Understandings:
- Alpha, beta, gamma, proton, neutron and positron emissions are all used for medical treatment.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an application of NMR technology.
- Radiotherapy can be internal and/or external.
- Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT) and Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) are two methods which are used in cancer treatment.
Applications and skills:
- Discussion of common side effects from radiotherapy.
- Explanation of why technetium-99m is the most common radioisotope used in nuclear medicine based on its half-life, emission type and chemistry.
- Explanation of why lutetium-177 and yttrium-90 are common isotopes used for radiotherapy based on the type of radiation emitted.
- Balancing nuclear equations involving alpha and beta particles.
- Calculation of the percentage and amount of radioactive material decayed and remaining after a certain period of time using the nuclear half-life equation.
- Explanation of TAT and how it might be used to treat diseases that have spread throughout the body.
Guidance:
- Common side effects discussed should include hair loss, nausea, fatigue and sterility. Discussion should include the damage to DNA and growing or regenerating tissue.
- Isotopes used in nuclear medicine including; Tc-99m, Lu-177, Y-90, I-131 and Pb-212.
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International-mindedness:
- The use of nuclear technology in medical treatments is not consistent across the globe. Culture, cost, availability and beliefs are some factors that can influence its use.
Theory of knowledge:
- There is often no reference to the term “nuclear” in MRI. Are names simply labels or do they influence our other ways of knowing? How does public perception influence scientific progress and implementation?
Utilization:
- Syllabus and cross-curricular links:
- Topics 11.3 and 21.1—NMR
- Options C.3 and C.7—nuclear reactions and half-life
- Physics option C.4—medical imaging.
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