Outline

Overview

This unit of study will introduce the student to the physics associated with diagnostic and therapeutic applications in Nuclear Medicine. This will cover the use of radionuclides for imaging in single photon (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET), tomographic image reconstruction and kinetic analysis of imaging data. Internal radionuclide dosimtery will also be addressed.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Students should have basic undergraduate level physics and maths
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sarah Alnaghy, sarah.alnaghy@sydney.edu.au
Guest lecturer(s)	Sally Ayesa, sally.ayesa@sydney.edu.au
Guest lecturer(s)	Steven Meikle, steven.meikle@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Roger Fulton, roger.fulton@sydney.edu.au
	Kathy Willowson, kathy.willowson@sydney.edu.au
	Rochelle McCredie, rochelle.mccredie@sydney.edu.au
	Yaser Hadi Gholami, yaser.gholami@sydney.edu.au
	Owen Dillon, owen.dillon@sydney.edu.au
	Andrew Chicco, andrew.chicco@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Final exam	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	(Supervised) Canvas Quiz Statistics for nuclear medicine & Nuclear Medicine Detectors	5%	Week 03 Due date: 07 Mar 2024 at 13:30	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 1 Assignment 1: Detectors	10%	Week 06 Due date: 27 Mar 2024 at 23:59	Approximately 5-10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 2 Assignment 2: Gamma camera, PET, SPECT	10%	Week 08 Due date: 19 Apr 2024 at 23:59	Approximately 5-10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Practical Lab 1 Practical Lab 1: Gamma Camera Quality Control	10%	Week 09 Due date: 22 Apr 2024 at 23:59	Approximately 5-10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Practical Lab 2 Practical Lab 2: PET SUV measurement & the role of the medical physicist	5%	Week 09 Due date: 26 Apr 2024 at 17:00	3 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 3 Assignment 3: Quantitative nuclear medicine	10%	Week 11 Due date: 10 May 2024 at 23:59	Approximately 5-10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Final exam: This will be based on lecture material only and will be assessed by the lecturers.
Assignment (3x): It will be based solely on material presented in lectures and will be assessed by the respective lecturers.
Small test: It will be based solely on material presented in lectures and will be assessed by the respective lecturers.
Practical Lab (2x): It will be based solely on material presented in lectures and labs and will be assessed by the respective lecturers.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

All assessments are compulsory.

Assessment tasks are intended to allow you to demonstrate what you have learned related to the goals of this unit. They also serve to encourage you to work with the material but should not dominate your approach to learning. See them as another learning activity, accompanying and complementing the lectures and labs.

In addition, students in physics must be able to express themselves accurately by clear, efficient use of the English language in their written work. Spelling, grammar, punctuation and correct use of language will be taken into account when written reports and examination work are assessed. Students should refer to the University’s WriteSite (http://writesite.elearn.usyd.edu.au/) if they are looking for guidance on grammar and other aspects of academic and professional writing.

Assessment of this unit of study is based on achievement of specific learning objectives as demonstrated in a combination of
assignments, tests, examination and laboratory work. Satisfactory performance in assessments across all learning outcomes is necessary to ensure a pass in this unit. It is expected that a grade of at least 45% across all assessments and the final examination will be achieved
in order to demonstrate satisfactory performance. A combined score of at least 50% is necessary for a pass as indicated in the
section “Assessment Grading” below.

You are responsible for understanding the University policy regarding assessment and examination, which can be found in the University Policy Register at http://sydney.edu.au/policies/

Your final grade will be based principally on your performance in the final exam.

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a superior standard, a credit competent work demonstrating potential for higher study, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Mastery of topics showing extensive integration and ability to transfer knowledge to novel contexts; treatment of tasks shows an advanced synthesis of ideas; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is very well presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an outstanding level.
Distinction	75 - 84	Excellent achievement, consistent evidence of deep understanding and application of knowledge in medical science; treatment of tasks shows advanced understanding of topics; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is well-presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a superior level.
Credit	65 - 74	Confident in explaining medical science processes, with evidence of solid understanding and achievement; occasional lapses indicative of unresolved issues; treatment of tasks shows a good understanding of topic; work is well-presented with a minimum of errors; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a high level.
Pass	50 - 64	Satisfactory level of engagement with and understanding of topic; some inconsistencies in understanding and knowledge of medical science; work is adequately presented, with some errors or omissions, most criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an adequate level.
Fail	0 - 49	Unsatisfactory achievement and engagement with the medical science discipline; inadequate understanding or fundamental misunderstanding of topics; most criteria and learning outcomes not clearly or adequately addressed or achieved; lack of effort/involvement in the unit.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Overview	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Statistics for nuclear medicine	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Detectors	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Detectors	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	The Gamma Camera	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Fundamentals of PET and SPECT	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Quantitative PET and SPECT	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Lab 1: Gamma Camera Quality Control	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Image reconstruction	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Lab 2: PET SUV measurement and the role of the medical physicist in clinical, industry, and research	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Nuclear Medicine Functional Imaging and Data Analysis	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Nuclear medicine therapy and internal dosimetry	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Introduction to nanomedicine	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Future developments in nuclear medicine	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Where online tutorials/workshops/virtual laboratories have been scheduled, students should make every effort to attend and participate at the scheduled time. Penalties will not be applied if technical issues, etc. prevent attendance at a specific online class. In that case, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator, and attend another session, if available.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Reading List, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Clinical nuclear medicine
LO2. demonstrate an understanding of the basics of nuclear physics and radioactive decay (relevant to the applications of radionuclides in nuclear medicine)
LO3. demonstrate an understanding of statistics and estimation methods relevant to nuclear medicine
LO4. demonstrate an understanding of the interaction of charged particles with matter (relevant to the interaction of radiation in detectors)
LO5. demonstrate an understanding of the nuclear medicine detectors (both theoretical and experimental)
LO6. demonstrate an understanding of the general principles of nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging & therapy; recognise the differences between different nuclear decay processes and how these are exploited in human health & disease
LO7. describe the components and function of the gamma camera and image formation
LO8. explain cross-sectional image reconstruction from external projections by inversion of the Radon Transform using the Central Slice Theorem; explain the process of image reconstruction by Filtered Back-Projection (FBP)
LO9. describe the process of image reconstruction using iterative algorithms; explain image formation in Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT); discuss the pros & cons of image reconstruction by FBP compared to an iterative algorithm (e.g., OSEM)
LO10. explain image formation in Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
LO11. recognise the difference between gamma photon and positron imaging techniques; discuss the role of nuclear medicine in cancer therapy and where systemic radionuclide treatments are appropriate; and draw a distinction between morphological (radiology) and functional (nuclear medicine) imaging
LO12. Quantitative nuclear medicine
LO13. demonstrate an understanding of the absorbed dose and effective dose in nuclear medicine; dose calculation methods; deriving quantitative time-activity data from imaging (2D and 3D); dose kernel convolution for 3D dose assessment; and clinical examples of dosimetry.
LO14. Demonstrate an understanding of particles and their structures at the nanoscale
LO15. Demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles
LO16. Explains the physical foundations for nanoscale phenomena, as well as their effects and applications (e.g., including quantum dots, superparamagnetic nanoparticles)
LO17. Describe the application of nanoparticles in theranostic nuclear medicine including radiolabelled nanoparticles for multimodal imaging and radionuclide therapy
LO18. Demonstrate an understanding of the current application of Nano-Radiopharmaceuticals

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas.

Equity Access and Diversity Statement in Unit Outlines

Current Version – 17/1/20

The School of Physics recognises that biases and discrimination, including but not limited to those based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and age, continue to impact parts of our community disproportionately. Consequently, the School is strongly committed to taking effective steps to make our environment supportive and inclusive and one that provides equity of access and opportunity for everyone.

The School has three Equity Officers as a point of contact for students and staff who may have a query or concern about any issues relating to equity, access and diversity. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, bullied, discriminated against or disadvantaged in any way, you are encouraged to talk to one of the Equity Officers or any member of the Physics staff.

More information can be found at https://sydney.edu.au/science/schools/school-of-physics/equity-access-diversity.html

Any student who feels they may need a special accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Disability Services: http://sydney.edu.au/current_students/disability/ who can help arrange support.

Site visit guidelines

Please check the Canvas site for this unit for any information.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory

As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHYS5029: Nuclear Medicine Physics

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect