This flexible micro-credential is designed for anyone currently working or looking to upskill for an industry that applies radiation such as medicine, agriculture, engineering, security, archeology, geology, or law enforcement.
Radiation Physics and Detection
Overview
| Subject Area | Radiation Safety |
| Credits | 2.5 |
| NFQ | 9 |
| EFQ | 7 |
| Start Date | 27th January 2025 |
| Duration | 10 weeks |
| Mode of Delivery | Online, On-demand |
| Lead Academic | (opens in a new window)Dr Rachel Toomey |
| Fee | Full Fee: €262.50 *Subsidised Fee: €131.25 *50% Learner Fee Subsidy for eligible learners (Please see below) |
| Application Deadline | 17th January 2025 |
The fundamental physics of radiation, and how it can be detected, has been key to many of the greatest medical and technological breakthroughs of the 20th century. X-ray imaging, carbon dating, agriculture, internet, and energy generation all utilise the key concepts covered in this course. This micro-credential aims to help learners develop an understanding of the basics of atomic structure and components of the atom, before delving into the many types of radioactive decay of atoms, the production of ionizing and nonionizing radiation, and how we measure radiation.
The Radiation Physics and Detection micro-credential will be useful for anyone currently, or planning to, work with radiation in the agricultural, medical, or aeronautical industries.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this micro-credential, you will be able to:
- Develop knowledge of the fundamental building blocks of the atom.
- Recall the different sources and forms of radiation including alpha, beta, gamma, ionizing and nonionizing.
- Apply formulas that predict interactions between ionizing radiation with matter.
- Define units of radiation measurement.
- Choose an appropriate radiation detector for a specific form of radiation.
- Atomic Structure.
- Radioactive Decay.
- Interaction of Ionizing Radiation with Matter.
- Dosimetric Concepts, Quantities and Units.
- Physical Quantities.
- Types of Radiation Detectors.
Both acquiring a job and promotion in all industries is now extremely competitive and often driven by qualifications. The graduates of this course will hold a micro-credential, showing they hold an aptitude for the fundamentals of radiation physics and detection which may benefit their career progression. This micro-credential has been developed by experts in the field of radiation safety with up-to-date information in a fast moving and highly regulated field.
This micro-credential is designed to be completed independently, in your own time. This on-demand learning can empower potential students who may be working in industry or in part-time jobs with moving hours to fit this course into their schedule. The course is made up of a series of interactive online lectures, which are complemented by online resources such as papers, videos, and transcripts of the lessons.
This course is 2.5 ECTS and takes approx. 6 weeks to complete.
One or more of the following must apply:
- BSc Radiography, BSc Radiation Therapy or equivalent.
- BSc Physics or equivalent.
- An individual named on the General Register of the Medical Council or on the Register of the UK General Medical Council.
- An individual named on the Register of Dentists held by the Dental Council of Ireland or on the Dentists Register of the UK General Dental Council.
- Nurses registered with an Bord Altranais.
- An individual named on the Register of the Veterinary Council of Ireland or on the Register of Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
- An individual named on the CORU register of health professionals.
- A good standard of education (minimum of Leaving Certificate or equivalent) with evidence of ongoing training in the area of Radiation Safety and professional experience in a field utilising ionising radiation and operating under current legislation (SI 256 / SI30 for diagnostic exposures or international equivalent).
The following should also apply:
- Be currently employed in a facility which uses ionising radiation within the State regulated and licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency of Ireland or within similarly regulated and licensed facilities internationally.
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) within the realms of radiation protection.
- Be computer literate and have continuous internet access for the duration of the programme.
- Possess a good standard of English (proof of accredited English language study certificate may be needed). Details of English language requirements can be found here.
- 20 Question MCQ exam of 30 minutes in length.
- Feedback individually to students, post-assessment.
Related micro-credentials that might be of interest to you include Radiobiology and Dose Metrics and Radiation in the Workplace and Legislation.
If you have any questions about this micro-credential, or would like to speak to a UCD staff member, please contact (opens in a new window)microcredentials@ucd.ie.
Please note: Learners can avail of only one form of funding per application.
Micro-Credentials Learner Fee Subsidy-Human Capital Initiative Pillar 3
The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy has been introduced to enable more learners to address critical skills gaps and engage with lifelong learning through micro-credentials. The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy is funded by Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
HCI Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidies are available on identified micro-credentials only from March 2024 until October 2025. Funded places are limited and course providers will administer the subsidy on a first come first serve basis.
Please see Eligibility Criteria for further information.