Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences
Health physics is the discipline associated with using radiation for the benefit of society. This includes applying scientific principles as well as practical knowledge to ensure that these benefits are obtained without unreasonable risks to humans or the environment. The profession has evolved into a necessary part of all applications that involve radiation, including the use of radiation in medical and industrial settings. Sources of radiation range from naturally occurring radioactivity to man-made sources of radiation, such as reactors. Successful professionals in health physics have broad backgrounds in physics, biology, and instrumentation, and understand risks and risk analysis.
The required course work is structured to provide a sound foundation in the basic skills essential to the health physics profession. Students may concentrate on specific areas of interest through a wide selection of elective courses. The formal course work is supplemented by laboratory exercises, field trips, and research.
The M.S. in Radiological Health Sciences, Plan A, Health Physics Specialization is accredited by the Applied Sciences Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Effective Fall 2021
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ERHS 530 | Radiological Physics and Dosimetry I | 3 |
ERHS 531 | Nuclear Instruments and Measurements | 2 |
ERHS 550 | Principles of Radiation Biology | 3-5 |
or ERHS 450 | Introduction to Radiation Biology | |
ERHS 561 | Radiation Public Health | 2 |
ERHS 563 | Environmental Contaminant Modeling I | 2 |
or ERHS 570 | Radioecology | |
ERHS 630 | Radiological Physics and Dosimetry II | 3 |
ERHS 632 | Techniques in Radiation Dosimetry | 1 |
ERHS 665 | Radiochemistry | 3 |
ERHS 693D | Research Seminar: Health Physics | 1 |
ERHS 786 | Practicum | 3 |
Select one of the following courses: | 3-4 | |
Biostatistical Methods for Quantitative Data | ||
Quantitative Methods for Radiation Safety | ||
Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I | ||
Select at least 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
Environmental Toxicology | ||
Fundamentals of Toxicology | ||
Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety | ||
Environmental and Occupational Health Issues | ||
Industrial Hygiene | ||
Industrial Hygiene Laboratory | ||
Quantitative Methods for Radiation Safety 1 | ||
Monte Carlo Methods in Health Physics | ||
Environmental Contaminant Modeling I 1 | ||
Radioecology 1 | ||
Research | ||
Aerosols and Environmental Health | ||
Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II | ||
Statistics for Environmental Monitoring | ||
Thesis | ||
ERHS 699 | Thesis | 3 |
Program Total Credits: | 32-35 |