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 and 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 involving radiation, including radiation use 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 coursework 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. Laboratory exercises, field trips, and research supplement the formal coursework.
The M.S. in Radiological Health Sciences, Plan B, 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 | ||
| Environmental Contaminant Modeling I 1 | ||
| Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents | ||
| Radioecology 1 | ||
| Research | ||
| Aerosols and Environmental Health | ||
| Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II | ||
| Statistics for Environmental Monitoring | ||
| Elective | ||
| 500-level or greater elective 2 | 3 | |
| Program Total Credits: | 32-35 | |
A well-written, comprehensive, and scholarly professional paper prepared on a topic approved by the student’s graduate committee that is successfully defended in an oral examination.