ECTS - University of Pisa
Electromagnetic radiation module (Prof. Agostino Monorchio)
Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the phenomenology of the electromagnetic wave propagation as well as of the wave interaction with biological tissues;
• Use the appropriate techniques to calculate and measure the power absorbed by biological tissue exposed to electromagnetic fields, as a function of frequency and wave polarization;
• Understand the working principle of exposure systems and guidelines on radiation exposure limits.
Ionizing radiation module (Prof. Francesco d’Errico)
Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Understand stochastic and deterministic effects of ionizing radiations on humans.
• Learn design and operation principles of imaging equipment, including image receptors, and reconstruction techniques.
• Understand advantages and limitations of the various diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.
Students will be assessed on their understanding and critical analysis of the course contents using the appropriate terminology.
Methods:
Delivery: face to face
Learning activities:
Attendance: Advised
Teaching methods:
Electromagnetic radiation module (Prof. Agostino Monorchio) This module covers plane waves and characteristic parameters of wave propagation, both radiated and conducted; wave interaction with biological tissues, analytical and numerical techniques for SAR estimation, experimental dosimetry, exposure systems, ICNIRP guidelines for human exposure to non-ionizing radiations.
Ionizing radiation module (Prof. Francesco d’Errico) This module illustrates the sources and applications of ionizing radiations in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Radiological imaging techniques described in the course include projection radiography, mammography, fluoroscopy and computed tomography; nuclear emission techniques include planar imaging with gamma cameras, single photon emission tomography and positron emission tomography. Radiotherapy techniques include brachytherapy, external beam treatments with x-rays and electrons, hadron therapy and boron neutron capture therapy.
Recommended reading includes the following textbooks:
• G. Manara, A. Monorchio, P. Nepa, Appunti di Campi Elettromagnetici, SEU, Pisa, 2000.
• Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-varying Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields (up to 300 GHz). International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection, ICNIRP, Health Physics 74: 494-522 (1998)
• Bushberg, Jerrold T. Essential physics of medical imaging. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Further bibliography will be indicated.
