Biological Principles and Medical Applications of Ionizing Radiation

This course gives an introduction to the field of radiation therapy, based on fundamental radiobiological principles that describe how ionizing radiation interacts with biological systems. Blending physics, chemistry, and biology, BMP 253 aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how radiation can affect cells, organs, and individuals. The first half of the course focuses on the biological effects of radiation at the cellular level, including DNA damage and repair, modes of cell death, and radiation response modifiers. We will then zoom out and explore how organs and individuals respond to radiation, including acute effects, carcinogenesis, heritable effects, and clinical radiobiology. Beyond these foundational principles, students will also be introduced to other relevant topics, including radiation protection, immunology, radiotheranostics, and emerging radiation technologies. BMP 235 is one of the requisite classes for the Stanford Medical Physics Certificate Program.