Online M.A.S. in Health Physics Program Courses

This course explores how to detect and measure radioactive material and radiation levels, which depends upon many types of detectors and instrumentation. The theory of detectors, ranging from chambers operating in pulse and current producing modes to solid-state detectors, will be applied to measuring and monitoring systems. It will also highlight electronics ranging from simple rate meters and scalers to high speed multi-channel analyzers that are used. In addition, computer-linked instrumentation and computer-based applications are applied to practical problems.

This course explores topics such as energy loss by ionizing radiation, target theory, direct and indirect action, radiation effects in biomolecules, and radiation inactivation of enzymes, nucleic acids, and viruses. It also covers the biological effects of ultraviolet radiation, photosensitization, radiation protection and sensitization, and radiation effects in vivo, radiation therapy, and phototherapy.

This course explores the health physics profession, including units in radiation protection, radiation sources, interaction of ionizing radiation with matter, and detectors for radiation protection. It also covers the biological effects of ionizing radiation, an introduction to microdosimetry, medical health physics, fuel cycle health physics, power reactor health physics, university health physics, accelerator health physics, environmental health physics, and radiation accidents.

This course studies the requirements of agencies that regulate radiation hazards, their basis in law, and the underlying United States and international standards. An array of overlapping requirements will be examined, including the effect regulatory agencies have upon the future of organizations and the consequences of noncompliance are explored.

This course examines the impact of ionizing radiation and radionuclides on the environment. It also explores identifying environmental effects of specific natural and artificial nuclides, models for deposition and transport of nuclides, including air and water disbursement, environmental dosimetry and remediation, and facility decommissioning and decontamination.

Covers the basic principles for establishing and maintaining an effective institutional radiation safety program including the following: facility design criteria; organizational management issues; training; internal and external radiation control; radioactive waste disposal; environmental monitoring; radiation safety instrumentation; ALARA program; and emergency response planning. The course will also cover facility licensing/registration with state and federal agencies and legal issues such as institutional and individual liability, fines, violations, and worker rights and responsibilities.

This course will explore the medical Health Physics profession, including the sources of radiation in the medical environment, radioisotopes in nuclear medicine, the diagnostic use of X-rays (radiography, mammography, CT, fluoroscopy), and therapeutic use of X-ray and gamma radiation (Co-60 and LINAC based radiation therapy). It will also cover radiotherapy using sealed radioisotopes (brachytherapy), radiation protection in diagnostic and interventional radiology, radiation protection in nuclear medicine, radiation protection in external beam radiotherapy, radiation protection in brachytherapy, and radiation accidents in medicine.

This course presents strategies for scientists to use when engaging a variety of audiences with scientific information. Students will learn to communicate their knowledge through correspondence, formal reports, and presentations. Students will practice document preparation using report appropriate formatting, style, and graphics. Written assignments, discussion questions, and communication exercises will provide students with a better understanding of the relationship between scientists and their audiences whether in the workplace, laboratory, etc.