Course overview

• The course will be divided into 10 one-credit modules, all of which will be delivered via online learning methods.
• This course will attract participants from a variety of backgrounds and training. Radiation Safety Officers are employed in the medical, biomedical and industrial sectors, and professional training is required by law. At present, no course of this kind is available online in Ireland.

Subject areas

• Introduction to fundamental concepts
• Units of radiation exposure and dose
• Biological effects of ionising radiation
• Radiation detection and measurement
• Legal issues and international framework in radiation safety
• Assessment of internal and external exposures
• Protection against occupational exposure
• Emergency planning; non-ionising radiation

Each student will also chose a 3 credit specialty from either diagnostic radiography, radiation therapy or industrial applications of ionising radiation depending on their area of interest.

Learning outcomes

• Provide a theoretical and practical basis for radiation safety workers to meet legal requirements.
• Understand the following subject areas relevant to their work area: units of radiation exposure and dose; biological effects of ionising radiation; radiation detection and measurement; legal issues and international framework in radiation safety; assessment of internal and external exposures; protection against occupational exposure; emergency planning; non-ionising radiation.
• Establish the understanding from which such they may develop practical expertise in radiation safety.
• Demonstrate their detailed professional knowledge from their own field and be required to debate and apply current research and practice into the wider professional arena.
• Critically evaluate the radiation safety principles and their role within it.
• Examine current issues in radiation safety and apply these to clinical/industrial decision-making and problem solving processes.
• Have the ability to critically reflect and evaluate their individual professional practice and knowledge base in order to recognize their need for continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
• Demonstrate ability to source and analyse relevant literature. This will be examined at the end of semester.
• Students will also have a unique opportunity to learn using an online system where they can pace their work to suit personal circumstance.

• The provision of an e-learning structure will allow students to complete training at home, at convenient times.
• It will give flexibility to the employer, where release from work duties can be negotiated rather than forced. It will allow the student to pace their learning according to their previous knowledge, which will alleviate stress and increase satisfaction.
• The interactivity associated with this e-learning course will engage students, pushing them rather than pulling them through training.
• Teaching and learning will take place through a combination of on-line lectures, tutorials and practical sessions.

Overview

• Entry requirements comprise an undergraduate degree in a related field, however those with sufficient work experience will be considered for the course.

• International applicants should contact the academic programme director for a full list of entry requirements.
• A list of FAQs for international applicants is available here.

• Course commences Monday 28th January 2013.
• Closing Date for online applications will be 18th January 2013.
• Applications should be submitted via the online application portal at www.ucd.ie/apply

Programme Administrator

Academic Programme Director

• For more information on course fees please visit the Fees & Grants Office website.
• Fees are correct at the time of writing and subject to change.