
- Define and calculate cumulated activity (Ã).
- Identify and apply equilibrium absorbed dose constant (∆) and mean dose per unit cumulated activity (S).
- Differentiate and calculate physical half-life (Tp), biological half-life (Tb) and effective half-life (Te).
- Define and discuss medical internal radiation dosimetry (MIRD).
- Identify the principle organs used for MIRD dose calculations and tables.
- Define the dose factor (DF), tissue weighting factor (w), and effective dose equivalent to calculate absorbed dose.
- Discuss the limitations of MIRD calculations for radiopharmaceuticals.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
- Unit Tests (4-5 equally weighted)
| 55 % |
| 25 % |
| 5 % |
Formative Assessments |
- Assignments (8-10 equally weighted)
| 10 % |
- Quizzes (6-8 equally weighted)
| 5 % |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Demonstrate academic and clinical proficiency of Nuclear Medicine procedures in an inclusive and equitable learning environment while establishing eligibility for all national certification examinations in Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.
- Demonstrate radiation safety and protection practices while handling and administering radiopharmaceuticals in compliance with all regulatory entities.
Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills during the practice of nuclear medicine and collaborative research participation.
Perform patient-centered care utilizing effective communication skills, professional behaviors and high standards of ethical conduct in a diverse and evolving healthcare environment.
Demonstrate professional growth and development while recognizing the importance of lifelong learning for advancement in the profession.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.