MILJØ410 Environmental Radiobiology

Credits (ECTS):5

Course responsible:Deborah Helen Oughton

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk

Limits of class size:Minimum 6; maximum 25 students

Course frequency:Odd years.

Nominal workload:Total hours: 125

Teaching and exam period:This course starts in June block. This course has teaching/evaluation in August block, June block.

About this course

The course is based on a weeks intensive lectures. Students are expected to have read and prepared from the pensum beforehand. One afternoon will include lab demonstration of some of the biomarker methods. An additional indepth self-study on a selected topic will be required for the written assignment. The course is held every other year.

Learning outcome

The aim of the course is to give students an introduction to the fundamental principles of radiobiology, within the context of research fields on radioecology and the environmental effects of radiation. As such the course will cover both the history and the state-of-the-art of our knowledge on the biological effects of radiation on humans, and how this relates to other effects seen in non-human organisms. Areas covered include fundamental radiobiology, biological responses to ionising radiation, the use of biomarkers and toxicogenomics, factors linked to differences in radiation sensitivity, non-targeted effects (bystander, genomic instability, adaptive response, etc.,) and multiple stressors.
  • Learning activities
    The various concepts of radiobiology (such as target theory) will be introduced as problems for the class to discuss. Following the class discussion and the production of a hypothesis, the classical solutions and work in this area will be discussed. Repetition of this approach will allow students to become immersed in the topic, and will encourage them to derive the fundamental tenets of radiobiology for themselves. Lectures will be supported by two half days of practical work demonstrating how classic radiation effect biomarkers (chromosome aberration, bystander effects, etc) can be applied in radioecology.
  • Teaching support
    Students will have access to all guest lecturers during joint lunches for the duration of the course. Each student will be assigned a mentor for the course assignment.
  • Prerequisites
    Basic principles of radiation protection (eg. RAD210/MILJØ415 or similar)
  • Assessment method

    The students will prepare a written assignment on a choice of topics.

    Grading scale: Passed / Not passed



    Term paper Grading: Passed / Not Passed
  • Examiner scheme
    External examiner will control the quality of the assigments
  • Mandatory activity
    Lectures and practicals (80% attendance) Written assignment
  • Notes
    This course is not suitable for online teaching.
  • Teaching hours
    30 hrs lectures/practicals, 20 hrs preparation/self-study, 75 hrs written assignment
  • Reduction of credits
    5 ECTS against MINA410.
  • Admission requirements
    Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)