NMTEC 241 - Radiation Biology

1 CR

Discusses the potentially harmful effects of radiation on humans. Topics include the basic chemistry of radiation interactions in living cells, the effects of extensive radiation exposure, and the potential long-term effects of accumulated radiation damage.

Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into program.

Course Outcomes

Define and correctly use the various units used to describe amounts of radiation.
Discuss the effects of radiation on molecules and cells, and the consequences of these effects as seen in human tissues.
Outline the physiological basis, symptoms, and causes of death of each of the three acute radiation syndromes, and of the situation of a severe localized radiation injury.
Distinguish between deterministic and stochastic long-term effects of radiation, and describe specific effects in each category.
Outline the radiation hormesis theory and discuss the implications for occupationally exposed persons and for our societal understanding of radiation.
Delineate sources of radiation exposure among the general population and synthesize responses to questions about concerns regarding radiation.
Analyze media characterizations of the effects of radiation and discriminate between statements consistent with the science of radiation biology and statements that exaggerate or otherwise misrepresent radiation’s effects.

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