CVT2511 - Radiation Biology and Safety

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

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, on the campus bookstore website (www.polk.bncollege.com), or via the “Shop Textbooks” button on the PASSPORT schedule of classes.

College-Level Communication and Computation Skills

State Rule 6A-10.030 does not apply to this course.

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours and by appointment during other non-class hours. Each student is encouraged to seek assistance from the professor. To further the educational process, the Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the campus Teaching/Learning and Computing Centers (TLCCs), JDA Student Success Center, and campus libraries, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote academic success. The TLCCs and JDA Student Success Center provide 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. The Polk State College Library, Student Success Center, and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the College website.

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 third attempt. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding repeating courses that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in the specific handbooks. 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 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 or 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. More specific information can be found in the Course Syllabus.

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

The information technology resources provided by Polk State College (this includes, but is not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must be used 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 and employment. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to students, employees, and applicants for employment or admission to the College. Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy in its programs, activities, or employment.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Valparisa Baker
Director, Equity and Diversity (Title IX Coordinator)
999 Avenue H NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Office: WAD 227
Telephone: (863) 292-3602
e-mail: 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 Coordinator or Director of Disability Services. Note: Limited admission programs may have performance restrictions that apply. Restrictions (where applicable) are outlined in each program’s student handbook.

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