Stockholm university
Gå till denna sida på svenska webben

Interaction of Ionizing Radiation with Matter

This course provides you with the theoretical and experimental knowledge of the fundamental interaction processes of ionizing radiation with matter. The knowledge is applied in radiation therapy, diagnostics and radiation protection. You will also acquire basic knowledge of the Monte Carlo method and its application in the medical radiation physics field.

In this course, you will gain theoretical and practical knowledge on the absorption and scattering of charged and uncharged particles in matter. In addition to studying the transmission of radiation through matter, you will also learn about the secondary particles that are consequently produced. Cross sections describing the probability of different interaction processes in various materials are studied and numerically derived. You will become autonomous in the navigation and interpretation of tabulated data for practical use in problem-based exercises related to medical radiation physics applications.

Moreover, a general overview of the Monte Carlo method is included in the course. A particular focus is put on the calculation of radiation transmission and energy deposition in the medium, and its applications in medical radiation physics. You will also write your own Monte Carlo code using a software of your preference to accomplish a given task.
The course includes classroom lectures, seminars, exercises in class with the help of the teacher, as well as a Monte Carlo exercise and three laboratories related to alpha, beta and gamma radiation interaction in the matter.

  • Course structure

    This is a basic course given during the daytime. The course is included in the Master’s program in Medical Physics.

    Teaching format

    The education consists of lectures, seminars and calculation exercises as well as a Monte Carlo exercise and three laboratory exercises on alpha-, beta-, and gamma particle interaction in matter. Active participation of the students in the education is achieved through exercises and seminars.

    The course can be given in English.

    Assessment

    The course is examined through a written exam.

    Examiner

    Marta Lazzeroni

    E-mail: Marta.Lazzeroni@fysik.su.se

  • Schedule

    The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.
  • Course literature

    Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.

    Podgorsak E B: Radiation physics for Medical Physicists. Springer Berlin Heidelberg New York. 2005

  • Course reports

  • More information

    When can I apply?

    Registration is open from mid-March to mid-April for courses that run in the fall, and from mid-September to mid-October for courses that run in the spring.

    Please note that many courses open for late registration in mid-July for courses in the autumn term and in mid-December for courses in the spring term.

    Read our step by step guide on how to apply

  • Contact

    Course coordinator and teacher:
    José Maria Fernandez-Varea, e-mail: jose@fqa.ub.edu
    Marta Lazzeroni, e-mail: Marta.Lazzeroni@fysik.su.se

    Laboratory supervisor:
    Wille Häger, e-mail: wille.hager@fysik.su.se
    Suryakant Kaushik, e-mail: suryakant.kaushik@fysik.su.se

     

    Academic advisor at the Department of Physics: studievagledare@fysik.su.se

    Student office: studentexp@fysik.su.se