Program Overview

Course Overview

The course CM2020, Ionising Radiation Imaging, is a 7.5 credit course that focuses on the physics of medical imaging with ionising radiation. It covers topics such as x-ray computed tomography, single photon emission imaging, and positron emission imaging. In addition to the theory of physical processes, detectors and sources for medical imaging are presented. The consequences of exposure of living tissues to ionising radiation are also treated during the course.

Course Contents

• Basic nuclear physics and detection principles
• Radiation detectors for monitoring and imaging
• Detection and surveillance of radiation levels
• X-ray physics
• 2D x-ray radiography
• 3D x-ray CT imaging
• Gamma camera / SPECT - Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (physics, detector systems and imaging)
• PET - Positron Emission Tomography (physics, detector systems and imaging)

Intended Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, students should be able to:

1. Describe and apply relevant physical processes to the detection of ionising radiation, the estimation of radiation dose, and the design of imaging devices for x-ray Computed Tomography (CT), Single Photon Emission (SPE) imaging, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
2. Describe the rationale of detector and scanner design as well as of data acquisition protocols in CT, SPE, and PET, and relate those to the outcome of the imaging procedure.
3. Describe, quantify, and discuss common trade-offs among image quality measures, dose, and various detector performances in medical imaging with ionising radiation.

Literature and Preparations

Specific Prerequisites

• Completed degree project 15 credits
• 15 credits in mathematics
• 15 credits in physics
• 6 credits in programming
• 5 credits in electronics
• English B/6

Literature

Information about course literature can be found in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.

Examination and Completion

Grading Scale

• A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

• LAB1 - Laboratory exercise, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• PRO1 - Project, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Written exam, 3.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Further Information

Offered By

CBH/Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems

Main Field of Study

Medical Engineering

Education Cycle

Second cycle

Course Details

• Course location: KTH Flemingsberg
• Duration: 24 Aug 2026 - 23 Oct 2026
• Periods: Autumn 2026: P1 (7.5 hp)
• Pace of study: 50%
• Application code: 10251
• Form of study: Normal Daytime
• Language of instruction: English
• Number of places: Places are not limited
• Target group: No information inserted
• Planned modular schedule: No information inserted
• Schedule: Schedule is not published
• Part of programme: Master's Programme, Engineering Physics, year 1, TFYE; Master's Programme, Engineering Physics, year 2, TFYE

Examiner

Massimiliano Colarieti Tosti

Ethical Approach

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.