Course information

This course constitutes an introduction to medical techniques that use ionizing radiation for diagnosis and therapy. Initially, an introduction is given to ionizing radiation, such as gamma radiation or X-radiation and charged particles, their interactions with matter, and their radiobiological effects. Subsequently, topics related to: 1. the production of X-rays, the operation of X-ray machines, and the equipment and techniques for producing radiological images (films, intensifying screens, fluoroscopy systems, etc.), 2. computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the corresponding tomographs, 3. the preparation, handling, and use of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and therapy, PET (Positron Emitted Tomography) and SPECT (Single Photon Emitted Computed Tomography) imaging techniques and the corresponding devices, 4. therapeutic radiation using ionizing radiation, teletherapy devices, linear medical accelerators (LINACs), and brachytherapy systems, 5. personnel and patient dosimetry as well as radiation protection issues, are developed. Within the framework of the course, two optional laboratory exercises are performed with the objectives of studying the operation of an X-ray machine and producing a radiographic image.