ME 397: Radiological Imaging & Instrumentation
Overview of radiological imaging principles and instrumentation with a focus on the underlying physics, technological advancements, and clinical applications
Physical and mathematical foundations
interaction of ionizing radiation with matter, image theory fundamentals and measures of image quality applied to radiological imaging, tomographic image reconstruction techniques (analytical and iterative).
Transmission Imaging
X-ray Projection Radiography, Computed Tomography, including image formation, radiographic image instrumentation and imaging performance.
Emission Imaging
Gamma Camera, Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
Review and presentation of advanced radiological imaging techniques (X-ray fluorescence tomography, X-ray phase-contrast imaging, diffraction-enhanced X-ray imaging, Tomosynthesis, etc…).
Prerequisite: For engineering and physics majors, graduate standing or instructor approval.
Semesters offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2025
ME 397: Radiation Therapy Physics and Dosimetry
Physical principles and clinical applications of radiotherapy, linking radiological physics to therapeutic clinical practices in the field of radiation oncology.
Fundamental principles and radiation dosimetry
interaction of ionizing radiation with matter, physical and technical aspects of dose delivery using therapeutic photon beams, electron beams, and brachytherapy sources.
External Beam Radiotherapy
treatment machines for photon and electron beams (teletherapy machines, accelerators, linacs), treatment planning
Internal Radiotherapy
physical and clinical aspects of brachytherapy. Reviews and presentations of advanced radiotherapy procedures
Reviews and presentations of advanced radiotherapy procedures (Stereotactic irradiation, Total body irradiation, Intraoperative radiotherapy, Image guided radiotherapy, etc…)
Prerequisite: For engineering and physics majors, graduate standing or instructor approval.
Semesters offered: Spring 2026
ME 337F/389C: Radiation Environmental Protection
Health physics is a field focused on protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.
This course covers the fundamental properties of radiation and its interactions with matter. The course provides a solid foundation for understanding radiation dosimetry and risk assessment, determining exposure and limits for internal and external emitters, performing basic shielding calculations to understand how to safeguard individuals and populations from exposure. Additionally, the class explores environmental monitoring, biological effects of ionizing radiation, and radioactive waste management.
