MABIO4500 Nuclear Medicine Course description

The course deals with nuclear medicine methods for diagnostics and treatment of diseases. Emphasis is placed on knowledge of radiation protection, and the medical areas of application of different types of ionising radiation. The course also focuses on nuclear medicine imaging and detection principles and on how radiopharmaceuticals are produced and prepared in a sterile manner in nuclear medicine units. Discussion and reflection on the ethical challenges associated with work in nuclear medicine units is also an integral part of the course.

Nuclear medicine methods belong to the category molecular imaging, while other methods in this category are covered by the course MABIO4700 Molecular Imaging.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme. The course is also offered as an individual course.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has in-depth knowledge of radioactive pharmaceuticals’ chemical, biological, and pharmacokinetic properties
• has advanced knowledge of the most common clinical examinations and therapies in nuclear medicine, and the relevance of these methods in relation to various diseases and disease mechanisms
• has advanced knowledge of nuclear medicine imaging and processing
• has in-depth knowledge of what characterises the different types of radiation
• has in-depth knowledge of the principles of quality control of nuclear medicine equipment and specimens
• has in-depth knowledge of preparation of radiopharmaceuticals
• is capable of describing applicable radiation protection provisions in the field of nuclear medicine

Skills

The student is capable of

• applying medical-technical equipment in nuclear medicine units
• mastering routine quality control of equipment and specimens
• mastering aseptic work techniques and knows how to protect him/herself and others against contamination and infection when preparing radiopharmaceuticals
• is capable of using safety equipment when handling radioactivity

Competence

The student is capable of

• familiarising him/herself with and taking a critical approach to new methods and apparatuses used in nuclear medicine with particular emphasis on their areas of application, possibilities, and limitations.

Work and teaching methods include lectures, laboratory courses, practical exercises, seminars, group work, guided tours of nuclear medicine units, and self-study.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• minimum attendance of 80% at seminars and scheduled group work
• minimum attendance of 90 % at the laboratory course
• individual practical test, approx. 2 hours
• individual project assignment about a nuclear medicine topic, up to 6,000 words

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Individual written exam, 4 hours

None

Grade scale A-F

An external and internal examiner will assess all exams