Nuclear Medicine

The first of two consecutive courses that examine normal human structure and function based on a systems approach. This course includes basic human cytology and histology, that serve as the foundation for the study of body systems; the course also covers the skeletal system and the nervous system. BHSC 2206 covers the remaining systems.

This course covers topics of general chemistry relevant for the study of Nuclear Medicine - concentrations and properties of solutions, oxidation and reduction, intermolecular forces and buffers. Coordination chemistry and inorganic compounds are introduced with reference to chelating agents used as radiopharmaceuticals. Chromatography and separation techniques are introduced with emphasis on applications to Nuclear Medicine Technology. The term ends with an introduction to organic chemistry. The functional groups of the major families in organic chemistry are introduced, and the physical and chemical properties of the hydrocarbons are described. Chirality and the significance of stereochemistry are discussed. As these topics are studied, applications to Nuclear Medicine Technology are emphasized.

This course will enable nuclear medicine students to communicate effectively with co-workers, patients, the public, and the wider medical profession. We will focus on writing skills, presentation skills, and teamwork. Students will learn methods of organizing information to ensure that communication is clear, concise, and suitable for the target audience. Students will learn to write effective email, incident reports and instructions. Students will conduct research on a topic relevant to the profession and then summarize their research in a short paper and oral presentation. Selected papers may be published on the BCAMRT website. Finally, students will develop a resume and cover letter and prepare for a job interview.

Emphasizes the integration of problem solving strategies with mathematical and calculator skills in the context of relevant nuclear medicine applications. Topics include unit conversions (Ci to Bq), ratio/proportion (radiation), logarithms, exponential growth and decay (physical, effective, biological half-lives, transmission of shielded radiation), graphing techniques (logarithmic), appropriate curve fitting (least squares), curve stripping, introduction to differential and integral calculus and first order differential equations (decay formulae) and an introduction to descriptive statistics including data presentation, observational and randomized-controlled studies, paired, retrospective and prospective studies.

Introduces the fundamental knowledge, skills and safety measures required for safe and effective practice in a radiopharmacy and nuclear medicine laboratory. Topics include an overview of radiopharmacy operations, radiopharmaceutical characteristics, WHMIS guidelines and safe handling of biohazardous materials, chemicals and radioactivity. Students will gain practical experience in basic radiopharmacy applications including elution of 99Mo/99mTc radionuclide generators, calculation, preparation, and dispensing of radiopharmaceutical doses, quality control procedures, venipuncture technique, and maintenance of records according to Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulations.
Prerequisite(s): Program Admission.

Presents an overview of the many components that comprise Nuclear Medicine Technology and its role in the health care system. Students are introduced to communication, professional practice and ethical issues relevant to the profession. The course also includes a comprehensive study of medical terminology through a word-building approach using systematic construction with roots, prefixes and suffixes.

PHYS 1274 begins with a review of fundamental physics topics relevant to nuclear physics. The next unit introduces basic atomic structure, the nature and production of X-rays and their uses in medical imaging. The next unit describes the classification and properties of atomic nuclei including nuclide types and the information found on the chart of nuclides. As well, nuclear physics topics such as the nuclear forces, structure and decay, nuclear binding energy and the modes of radiation emission of nuclear decay are described qualitatively and quantitatively. The final unit describes the details of nuclear reactions and their importance in radionuclide production. There is a weekly lab component to the course. Note: Course content and hours allotted are subject to change.

Deals with the basic properties of medically important microorganisms, the communicability of infection, host-parasite relationships, principles of infection control, methods of destruction and control of microorganisms, including the safe preparation of radiopharmaceuticals used for injection. Also deals with basic immunologic concepts including their related in-vitro applications.

This course is designed to help learners deal respectfully with the socio-emotional needs of individual clients, and collaborate successfully with other members of the health care team. Interpersonal communications skills are emphasized; these provide the basis for additional crucial employability skills such as managing stress in both self and clients, reducing the frequency and intensity of conflict, and working respectfully with those from other cultures. Responsible, professional and ethical conduct is underscored.

The second of two consecutive courses that examine normal structure and function based on a systems approach. This course covers the endocrine system, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, and the urinary system.
Prerequisite(s): BHSC 1106

The students in this course will gain knowledge and skills for patient care in an interprofessional education (IPE) learning environment. Students will build interprofessional competencies as they learn with, from, and about other health science students. Students will be introduced to health and safety measures, learn how to complete a variety of basic healthcare procedures, and develop competency in the use of equipment commonly used in various healthcare settings. This course will provide the knowledge and skills to effectively manage patients during various clinical skills. Theory will be supported with supervised laboratory activities designed to give students opportunities to apply critical thinking and manual skills to a variety of patient care situations.

Emphasizes statistical data treatment and decision making with illustrative nuclear medicine/health applications. Topics include data presentation, statistical aspects of research, concept of meta-analysis, modeling with probability distributions (Binomial, Poisson, Normal), Bayes Rule, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis including both qualitative and quantitative data, statistical inference (estimation and hypothesis testing, p-values), regression and correlation. Applications include descriptive presentations, statistical quality control measures in laboratory work (CV, accuracy chi-squared test on scintillation spectrometer), predictive-value positive of tests, measurement error, using radioactive counts in estimation/testing, counting times and confidence banding.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 1751

This course builds on the concepts introduced in HSIP 1000, HSIP Patient Care to equip the student with specific knowledge and skills that are necessary for working in a nuclear medicine department and general hospital environment. Students will participate in a variety of simulations and hands-on learning activities that emphasize best practice and reinforce patient care theory. Students will be given opportunities to reflect on their nuclear medicine knowledge and skills during a variety of simulated patient care situations.
Prerequisite(s): HSIP 1000

Examines the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of radiopharmaceuticals, the concepts of biological compartments and biorouting, and common clinical applications of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Provides an introduction to non-radioactive drugs used for interventive nuclear medicine procedures. Students will practice radiopharmacy procedures in a simulated environment to gain experience in radiopharmaceutical dispensing, quality control procedures, radiation safety, inventory control, record keeping, radiopharmacy lab manager software applications, and laboratory techniques for non-imaging in vivo procedures.
Prerequisite(s): NMED 1025

Integrates foundational knowledge of nuclear medicine with clinical practice applications to prepare students for entry to Clinical Experience 1. Through a combination of lectures, labs and simulations, students begin developing skills and judgement for reviewing requisitions, interviewing patients, explaining procedures, positioning patients, and performing venipuncture. Basic concepts are introduced regarding inter-professional collaboration, ECG, pediatric nuclear medicine, PET/CT, sonography, and radiation therapy. Guest lecturers from clinical sites and allied health professions provide students with overviews of clinical practice and students observe clinical practice through visits to several clinical nuclear medicine sites. The program clinical coordinator outlines performance expectations for clinical practicum rotations.

Provides a detailed study of ionizing radiation and its interaction with matter from the perspectives of safety and risk management. Radiation units and safety guidelines are discussed and analysed as they apply to the working environment. Emphasis is on the practical application of Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulations and recommended practices as they apply to nuclear medicine. Content also allows students to fulfil Transport Canada and CNSC requirements to obtain a Transportation of Dangerous Goods Certificate for Class 7 Radioactive Materials.

The course builds on the basic nuclear physics theory covered in PHYS 1274 to study nuclear radiation interactions and detection. It begins with a description of radiation interactions with matter. Next, the foundation for understanding electronic instrumentation is made by covering topics in basic electricity and magnetism. Radiation detection instrumentation is then described in detail, including gas-filled, solid state and scintillation detectors and an introduction to gamma cameras.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 1274

This is the first of four clinical practicum courses providing experience in the Nuclear Medicine department of an affiliated hospital. The student is provided with opportunities to develop the skills necessary to function safely and competently in a nuclear medicine environment. The student will be able to demonstrate increasing levels of competence in a range of skills. The student will be scheduled in 2-week rotations in a range of nuclear medicine camera rooms under direct supervision, providing them with opportunities to apply their skills in patient care, study acquisitions and computer processing of acquired data. The student may also be scheduled in radiopharmacy, cardiac stress lab and PET/CT rotations in this term. 

​This is the first of two consecutive courses that introduce the principles of pathophysiology. It emphasizes the organ systems commonly investigated by nuclear medicine procedures. Also considers the major diseases encountered in contemporary nuclear medicine practice.
Prerequisite(s): BHSC 2206

This online course will provide the students with the theory required to engage in common Computed Tomography (CT) scan examinations. Emphasis is placed on fundamental principles of CT imaging, patient care and positioning, routine procedures and system maintenance. Students will understand in depth theory of intravenous contrast media use in CT and safety considerations of its use, including contraindications and reactions. Procedural focus on basic CT scan protocols for the head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis, spine and extremities are foundational to understanding CT in the clinical environment along with commonly occurring pathologies associated with the exam indications. Image reconstruction processes and methods that include anatomical considerations of axial, sagittal, and coronal planes will be included in learning outcomes.
Prerequisite(s): For students enrolled in the MRAD program, required courses are BHSC 2214, MRAD 2208 and MRAD 2230. For students enrolled in the NMED program, the required courses are BHSC 2206 and PHYS 2274.

This course integrates the science of nuclear medicine technology and molecular imaging with specific clinical applications to prepare students for competent performance in clinical practice. Students will gain knowledge in decision-making based on literature and current best practice guidelines for performing diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures in the following categories: skeletal, inflammation, tumour, lymph, gastrointestinal, and positron emission tomography applications in oncology.
Prerequisite(s): NMED 2025 and NMED 2040

This course is the first of two laboratory courses focusing on the application of technical knowledge in nuclear medicine and nuclear medicine instrumentation. The laboratory activities in this course are specifically designed to prepare students for competent performance in clinical practice. Students will be given the opportunity to practice critical thinking and decision making skills through various practical and simulated lab activities. The lab activities in this course will primarily focus on specific topics related to radiopharmacy, instrument quality control, gamma camera acquisition, and post-acquisition image processing.
Prerequisite(s): NMED 2025 and PHYS 2274

This is the second of four clinical practicum courses providing experience in the Nuclear Medicine department of an affiliated hospital. The student is provided with opportunities to further develop the skills necessary to function safely and competently in a nuclear medicine environment. The student is expected to demonstrate increased independence to initiate and perform tasks with a decreased level of instruction and supervision. The student will be scheduled in 2-week rotations in a range of nuclear medicine camera rooms under supervision, providing them with opportunities to apply their skills in patient care, study acquisitions and computer processing of acquired data. The student may also be scheduled in radiopharmacy, cardiac stress lab and PET/CT rotations in this term.
Prerequisite(s): NMED 2090

This course is a continuation of PHYS 2274. PHYS 3274 provides a detailed study of the physics of nuclear imaging with the scintillation gamma camera. The course begins with a review of the relevant radiation detection physics, planar imaging principles and the measures of image quality. The design and function of the gamma camera detector are presented, contrasted and related to detector performance. Gamma camera event processing, including uniformity correction, is also described. The next unit describes the measurement and testing of detector performance including intrinsic uniformity, spatial resolution and count rate performance. The final unit explains the principles and design features of collimators and their impact on system performance. Issues of camera quality control are explained and described. Many of the principles in this course will be practiced both in the NMED 3040 lab course and clinical work in the hospital.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 2274

Continues from BHSC 3306 and the introduction of the principles of pathophysiology. Emphasizes the organ systems commonly investigated by nuclear medicine procedures. Also considers the major diseases that are encountered in contemporary nuclear medicine practice.
Prerequisite(s): BHSC 3306

Students will explore the principles and practice of digital image formation, display, data processing, archiving, and the use of digital networks in the context of nuclear medicine applications. Emphasis is placed on decision-making to optimize image quality and evaluate the diagnostic and technical quality of images and data. Students will also gain experience appraising professional literature topics regarding image quality to assess relevance to practice.

This course integrates the science of nuclear medicine technology and molecular imaging with specific clinical applications to prepare students for competent performance in clinical practice. Students will gain knowledge in decision-making based on literature and current best practice guidelines for performing diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures in the following categories: cardiovascular, genitourinary, central nervous, endocrine, respiratory, sentinel node, and positron emission tomography for cardiology and neurology applications.
Prerequisite(s): NMED 3025

​This laboratory course focuses on the application of technical knowledge in nuclear medicine and nuclear medicine instrumentation. The laboratory activities in this course are specifically designed to prepare students for competent performance in clinical practice. Students will be given the opportunity to practice critical thinking and decision making skills through various practical and simulated lab activities. The lab activities in this course will primarily focus on specific topics related to radiopharmacy, gamma camera SPECT quality control, gamma camera acquisition, and post-acquisition image processing.
Prerequisite(s): NMED 3025 and PHYS 3274

This is the third of four clinical practicum courses providing experience in the Nuclear Medicine department of an affiliated hospital. The student is provided with opportunities to further develop the skills necessary to function safely and competently in a nuclear medicine environment. The student will be scheduled in 2-week rotations in a range of nuclear medicine camera rooms under supervision, providing them with opportunities to apply their skills in patient care, study acquisitions and computer processing of acquired data. The student may also be scheduled in radiopharmacy, cardiac stress lab and PET/CT rotations in this term. In addition, students will gain experience in a dedicated CT department and may be scheduled for afternoon shifts.
Prerequisite(s): NMED 3080

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the physics and instrumentation of tomography in Nuclear Medicine. An overview of the principles of computed tomography leads to a study of image data acquisition and reconstruction. Students will examine the specific performance characteristics of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems, the effect of acquisition parameters on image quality, quantitative correction methods and quality assurance. Students will also examine the physical principles of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and the specific performance characteristics of PET instrumentation, data acquisition and reconstruction, quantitative correction methods and quality assurance. Finally, X-ray transmission computed tomography (CT) principles, instrumentation, acquisition, reconstruction and quality control are investigated and related to the applications of CT in nuclear medicine.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 3274

This is the fourth of four clinical practicum courses providing experience in the Nuclear Medicine department of an affiliated hospital. The student is provided with opportunities to further develop the skills necessary to function safely and competently in a nuclear medicine environment. The student is expected to demonstrate increased independence to initiate and perform tasks with a decreased level of instruction and supervision. The student will be scheduled in 2-week rotations in a range of nuclear medicine camera rooms under supervision, providing them with opportunities to apply their skills in patient care, study acquisitions and computer processing of acquired data. The student may also be scheduled in radiopharmacy, cardiac stress lab and PET/CT rotations in this term.
Prerequisite(s): NMED 4080