FYS3535 – Medical Applications of Nuclear Physics

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

The course provides an introduction to how radioactive substances and the physical properties of the atomic nucleus are used in medicine, both for diagnostics and therapy.

Learning outcome

After completing the course:

  • you are familiar with the basic physical and chemical properties of radioactivity and radioactive substances.
  • you are familiar with the concept of radiation dose, and you can describe the different interactions of nuclear radiation with matter and how this is relevant for the detection of radiation.
  • you know examples of how radioactive nuclides can be produced in different types of nuclear reactions (using neutrons and charged particles).
  • you know how radiation can be used for diagnostics, such as Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
  • you can explain how different types of radiation can be used for cancer therapy, both externally (such as proton therapy, 12C therapy, gamma-ray sources and bremsstrahlung) and internally (radionuclide therapy and targeted radionuclide therapy).
  • you can describe the concept of theranostics, and how it combines different aspects of diagnostics and therapy.
  • you are familiar with the concept of connecting radionuclides to carrier molecules and their transport paths, physiological functions and interactions with processes in the body.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.

Special admission requirements

In addition to fulfilling the?Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

  • Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2

And in addition one of these:

  • Physics (1+2)
  • Chemistry (1+2)
  • Biology (1+2)
  • Information technology (1+2)
  • Geosciences (1+2)
  • Technology and theories of research (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by?equivalent studies from Norwegian uppe