Unit 21: Medical Physics Applications in the Health Sector
Level: 3
Unit type: Internal
Guided learning hours: 60
Unit in brief
Learners explore how physics has been applied in medical physics applications, some of their underlying fundamental principles and their contribution to the health sector.
Unit introduction
A number of technological advances have resulted in the use of faster, less-invasive and more effective techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), infrared thermography, computerised tomography (CT), ultrasound and radiotherapy. Health sector professionals may use these technologies to help them diagnose and treat many medical conditions.
In this unit, you will explore medical physics applications and their underlying fundamental physical principles in the health sector. You will examine the uses of ionising radiation, including x-rays, gamma rays and radiotherapy. Radioactive materials are used in the rapidly developing branch of nuclear medicine. Applications of non-ionising techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), laser technology and infrared waves will also be investigated, as will the use of sound waves. You will study the importance of health and safety aspects of using ionising radiation.
This unit is especially useful for those going into nursing or the allied health professions, such as radiotherapy, physiotherapy or a laboratory-based role.
Learning aims
In this unit you will:
A Understand how non-ionising radiation instrumentation techniques are used for diagnosis and treatment of the human body
B Understand how ionising radiation instrumentation techniques are used for diagnosis and treatment of the human body
C Explore the risks, side effects and health and safety precautions for ionising and non-ionising radiation.
