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"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Life, Health and Radiation with these activities:

Brush up on basic physics concepts

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Reviewing basic physics concepts will strengthen your foundation for understanding radiation principles.

Browse courses on Physics

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Review concepts such as energy, waves, and particles.
Read textbooks or articles on introductory physics.
Take practice quizzes or online assessments to test your understanding.

Review the electromagnetic spectrum

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Recalling your knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum will provide a foundation for understanding the different types of radiation covered in the course.

Browse courses on Electromagnetic Spectrum

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Draw a diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Review the properties and applications of different regions of the spectrum, such as visible light, microwaves, and X-rays.
Read articles or watch videos that explain the electromagnetic spectrum in more detail.

Review 'Radiation: A Very Short Introduction' by Michael F. L'Annunziata

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history, science, and applications of radiation, setting the stage for further exploration in the course.

View Handbook of Radioactivity Analysis: Volume 2:... on Amazon

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Read the introduction and Chapter 1 to gain a broad understanding of what radiation is.
Read Chapter 2 to learn about the historical milestones in the study and application of radiation.
Read Chapter 4 to explore the major uses of radiation in medicine, including X-rays, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine.

Five other activities

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Create a timeline of major discoveries and applications of radiation

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By creating a timeline, you will visualize the evolution of our understanding and use of radiation, solidifying your grasp of its history.

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Research the key milestones in the history of radiation.
Construct a visual timeline, using a presentation tool or online application, to plot these milestones.
Include brief descriptions of each milestone, highlighting its significance.

Explore the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) website

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Engaging with the NCRP's resources will deepen your understanding of radiation safety guidelines and best practices.

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Visit the NCRP website and browse their collection of publications.
Select a publication relevant to the course topics, such as 'Radiation Protection and Safety in the Health Sciences' or 'Ionizing Radiation Exposure of the Population'.
Review the publication and take notes on the key recommendations and guidelines.

Attend a virtual study session with classmates

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Discussing the course material with peers will reinforce your understanding, provide new perspectives, and foster a collaborative learning environment.

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Schedule a time with classmates to meet on a video conferencing platform.
Choose a specific topic or module from the course to focus on.
Share your notes, insights, and questions with the group.

Complete practice problems on radiation dosage and exposure calculations

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Solving practice problems will enhance your ability to apply the concepts learned in the course to real-world scenarios.

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Set aside time to solve the problems, using the course materials as references.
Check your answers against provided solutions or consult with the instructors.

Create a comprehensive study guide

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Consolidating your notes, assignments, and resources into a study guide will provide a valuable tool for review and retention.

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Gather your notes, assignments, and any other relevant materials from the course.
Organize the materials by topic or module.
Summarize key concepts, definitions, and formulas.

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radiation Therapist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Physicist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Dosimetrist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Physicist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radiologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diagnostic Radiologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for MRI Technologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sonographer

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