NE 491-001 Special Topics in Nuclear Engineering — Introduction to Health Physics
Prerequisites: MA 242 & PY 208
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:30-5:45 pm
Room 461 Riddick Hall
Dr. Robert Hayes, rbhayes@ncsu.eduDescription
Fundamentals of ionizing radiation safety. The course will review basic physical principles, radiation sources, introductory radiation dosimetry, radiation safety guidelines, evaluation of safety measures, and basic radiation control principles for contamination and radioactive material safety.
What is Health Physics?|
“Health physics” is the profession devoted to protecting people and their environment from potential radiation hazards, while making it possible to enjoy the benefits of the peaceful use of the atom.
Radiation control incorporates an understanding of many disciplines. It has common scientific interests with many areas of specialization: physics, biology, biophysics, engineering (nuclear, civil, mechanical, or electrical), chemistry, genetics, ecology, environmental sciences, metallurgy, medicine, physiology, and toxicology. The wide spectrum of knowledge required of the health physicist makes this profession both challenging and rewarding.
Why Important?
Many industries, medical facilities, defense plants, and research laboratories demand professionals who understand radiation hazards and their prevention and control. Prominent among scientists is the health physicist, who controls the beneficial use of radiation while protecting workers and the public from potential hazards. The health physics profession is diverse and one of the most interesting and rewarding fields of scientific endeavor …http://hps.org/publicinformation/hpcareers.html
Health Physics Minor info: https://oucc.dasa.ncsu.edu/health-physics-minor-14hpm/