Physics of Nuclear Medicine

About this programme

This course aims at giving theoretical and practical knowledge of diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine physics and to prepare for work as a medical physicist in nuclear medicine. The course includes the principles of radiopharmaceutical imaging, quality assurance, radiation dosimetry and radiation safety. In this course you will start by studying the photon and charged particle interactions occurring in the range of energies common in Nuclear Medicine. Following this we move on to radionuclide and radiopharmaceutical production and important uptake mechanisms in the human body. You will get to know relevant nuclear medicine equipment (gamma camera, SPECT/CT, PET-camera, PET/CT, PET/MRI, radiation monitors and detectors) components and function. Important aspects of imaging like reconstruction algorithms, correction methods, calibration, optimization and quality assurance are also covered. An essential part of the course is focused on radiation safety regulations, measurements and actions. You will learn strategies for protecting patients, staff and the general public from unwanted effects of radiation from nuclear medicine procedures. The medical perspective of nuclear medicine will be covered by lectures given by physicians active in the field of nuclear medicine. Overall you will be well acquainted with the entire nuclear medicine process; from radionuclide production to radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear medicine equipment, optimization of imaging, image processing, analysis and interpretation – always with radiation safety in mind.