Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of radiologic physics and is the first in a series of three courses on this subject. Each course builds upon information from the previous courses in the series. The student will receive instruction on the physical laws which underlie the production of X-rays in a medical environment. Secondary topics which affect X-ray production will also be discussed.
Radiological Physics I is required as part of the Radiologic Technology degree program. Prior to enrolling in this course the student must be accepted in the Radiologic Technology Program, and have completed the required prerequisite courses. This course is also a prerequisite for taking the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination for certification in Radiography. Transferability of credit depends entirely upon the institution to which the student wishes to transfer.

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Diagram, label and describe the functions of the components in a basic x-ray circuit.

• Examine the interrelationship between matter and energy as it relates to interactions in the x-ray tube and the patient’s body.

1. Diagram, label and describe the function of the components in a basic x-ray circuit.
2. Research the basic principles of matter and energy and synthesize the findings into a written report.

Themes, issues and concepts
 

1. Math Review and Measurements
2. Scientific Notation
3. Logarithms
4. Graphing
5. Units of Measurement
6. Problem Solving
7. Motion and Energy
8. Newton's laws of motion
9. Energy
10. Heat
11. Atomic Structure
12. Electron Orbital Shells & Bonding Energies
13. Molecules
14. Periodic Table
15. Radioactivity
16. Electromagnetic Radiation
17. Sine Waves
18. Electromagnetic Spectrum
19. Conservation of Energy and Matter
20. Electricity
21. Electrodynamics
22. Circuits
23. DC/AC Current
24. Magnetism
25. Magnetic Fields
26. Electromagnetism
27. Transformers and Rectification
28. Principles of Transformers
29. Principles of Rectification

Skills

1. Calculate problems using fractions, exponents, and scientific notation in basic algebraic equations as well as determine significant digits and convert units within the SI system.
2. Perform calculations involved in motion become familiar with the terminology used in motion and energy.
3. Describe the structure and makeup of matter with particular attention to electrons, including orbital arrangement and binding energies.
4. Illustrate the electromagnetic spectrum, describe the characteristics of X-rays in relation to other radiations in this spectrum. Explain the principle of wave and particle model theories.
5. Describe the fundamental properties of electricity and its application in everyday life as well as in the production of x-radiation. Perform calculations using Ohm=s law for series and parallel circuits.
6. Explain and/or demonstrate the properties of magnetic fields. Illustrate the concept of electromagnetism and how it relates to motor operation and the use of transformers. Describe the applications of transformers and rectifiers as used in both the high voltage and filament circuits of an X-ray generator.