Description: Fundamental concepts describing the behavior of unstable nuclei. This includes their radioactive emissions, generation, and interaction with the physical world.

Terminal Competency:

Discuss fundamental concepts of nuclear physics in the context of a radiochemistry laboratory.

Enabling Competencies:

1. Describe modes of radioactive decay.

2. Identify the appropriate instrumentation for the different types of radioactive emissions.

3. Explain the principles of radiation interactions with matter.

4. Describe the main sources of radionuclides.

5. Apply the Bateman equation for radioactive decay, growth, and equilibrium conditions.

6. Identify an unknown nuclide.

To see a set of behavioral anchors, which provide further detail about the enabling competencies and can be used for assessment against the enabling competencies, contact IFPTI.

Description: The operation, calibration and maintenance of instrumentation used for the identification and measurement of radionuclides.

Terminal Competency:

Discuss the importance of instrument calibration and operation.

Enabling Competencies:

1. Describe the detection principles for each instrument.

2. Perform routine instrument calibrations.

3. Perform basic instrument maintenance.

4. Identify the main sources of interference across instrumentation.

5. Prepare appropriate calibration standards.

6. Perform data analysis using instrumentation.

To see a set of behavioral anchors, which provide further detail about the enabling competencies and can be used for assessment against the enabling competencies, contact IFPTI.

Description: The chemical and physical manipulation of a sample to enable the identification and measurement of radionuclides.

Terminal Competency:

Perform sample treatment activities.

Enabling Competencies:

1. Determine appropriate sample preparation method.

2. Transform a sample into a suitable form for radionuclide analysis.

3. Prepare counting samples compatible with instrument analysis.

To see a set of behavioral anchors, which provide further detail about the enabling competencies and can be used for assessment against the enabling competencies, contact IFPTI.

Description: The mathematical concepts and calculations that drive analytical decision making to produce useful results.

Terminal Competency:

Apply mathematics in a radiochemistry laboratory context.

Enabling Competencies:

1. Calculate analyte concentration from raw instrument signal.

2. Identify key sources of uncertainty for determination of combined standard uncertainty.

3. Determine which correction factors are appropriate for a given analysis.

4. Evaluate the key factors for achieving the required detection limit.

5. Identify the correct statistical methods to evaluate measurement suitability.

6. Convert units (radioactivity, mass, quantity – pCi/g, Bq/g, mg/g).

7. Evaluate data quality objectives to determine analytical requirements.

To see a set of behavioral anchors, which provide further detail about the enabling competencies and can be used for assessment against the enabling competencies, contact IFPTI.

Description: Practices that minimize human exposure to radiation.

Terminal Competency:

Promote radiation safety.

Enabling Competencies:

1. Explain biological effects of ionizing radiation.

2. Identify routes of exposure.

3. Explain the principle of ALARA.

4. Explain radiation exposure limits.

5. Explain the relationship between exposure and health effects.

6. Identify practices to reduce exposure.

7. Demonstrate radioactive waste management.

To see a set of behavioral anchors, which provide further detail about the enabling competencies and can be used for assessment against the enabling competencies, contact IFPTI.