Life, Health and Radiation from Coursera

Radiation is all around us - without it we wouldn’t exist. Yet the word has become synonymous with danger, death and disaster.

This MOOC will allow the world to see radiation in a new light, to expose its benefits as well as its risks. X-ray radiation, for example, is a scientific and medical discovery that has improved or prolonged billions of lives. Most of us have had an X-ray at some point in our life, at the Dentist, in a hospital or clinic. Yet few people really understand what X-rays are or where they come from.

In this course, we will travel along the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation from unimaginably long to infinitesimally small wavelengths. At each significant point along the way we will stop and consider:

What is the wavelength and frequency of this radiation?

Is it ionising or not?

Who discovered it and how?

What are the uses of this radiation and

What are the risks associated with it?

Through this we hope to clarify a topic that is often confusing and concerning for many.

What's inside

Syllabus

Atomic interactions

Welcome to the MOOC! This week, we will drill down and examine the world of atoms. By first understanding the structure of atoms, we can then look at how radiation interacts with them. In this module, we will also unpack the two kinds of radiation: particulate and electromagnetic. We will then take our first glimpse at the electromagnetic spectrum.

Longwave radiation

This week, we begin our journey across the electromagnetic spectrum, starting at the long wave radiations. These are essentially radio waves, which cover a wide range of frequencies and properties, and infrared waves. Long wave radiations are not ionising and are therefore not carcinogenic, however there are still many misconceptions about them. Come explore the many applications of long wave radiation in everyday life and dispel the myths surrounding some of them.

Light as radiation

We continue on our journey across the electromagnetic spectrum. Next stop: visible light and ultraviolet radiation. We will investigate how ionising radiations are able to interact with our atoms and the kinds of damage they can subsequently have on our bodies. We will also examine how our bodies repair these kinds of damage and (in most cases) protect us from their harmful effects.

Ionising radiation

This week we go further down the electromagnetic spectrum to the range with the smallest, most energetic frequencies: X-rays and gamma rays. We will explore how these radiations are produced, the fascinating histories behind their discoveries, plus how they're useful in medical imaging. We will also discuss the link between ionising radiations and cancer, and examine the concept of personalised risk.

Radiation in health

As we have now finished our journey across the electromagnetic spectrum, we will now put everything we have learnt so far into a health context. In other words, we will examine how different radiations are used in medical imaging and even for certain treatments. Along the way, you will meet many of my colleagues here at the University of Sydney’s Discipline of Medical Radiation Science.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the science behind radiation, a topic that is often confusing and concerning for many

Develops an understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum and its various applications

Explores ionizing radiation and its uses in medical imaging and cancer treatment, making it relevant to healthcare professionals and those interested in medical science

Covers the history and discoveries of various types of radiation, providing historical context and insights into scientific advancements

Examines both the benefits and risks of radiation, providing a comprehensive understanding of its impact

Reviews summary

Radiation principles and applications in life and health

Students largely agree that this course provides a thorough overview of the fundamental principles of radiation physics and its applications in life and health sciences. The course is well-structured, with a knowledgeable and engaging instructor. It incorporates clear explanations, real-life examples, and practical components. The course is well-suited for learners with varying levels of background knowledge and provides a solid foundation for further exploration of radiation physics in life and health sciences.

Provides a comprehensive explanation of radiation types, interactions, and measurement techniques.

"solid foundation in the basic concepts of radiation physics"

"radiation types, interactions with matter, and radiation measurement techniques"

"clear and concise manner, making complex concepts accessible"

Keeps students up-to-date on the latest research and breakthroughs in radiation physics.

"frequently shared recent studies and breakthroughs"

"stay up-to-date with the latest developments"

"dynamic and relevant dimension to the course"

Provides opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge through laboratory sessions and practical exercises.

"hands-on laboratory sessions and practical exercises"

"familiarize ourselves with radiation measurement devices, dosimetry techniques, and radiation shielding practices"

"solidify our understanding and develop practical skills"

Explores the effects of radiation on living tissues, health risks, and radiation protection principles.

"mechanisms through which radiation interacts with living tissues"

"potential health risks associated with exposure to ionizing radiation"

"principles and practices of radiation protection"

The instructor is knowledgeable, approachable, and fosters a collaborative learning environment.

"instructor's passion for the subject was evident"

"highly knowledgeable, approachable, and attentive to students' questions and concerns"

"encouraged class participation and facilitated engaging discussions"

Career center

Learners who complete Life, Health and Radiation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Radiation Physicist

Radiation Physicists work with medical equipment to treat diseases such as cancer. They also develop methods to safeguard individuals from radiation exposure and prevent unnecessary damage. This course will help you understand the principles of radiation and its applications, which could be useful in the field of Radiation Physics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radiation Physicist

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear Medicine Technologists use radioactive substances to help diagnose and treat diseases, such as cancer. This course may be useful for learning about the history of radiation and the risks associated with it. This knowledge could also help build a foundation for a career as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Radiographer

Radiographers use X-rays and other imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases. This course may be useful for learning about the history of radiation and the risks associated with it. This knowledge could prove helpful for Radiographers, who use radiation in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radiographer

Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapists use radiation to treat diseases such as cancer. This course would be useful for learning about the history of radiation and the risks associated with it. This knowledge could prove helpful for Radiation Therapists who use radiation in their work.

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Health Physicist

Health Physicists protect people from radiation hazards. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nuclear power plants, and research laboratories. This course would be useful for learning about the history of radiation and the risks associated with it. This knowledge could help build a foundation for a career as a Health Physicist.

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Medical Dosimetrist

Medical Dosimetrists calculate the amount of radiation that should be delivered to a patient during radiation therapy. This course may be useful for learning about the history of radiation and the risks associated with it. This knowledge could prove helpful for Medical Dosimetrists, who use radiation in their work.

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Medical Physicist

Medical Physicists apply physics principles to medicine and healthcare. They work with radiation and medical imaging technologies such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. This course may be useful for learning about the history of radiation, the risks associated with it, and how medical imaging uses radiation. This knowledge could help build a foundation for a career as a Medical Physicist.

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Radiologist

Radiologists diagnose and treat diseases using medical imaging. This course would be useful for learning about the history of radiation and the risks associated with it. This knowledge could prove helpful to Radiologists, who use radiation in their work.

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Radiation Protection Officer

Radiation Protection Officers develop and implement radiation safety programs. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nuclear power plants, and research laboratories. This course would be useful for learning about the history of radiation and the risks associated with it. This knowledge could help build a foundation for a career as a Radiation Protection Officer.

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Diagnostic Radiologist

Diagnostic Radiologists use X-rays and other imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases. This course may be useful for learning about the history of radiation and the risks associated with it. This knowledge could prove helpful for Diagnostic Radiologists, who use radiation in their work.

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Nuclear Medicine Physician

Nuclear Medicine Physicians use radioactive substances to diagnose and treat diseases. This course may be useful for learning about the history of radiation and the risks associated with it. This knowledge could prove helpful for Nuclear Medicine Physicians, who use radiation in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Medicine Physician

MRI Technologist

MRI Technologists use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose and treat medical conditions. This course may be useful for learning about the history of radiation and the risks associated with it. This knowledge could prove helpful for MRI Technologists, who use radiation in their work.

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Sonographer

Sonographers use ultrasound to diagnose and treat medical conditions. This course will help you understand the principles of radiation and its applications, which could be useful for learning about a different type of medical imaging technology and its applications. Sonographers must understand the risks and benefits of radiation in order to provide safe and effective care to patients.

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Radiation Safety Officer

Radiation Safety Officers develop and implement radiation safety programs. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nuclear power plants, and research laboratories. This course may be useful for learning about the history of radiation and the risks associated with it. This knowledge could help build a foundation for a career as a Radiation Safety Officer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radiation Safety Officer