Understanding Radiation Science

Abstract

The purpose of Understanding Radiation Science: Basic Nuclear and Health Physics is to provide the reader a basic understanding of radiation science. Therefore, basic nuclear physics and health physics principles are presented through chapters on atomic structure, types of radiation, terminology and units, radiation biology, exposure and controls, background radiation, personnel monitoring, and radiation instrumentation. The book concludes with chapters on historical events and definitions. This book provides introductory information for students starting their education in nuclear physics, health physics and nuclear engineering. The material covered in this book is appropriate for all types of radiation workers. Persons studying to take the health physics certification exam, radiation protection technologist exam, or the certifying examinations to become radiologic technologists, radiation therapy technologists, ultrasound technologists, or nuclear medicine technologists will find this information most useful.

About the Author

Dr. Shuler has over 30 years experience as a health physicist working with and handling radioactive materials in the private sector and federal government. He has worked at nuclear fuel reprocessing plants, a uranium hexafluoride facility, a low-level radioactive waste disposal site, nuclear power plants and numerous federal nuclear sites and facilities. He has conducted radiological inspections at over 1700 facilities.

IN THE NEWS
James Shuler receives 2025 WM Lifetime Achievement Award, Nuclear Newswire, Jan 27, 2025
WM Symposia, which hosts the annual Waste Management Conference in Phoenix, Ariz., presented the 2025 WM Lifetime Achievement Award to James M. Shuler, a former Department of Energy manager with a career of more than 50 years in radwaste packaging and transportation.

The award recognizes the long-term commitment of the recipient to solving major nuclear waste challenges, which may include education, research, public policy, or implementation of solutions for managing nuclear wastes, and whose actions have contributed to the resolution of significant nuclear waste management issues.