NUCM 2208 - Radiopharmacology

Credit hours: 2

Prerequisites: NUCM 2200 - Introduction to Molecular Imaging, NUCM 2301 - Physics and Instrumentation , NUCM 2205 - Clinical Procedures I, NUCM 2607 - Practicum in Nuclear Medicine I and NUCM 2114 - Presenting Research in Nuclear Medicine

Course Description:
This course introduces the student to the basic principles of radiopharmacy as practiced in the nuclear medicine laboratory. Special emphasis is placed on radionuclide and radiopharmaceutical preparations,
radiation safety, quality control procedures and the operation of equipment used in the radiopharmacy. Course content and assignments are correlated with practical examples in a radiopharmacy. Course content provides the basic cognitive foundation to meet clinical exceptions in the areas of radiopharmacy and radiation safety in the handling of radionuclides.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to:

Maximize patient, staff and workplace safety through proper preparation, handling, and calculations of radiopharmaceuticals.
Choose and operate the appropriate radiation detection equipment for the purposes of radiation safety, dose management and analysis.
Perform and analyze quality control procedures to determine radiochemical, radionuclide, and radiopharmaceutical purity and safety.
Test for, minimize, and recognize the effects of chemical toxicology in the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals.
Recognize the importance of, and specific requirements for, regulatory compliance in the management of the radiopharmacy.
Understand radiopharmaceutical localization and distribution mechanism in target and non-target organs.