INTRODUCTION TO RADIATION PHYSICS AND MEASUREMENT - 2026/7

Module Overview

This module presents an introduction to key topics in radiation physics, the interactions of radiation with matter, and the principles of radiation measurement and dosimetry. The module also covers introductory material describing the function and operation of radiation detectors.

Module provider

Mathematics & Physics

Module Leader

PODOLYAK Zsolt (Maths & Phys)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

(a) Introduction to Radiation Physics Introduction to alpha and beta decay; Geiger-Nuttall Law, electron capture, gamma emission. X-ray emission and the electronic structure of the atom, X-ray spectra; Moseley's law, X-ray fluorescence and X-ray fluorescence yield (b) Radiation Interactions and Detection Interactions of X-ray and gamma ray photons, including photoelectric, Compton and pair production processes, bremsstrahlung and radiative yield. Photon attenuation coefficients and the mixture rule. Interactions of charge particles, particle flux and cross-section. (c) Introduction to Radiation Detectors Introduction to radiation detectors, describing the basic function and operation of semiconductor, scintillator and gas detectors, counting statistics, dead time and energy resolution. Detection of X-rays and gamma rays, alpha and beta particles, and fast and thermal neutrons. (d) Principles of Dosimetry Relation between detection and dosimetry. Concepts of air-kerma, absorbed dose, dose equivalent. Dosimetry units, quality factor, radiation and tissue weighting factors. Build-up factors and charged particle equilibrium. Primary and secondary dosemeters, thermoluminescent dosimetry, calorimetry, chemical dosimetry, gas dosimetry, W-values, air and tissue equivalence.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

None

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate: 

• Knowledge and understanding of underlying physics concepts and conservation laws which underpin these. 
• The ability to identify and use the appropriate techniques to solve relevant atomic and nuclear physics problems.  

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of: 

• One in-semester test (1 hour), run online in week 7 in an invigilated computer laboratory, 10 multiple choice questions, set on Surreylearn, worth 30% of the module mark, corresponding to materials presented in the lectures in weeks 1 to 6. 
• A synoptic examination (2 hours), worth 70% of the module mark, corresponding to all Learning. Students to answer 3 questions out of 5 with 20 marks available for each question. 

Formative assessmentPast-paper style questions and tutorial style problems will be provided via Surreylearn. Feedback Students will receive feedback on the online in-semester test. This feedback is timed so as to assist students with preparation for the final synoptic examination. Students will also receive verbal feedback at the three 1 hour in-class tutorials, which are designed to promote student engagement with radiation physics based problem solving.

Module aims

• Introduce or consolidate and extend students¿ understanding of underpinning concepts behind atomic and nuclear structure.
• Provide students with an introduction to quantum mechanical descriptions of atomic and nuclear structure and related phenomena
• Enable students to apply their knowledge and skills to atomic and nuclear physics problems.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: 

• Provide students with revision of graduate-level material on underlying physics and mathematical basis for understanding radiation physics processes. 
• Provide students with an understanding of the underlying structure of atoms and atomic nuclei. 
• Provide students with experience of mathematical methods used to understand and solve atomic and nuclear radiation problems. 

The learning and teaching methods include: 

• Thirty hours of lectures over eleven weeks, with module notes provided to complement the lectures. These lectures provide a structured learning environment and opportunities for students to ask questions and to practice methods taught. 
• Three hours of class tutorials and guided problem classes for guided discussion of solutions to problem sheets (provided to students in advance) to reinforce their understanding of concepts and methods, and enable students to engage in solving problems relating to radiation sciences. 
• Formative online unassessed coursework and past-paper style exam questions designed to provide students with opportunities to consolidate learning. Feedback on these unassessed coursework will provide students with guidance on their progress and understanding. 
• Lectures will cover core topics. Video recordings of core topics covered in lectures may be provided. These recordings are intended to give students an opportunity to review parts of lectures which they may not fully have understood and should not be seen as an alternative to attending lectures. 
• Additional video recordings of revision topics and extension topics will be provided.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PHYM078

Other information

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Digital Capabilities, Employability, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Resourcefulness, Resilience, and Sustainability. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills and capabilities in the following areas: 

Digital Capabilities: The SurreyLearn page will feature dynamic chat discussion forum where students can pose questions and engage with others. This enhances their digital competencies while facilitating collaborative learning and information sharing. 

Employability: The module equips students with skills which significantly enhance their employability. The proficiency gained hones critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, particularly in the radiation science arena. Students will learn to analyse world problems and apply scientifically robust techniques to arrive at solutions. These are highly sought after skills in the science, engineering areas and in many professions. 

Global and Cultural Capabilities: Students enrolled on the module are likely to originate from a variety of countries and have a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Students are encouraged to work together during problem-solving teaching activities in tutorials and lectures, which naturally facilitates the sharing of different cultures.

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.