Course Syllabus

 

RADR 2313- Radiation Biology & Protection
_________________________________________________________
Instructor: Salena Sanders BSRS, RT (R)
Office: 118
Phone: 903-463-8636
E-mail: sanderss@grayson.edu
________________________________________________________________
Hours: Wednesdays 9-11:50
Credit Hours: 3

COURSE PREREQUISITES:
Acceptance into the Grayson College Radiology Program
Successful completion of all previous radiology course work
Concurrent enrollment in RADR1213, 1361, & 2401.
_______________________________________________________________

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A study of the effects of radiation exposure on biological systems, typical medical exposure levels, methods for measuring and monitoring radiation, and methods for protecting personnel and patients from excessive exposure.

INTRODUCTION:
Ionizing radiation can cause alterations to human cells. As radiographers we must regulate its administration to effectively protect humans from this hazard. This course will provide the student with an introduction of the basic concepts of radiation protection for themselves, the patient, and the general public. Emphasis will be placed on units of dose exposure, effective dose limits for radiation workers and the public, safe practices, federal guidelines and rules and regulations, and radiation biology.
_______________________________________________________________________

COURSE GOALS:
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:

1. Understand principles of ionizing radiation interactions with matter based upon x-ray production theories.
2. Recognize the effects of ionizing radiation to human tissue at atomic, molecular, cellular & systemic levels.
3. Describe the role of epidemiology in identifying ionizing radiation as a carcinogen.
4. Identify historic events that resulted in increased levels of radiation to entire populations.
5. Identify units used to measure ionizing radiation.
6. Identify organizations concerned with reducing radiation exposure to the general public.
7. Discuss studies regarding biologic effects of ionizing radiation on human tissue.
8. Differentiate between early & late effects of ionizing radiation on human tissue.
9. Describe radiation safety principles for patients, self, coworkers & the general public.
10. Provide information in response to questions posed by patients regarding the radiation safety of radiologic procedures.
11. Communicate with coworkers, supervisors, and physicians regarding concerns that might arise related to radiation safety in the radiology department.
_______________________________________________________________________

DOMAINS OF LEARNING & EVALUATION:
Cognitive: The degree of cognitive retention will be measured based on each student’s ability to recall radiation protection techniques and principles of radiation biology.
Psychomotor: will be evaluated at the clinical site at the discretion of the instructor.
Affective: Students will be monitored in class for indications of their attitude toward, and commitment to the application of this knowledge to the tasks performed in the clinical setting.
_________________________________________________________________
TEXTBOOK:
Bushong, S. C. Radiologic Science for Technologists (11th ed.)

TENTATIVE AGENDA
1/16 Clinical & Class Syllabi/ TBL study tips
1/23 Radiation & Risk Chapter 1-3
1/30 TBL 1: Radiation Units Chapter 1
2/6 TBL 2: X-ray Interactions w/Matter Chapter 9
2/13 TBL 3: Human Biology Chapter 29
2/20 NO CLASS 
2/27Fundamental Principles of Radiation Biology/Molecular Radiobiology ch. 30-1 
3/6 EXIT EXAM IN CLASSROOM
3/13 SPRING BREAK
3/20 TBL 4: Cellular Radiobiology Chapter 32
3/27 Deterministic Effects Chapter 33
4/3 Stochastic Effects Chapter 34
4/10 No Class
4/17 TBL 5: Patient Dose & Protection Chapter 37-39
4/24 Health Physics & Managing Dose 35,36,40
5/1 PROJECT PRESENTATIONS & COURSE REVIEW
5/6 COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM 9AM IN COMPUTER LAB

Any changes to the agenda will be announced on Canvas prior to class.
In case of inclement weather, emergency closings, or other unforeseen disruptions to scheduled classes, student must log onto their Canvas accounts for directions on where or how to continue their coursework.

METHODS OF EVALUATION
GRADE POLICY: GRADE CALCULATION:
90-100 A TBL 65%
80-89 B
75-79 C
<75 F Comprehensive Final 35%
_______________________________________________________________________

TEACHING METHODS:
A team-based learning approach will be utilized throughout the course of this class. This type of active learning instruction involves the following elements:
• Individual pre-class preparation
• Readiness Assurance tests, (individual & team)
• Application oriented activities
• Peer evaluation
A detailed discussion of Team-based learning will occur during the first class day.
Class discussion
Visual aids

TBL exercises (5) 65%
*TBL breakdown: Students determine weighting
o IRAT
o TRAT  
o Application activity 
o Presentation 
o Peer eval 
Final Exam 35%
_______________________________________________________________________
EXAMINATIONS:
Students are encouraged to attend class every day but particular attention should be given to test days. Students who are absent or late on the day of the Final exam will receive an automatic 10-point deduction from their exam grade.

ATTENDANCE:
GC policy states that a student is allowed 3 excused absences before they are dismissed from the program. Students arriving 5 minutes or later to class will be locked out until there is a break. Three lockouts count as 1 absence. The inability to be prompt is considered unprofessional and irresponsible, and will not be tolerated. A CLINICAL ABSENCE THE DAY BEFORE AN EXAM WILL RESULT IN A 5-POINT DEDUCTION FROM THE EXAM GRADE.

CLASSROOM CONDUCT:
It is important that you respect the right of every student in the classroom to learn. Cell phones must be silenced prior to the beginning of class. Talking during lecture, shuffling books or papers, leaving or entering the room during lecture, texting, or any other type of disruptive behavior will not be tolerated, and may result in you being asked to leave the classroom. If this should occur, you will not be allowed to return to class that day and it will be treated as an absence.
CLASS PRESENTATION:
Each team will choose a radiation protection device or technique to research and present to the class. Students are not required to turn in a written report, but should discuss the following during their presentation:

IDENTIFY TECHNIQUE/DEVICE (what is it? Alternate names, etc.)

HISTORY (origin, inventor, developments, etc)

CONSTRUCTION (if presenting device)

DEMONSTRATION (proper use, misuses)

ANATOMY PROTECTED

_______________________________________________________________________
COURSE OUTLINE:
Radiation & Risk
• Define ionizing radiation.
• Identify risks of exposure to ionizing radiation.
• Identify types of ionizing radiation.
• Describe characteristics of ionizing radiation.
• Identify sources of ionizing radiation.
• Discuss developments made in imaging since the discovery of x-rays.
• Identify ways in which we express risk.
• Define BERT.
• Define dose equivalent.
• Review ten commandments of radiation protection.
• Describe atomic structure.
• Define isotopes & radioisotopes.
• Describe how man-made isotopes are created.

Fundamental Principles of Radiation Biology
• Identify physical factors that affect sensitivity to ionizing radiation.
• Define LET
• Identify high & low-LET ionizing radiation types.
• Define RBE
• Identify high & low-RBE ionizing radiation types.
• Describe the relationship between LET & RBE
• Identify units used to express LET & RBE.
• Discuss biological factors that affect sensitivity to ionizing radiation.
• Define the Law of Bergonie & Tribondeau.
• Describe the impact oxygen has on tissue sensitivity.
• Discuss dose-response relationships.
• Define extrapolation.

Molecular Radiobiology
• Identify characteristics of interactions of ionizing radiation & molecules.
• Define indirect & direct actions.
• Describe characteristics of indirect & direct actions on cells.
• Identify damage to DNA molecule.
• Explain Target Theory.
• Identify most sensitive phase of the cell cycle.
• Discuss the fate of cells damaged by ionizing radiation.

Deterministic Effects
• Identify characteristics of deterministic effects from exposure to ionizing radiation.
• Define deterministic.
• Discuss Acute Radiation Syndromes.
• Identify sources of data.
• Define mean survival time
• Define acute lethality (LD 50).
• Define Radiologic Terrorism.
• Identify different devices used for Radiologic Terrorism.
• Discuss emergency radiology response to a radiologic terrorism event.
• Describe the short-term impact of ionizing radiation exposure on various systems of the human body.

Stochastic Effects
• Define stochastic.
• Identify characteristics of late effects from exposure to ionizing radiation.
• Identify somatic effects of radiation exposure.
• Describe sources of data.
• Identify risk estimates.
• Explain when risk estimates are indicated.
• Discuss problems with data.
• Discuss genetic effects of exposure to ionizing radiation.
• Describe the stages of fetal development.
• Discuss effects of fetal radiation exposure.
• Identify sources of human data.

Health Physics
• Define Health physics.
• Identify personnel responsible for the hospital radiation safety program.
• Describe elements of an effective radiation safety program.
• Identify organizations responsible for research, recommendations, & regulations concerning radiation safety and protection
• Define ALARA.
• Identify the cardinal principles of radiation protection.
• Define half value layer.
• Identify how the half value layer is utilized in creating shielding.
• Define effective dose.
• Describe how the effective dose is calculated.
• Define DAP & describe its application in imaging.
• Discuss protocol for declaring pregnancy.

Designing for Radiation Protection
• Identify elements of the imaging system responsible for radiation protection.
• Discuss regulations for operation of stationary, mobile, & fluoroscopic x-ray equipment.
• Discuss the types of barriers used in imaging & how they reduce exposure to ionizing radiation.
• Define filtration.
• Identify materials used for filtration.
• Identify types of filtration.
• Describe elements of the imaging system that contribute to total filtration.
• Describe the effect of filtration of effective beam energy & the HVL.
• Identify types of dosimetry.
• Explain construction & operation of various dosimeters used in diagnostic imaging.
• Identify pros & cons of each type of dosimeter used in x-ray.
• Discuss reporting of dosimetry results.

Occupational Dose Management
• Identify sources of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation.
• List annual dose limits to radiographers, the public, fetus, & trainees under the age of 18.
• Discuss techniques for reducing exposure to ionizing radiation.
Academic Integrity

The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty. Because the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work.

Scholastic Dishonesty, any student who commits an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to discipline. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any other source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the college’s policy on plagiarism (see GC Student Handbook for details). Grayson College subscribes to turnitin.com, which allows faculty to search the web and identify plagiarized material.

Students who are caught submitting plagiarized material or who have engaged in collusion on any course assignment or exam will receive a zero on the first assignment and an “F” in the course for any additional acts of academic dishonesty. Students who are caught cheating on any course assignment or exam will receive an “F” in the course.
Students who receive an “F” in any Radiologic Technology Program course work will automatically be dismissed from the program.

_________________________________________________________________
Copyright Notice

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials, including music and software. Copying, displaying, reproducing, or distributing copyrighted works may infringe the copyright owner’s rights and such infringement is subject to appropriate disciplinary action as well as criminal penalties provided by federal law. Usage of such material is only appropriate when that usage constitutes “fair use” under the Copyright Act. _________________________________________________________________
Withdrawal from Class

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal from any college-level courses. These dates and times are published in that semester's schedule of classes. Administrative procedures must be followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle student initiated withdrawal requirements from any class. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to attend the class once you are enrolled (see GC College Catalog for details).
________________________________________________________________

Disability Services

The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational opportunities equal to those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in room SC 115 in the Student Success Center.

The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:
Jeffri Hodge
(903) 463-8751 (voice or TTY)
hodgej@grayso.edu

If you anticipate issues related to the format or requirements of this course, please meet with the Coordinator of Disability Services. The Coordinator is available to discuss ways to ensure your full participation in the course. If you determine that formal, disability-related accommodations are necessary, it is very important that you be registered with Disability Services to notify them of your eligibility for reasonable accommodations. Disability Services can then plan how best to coordinate your accommodations.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an accommodation. Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty members to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations. Individuals requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or during office hours.
_________________________________________________________________
Financial Aid

Effective July 1, 2000 students receiving Title IV funds (Pell, Federal Grants, and Student Loans), who subsequently withdraw from classes, will be required to return a portion of the federal financial aid received. Only the percentage of aid earned (determined by the percentage of time attended) will be eligible for retention on the student’s behalf. Any aid that is not earned must be returned to its source. If there is a student account balance resulting from these adjustments, the student is responsible for payment. Further details can be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid.
_________________________________________________________________

Drop Rule

Under section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code, “an institution of higher education may not permit a student to drop more than six courses, including any course a transfer student has dropped at another institution of higher education.” This statue was enacted by the State of Texas in spring 2007 and applies to students who enroll in a public institution of higher education as first-time freshmen in fall 2007 or later. Any course that a student drops is counted toward the six-course limit if (1) the student drops a course after census date or (2) the student is not dropping the course in order to withdraw from the institution. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to drop a course without having it counted toward this limit, but it is the responsibility of the student to establish that good cause before the drop. Students with questions should contact the Counseling Office or the Office of Admissions & Records for more information before dropping a course!
_________________________________________________________________
TITLE IX
GC policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, retaliation, serious medical condition, sex, sexual orientation, spousal affiliation and protected veterans status.
Furthermore, Title IX prohibits sex discrimination to include sexual misconduct: sexual violence (sexual assault, rape), sexual harassment and retaliation.
For more information on Title IX, please contact:
 Dr. Regina Organ, Title IX Coordinator (903-463-8714)
 Dr. Dava Washburn, Title IX Coordinator (903-463-8634)
 Dr. Kim Williams, Title IX Deputy Coordinator- South Campus (903) 415-2506
 Mr. Mike McBrayer, Title IX Deputy Coordinator (903) 463-8753
 Ms. Marilyn Power, Title IX Deputy Coordinator (903) 463-8625
 Website: http://www.grayson.edu/campus-life/campus-police/title-ix-policies.html
 GC Police Department: (903) 463-8777- Main Campus) (903) 415-2501 - South Campus)
 GC Counseling Center: (903) 463-8730
 For Any On-campus Emergencies: 911

GC is not responsible for illness/injury that occurs during the normal course of classroom/lab/clinical experiences.