Modern Physics
Modern Physics > Atomic Physics, Elementary Particles, Medical Physics, Nuclear Physics
Modern Physics > Nuclear Physics > Nuclear Reactions, Particle Detectors, Radioactivity
Vetted
Highlights:
This curriculum uses videos, text, and assessment questions covering the use of radioactive compounds for imaging the human body.
Abstract:
PET scanning creates images from positrons emitted by radioactive compounds that are dispersed through tissues. The radioactive tracers are administered intravenously and accumulate to varying degrees throughout the body. The concentration provides information about tissue function and tissue type. This curriculum provides context for the following concepts: annihilation, conservation of momentum, nuclear decay, radioactive tracers, gamma detectors, image resolution. The curriculum includes a manuscript, video series from a medical professional, video comprehension questions, and pre-lecture checkpoints and homework problems.
Resource Types:
Video, Pre-class assignment, Homework, Student reading, Instructor supplement, Restricted access
Authors:
TOPICS
Physics Topics:
Life Sciences Topics:
Medical Applications > Biomedical Imaging > General, Nuclear Imaging, Radiographic Imaging
Math Topics:
Algebra; Exponentials and Logarithms
INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
IMPLEMENTATION
Equipment required:
Basic implementation tips & tricks:
How does this resource fit into the flow of your course?
PEDAGOGY
Pedagogical approach:
Skills / Competencies:
What insights or realizations do you hope students gain from this resource?
Why is this resource useful to life sciences students?
DISCUSSION
LOGIN or REGISTER to see implementation reports and comments and join the discussion.
SUBMISSION DETAILS
Copyright: 2021 Portland State University
CC: BY-NC-SA - Attribution, No Commercial uses and Share Alike. Derivative works must have the same licenseLast Edit Date:
Search the Portal
Living Physics Portal
Resources and community for teaching physics for life sciences
©2026 American Association of Physics Teachers
Funded by the National Science Foundation
