CVT2511 - Radiation Biology and Safety

3 hours Lecture, 3 credit(s)

Lower-Division College Credit

Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Cardiovascular Technology Program.

AA Elective: No

Course Description:

This course provides the student with the fundamental principles of radiobiology and safety. The interaction of ionizing radiation with biological systems, the early and late effects of radiation exposure, the body factors that affect response to radiation, and the basic principles of radiation protection and monitoring are covered. The curriculum emphasizes the best diagnostic imaging principles for proper c-arm manipulation while using settings to reduce patient and staff exposure.

Academic Dean’s Contact Information

LAKELAND DEAN’S OFFICE: LLC 2255 PHONE: (863) 297-1024
WINTER HAVEN DEAN’S OFFICE: WSC 101 PHONE: (863) 297-1020

Polk State College Mission and Outcomes

Polk State College is a quality-driven educational institution, providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates, and workforce development programs, delivered by diverse, qualified faculty and staff who are committed to student learning and achievement through the consistent practice of collaboration and focus on excellence. In line with this purpose, Polk State College’s AS programs develop competence in career areas. A primary focus of this course is the development of competencies related to the following program learning outcome(s):

Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate “technical procedure skills” necessary to assist the cardiologist during diagnostic and interventional cardiac and peripheral procedures in the cardiac catheterization lab.
2. Demonstrate basic patient care skills.
3. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication.

Course Objectives:

1. The student will demonstrate understanding of cellular components.
2. The student will demonstrate understanding of factors which affect an organism’s response to ionizing radiation.
3. The student will demonstrate the understanding of the different sources and categories of radiation.
4. The student will demonstrate understanding of the effects of ionizing radiation on living systems.
5. The student will demonstrate understanding of methods of measurement and detection of radiation exposure.
6. The student will demonstrate understanding of methods for protecting patients from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation.
7. The student will understand the importance of quality control in relation to reduced exposure and overall quality of image produced for best diagnostic

Course Content:

1. The student will understand the effects of radiation on cellular components as measured by his/her ability to: 1) Describe the function of the major components of a cell. 2) Describe the importance of DNA in a cell and the effects of radiation on DNA structure. 3) Discriminate between the physical and biological effects of genetic and somatic mutations.
2. The student will understand factors affecting the degree to which organisms respond to ionizing radiation by as measured by his/her ability to: 1) Explain the concept of relative biological effectiveness. 2) State what recovery means in terms of radiation exposure. 3) Describe the physiochemical reactions of ionizing radiation in living cells. 4) Explain the law of Bergonie and Tribondeau and its relevance to radiation exposure. 5) Define maximum permissible dose and apply the formula for determining the yearly allowable dose.
3. The student will understand the different sources and categories of radiation as measured by his/her ability to: 1) List the sources of artificial radiation. 2) List the categories of background radiation. 3) Identify the main contributor of total dose from medical exposures. 4) Identify the types of ionizing radiation and their differential effects on living systems.
4. The student will understand the principle effects of ionizing radiation on living systems as measured by his/her ability to: 1) Explain immediate lethal effects of exposure to ionizing radiation. 2) Describe the possible symptoms of an individual exposed to increasing doses of radiation. 3) Define LD 50/30. 4) Explain why the embryonic period of life is so radiosensitive to ionizing radiation. 5) List factors contributing to the radiosensitivity of tissues. 6) Compare and contrast the main radiation syndromes in terms of survival time and dose. 7) Describe the acute radiation syndrome. 8) Describe methods for estimating biological risk.
5. The student will understand methods of measurement and detection of radiation exposure as measured by his/her ability to: 1) Define the units of radiation measurement. 2) Discuss personnel monitoring devices in terms of types, purpose, characteristics, and advantages/disadvantages. 3) Explain the theory of operation of an ionization chamber. 4) Explain the theory of operation of a Geiger-Mueller detector.
6. The student will understand methods for protecting patients from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation as measured by his/her ability to: 1) Describe the relationship of beam limiting devices to patient radiation protection. 2) Explain the ten-day rule and its application to female patients of childbearing age. 3) Explain the relationship of exposure factors to patient dosage. 4) Explain the use of primary and secondary radiation barriers. 5) Explain the purpose and the importance of patient shielding.

Textbook and Other Requirements

Textbook information is provided in the course syllabus, at the campus bookstore, and on the campus bookstore website at: www.efollett.com.

The Gordon Rule

This is not a Gordon Rule course.

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours and by appointment during other non-class hours. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from the professor. To further the educational process, the campus Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the Teaching/Learning and Computing Center (TLCC) and library, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote students’ academic success. The TLCC provides tutoring services, computing resources, and other instructional support. The library provides information resources, individual and group study space, research assistance, information literacy instruction, and computing resources. Each facility provides free wireless access to the Internet. Polk State College Library and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the Polk State College website.

Withdrawing From a Course

Students may officially withdraw from course(s) during any given term, provided they follow the appropriate policy and procedure. Following the conclusion of the Drop/Add Period, a student may officially withdraw without academic penalty from any credit course, provided he or she has submitted the appropriate forms to the Student Services Office no later than the published deadline. The published deadline reflects approximately (but no more than) 70% of the term, based upon the course’s scheduled duration. It is the student’s responsibility to submit these withdrawal forms; failure to do so may result in a grade of F in the course. Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. A student is not allowed to withdraw from a third course attempt. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding withdrawing from courses that vary from this policy. Please see the student handbook for that program for more information. If a student stops attending class, the grade earned, usually an F, is assigned and posted. Prior to withdrawing from a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, withdrawal from the course will have on his or her financial aid status. A student cannot use course withdrawal to avoid academic dishonesty penalties. A student who has been penalized for academic dishonesty in a course is not eligible to withdraw from the course.

A student who withdrawals or fails any CVT course during their first semester of the first year may return the following year on a “clinic space availability” basis with permission from the Program director (remedial activities may be given at this time). A student who withdrawals or fails the same CVT course two times will be dismissed from the program. The student may reapply through the readmit application process within one year and is subject to the “clinic space available” basis with permission from the Program director. A student must successfully demonstrate the appropriate level clinical skills to the Clinical Coordinator prior to returning to the clinical setting after an absence of one semester or more.

Repeating a Course

Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one college credit course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. Under certain circumstances, a student may petition to repeat a credit course beyond the three attempts. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding repeating courses that vary from this policy. Please see the student handbook for that program for more information. The student should be aware that repeating a course may result in a higher course cost. A course cannot be repeated unless the previously earned grade is a D, F, or W (the Polk State College Catalog provides further details regarding this process). Prior to repeating a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, repeating the course will have on his or her financial aid status.

Academic Dishonesty

Each student is responsible for his or her work. It is assumed that each student is honest and will abide by this standard; however, in the event that there is an indication or suspicion of cheating/plagiarism, the situation shall be dealt with in accordance with the published College policy. Copies of this policy are available in the Student Services Office. Students should also refer to the course syllabus for more specific information.

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

All individuals who employ the information technology resources provided by Polk State College (this includes, but is not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State College Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must use these resources for academic purposes only. Use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use can result in revocation or suspension of this privilege.

Equal Access/Opportunity

Polk State College is an equal access, equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to applicants for admission to the College. Polk State College is committed to the equitable treatment of all students in a learning environment free of discrimination and harassment. Polk State College’s Equity Officer ensures compliance with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and sexual harassment. Students who believe they have been a victim of discrimination or sexual harassment should contact the Polk State College Equity Officer, Ms. Valparisa Baker, at 863-292-3602 or vbaker@polk.edu.

Equal Opportunity For Students With Disabilities

The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provides equal educational opportunity for qualified individuals. A student with a disability who requires special accommodations or auxiliary aids under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Student Services Office on either campus and speak with the Coordinator of Academic Advising.

Evaluative Criteria:

Multiple choice tests, quizzes, equipment/procedure check-off, individual assignments and projects, group activities, and professional behavior.

Lecture= 50%
Tests & Quizzes= 40%
Professional Behavior= 10%

Grading Scale:
92 – 100          A
85 – 91            B
75 – 84            C
65 – 74            D
64 - below       F

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