RADIATION DETECTION SYLLABUS

ME 591
SPRING 2014
Course Descri!io"
This course will teach the means and applications of detecting and measuring ionizing
radiations. The physics of ionizing radiations, their sources and interactions with matter,
sources of radioactive materials, radioactive decay, and other mechanisms of producing
radiations will be covered as introductory material so the course can be self-contained.
The physics of radiation interactions will be the basis for describing different radiation
detectors, how they function, what they measure, and how their response to incident
radiations gives us information about the radiation. Specific detectors and applications
will include , , and radiations with a less detailed discussion of neutron detection.
Detectors to be discussed include gas detectors (ionization chambers, proportional
counters, and Geiger-ueller counters!, scintillators, and semiconductor detectors.
"pplications of measurements will include simple detection, radiation monitoring, and
spectroscopy. The course will be a combination of lecture and laboratory
e#perimentation. $ands-on measurements will include ionization chambers, Geiger-
ueller counters, %a&(Tl! scintillator spectroscopy, and spectroscopy with a silicon
semiconductor detector.
Re#e$%"! A#ic%!io"s
"pplications of ionizing radiation detection and measurements are varied and numerous.
$ealth physics is a field of e#pertise that monitors radiation in nuclear power plants,
hospitals, and anywhere ionizing radiation is present and may pose a ris' to people.
(nvironmental applications include monitoring for low levels of radioactivity, both
natural and man-made. edical physicists, radiologists and technicians use radiation and
radioactive materials for medical diagnosis. Scientists use radioactive tracers in chemical
and biological investigations. )-ray and gamma-ray imaging are used in non-destructive
testing for *uality assurance. +inally, a growing use of radiation detection and
measurements is found in homeland security applications.
Le%r"i"& E'ec!%!io"s
Students will ac*uire a general, wor'ing 'nowledge of both ionizing radiations and how
to detect and measure them. Specific applications can be discussed depending on
interests.
Course I"(or)%!io" %"* Po#icies
Text: Radiation Detection and Measurement, Fourth Edition
Glenn F. Knoll
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ISBN 978-0-470-13148-0
Reading and homework assignments will require the textbook. I will allow you to use the
book during exams, so you must have your own copy of the book or you will be at a
significant disadvantage during exams.
Homework (35% of total grade):
Homework assignments are an integral part of this course. I can guarantee you that if
you understand how do all the homework problems; you will do well on the exams. I can
also guarantee that if you do not understand how to do the homework problems before
the exams, you will not do well. You may collaborate with other students in the class to
do the homework. Thats part of learning. Simply copying solutions from others will not
prepare you for the exams. Homework assignments will be graded. Homework must be
handed in on the date required for full credit. Homework handed in one class after the
due date will receive only half the credit it would have received if it were on time.
Homework that is later than one class after the due date will receive zero credit.
Emails with homework assignments must be submitted before the time of class on the
day theyre due to get full credit.
Examinations (Midterm 25%, Final 40%):
Exams will be open book and notes. Cheating will not be tolerated and a grade of zero
will be automatic.
Grading
I will evaluate the results on homework and exams to set intervals for letter grades. I
have found that there are usually clear divisions between groups of results corresponding
to those students who are working hard to understand and master the material and those
who are not keeping pace. There is no fixed number of As, Bs and Cs. Everybody can
do well, if you work hard.
Office Hours:
TBD
Sakai:
Assignments and documents will be on Sakai. Check it frequently.
Contact Information:
I prefer you email me with questions or to request appointments.
jengdahl@bradley.edu
Office: 677-3298