Course Summary
Radiological Risk and Radioprotection
This course provides graduate students in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of ionizing radiation and radiological protection. It aims to develop both the scientific understanding and practical competencies required to assess and manage radiological risks in industrial, medical, and research environments.
The course begins with an overview of the nature and classification of ionizing radiation, including alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, X-rays, and neutrons. It also introduces the historical development of radiation science and clarifies key concepts such as irradiation and radioactive contamination, as well as the main applications of radiation technologies.
Students then explore the atomic structure and the mechanisms of radioactivity, focusing on the stability of atomic nuclei, natural and artificial radioactivity, and the laws governing radioactive decay. Particular attention is given to quantitative aspects such as half-life, radioactive activity, and decay calculations.
The course also examines the interaction of radiation with matter, including processes such as ionization, excitation, the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and pair production. These interactions are essential for understanding both the biological effects of radiation and the principles of radiation detection and measurement.
A key component of the module addresses the quantities and units used in radioprotection, such as activity (Becquerel), absorbed dose (Gray), and equivalent and effective doses (Sievert). Students learn how to evaluate radiation exposure and apply the fundamental principles of radiation protection, including dose limitation, monitoring, and risk prevention.
By the end of the course, students will have acquired the theoretical knowledge and methodological tools necessary to identify, evaluate, and control radiological hazards, contributing to the safe use of ionizing radiation in professional practice.
- Teacher: Abbés ABDELBARI