Radiochemistry and Radiopharmacy Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

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If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

NMTT-2301-001 Radiochemistry and Radiopharmacy

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: NMTT 1313

Course Description

Includes radioactive decay and production of radionuclides. Emphasis on radiopharmaceuticals and their ideal characteristics, biodistribution and clinical applications. Incorporates quality control tests and mathematical equations.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT:  Technology and Techniques, 8^th Edition, Christian

Practical Mathematics in Nuclear Medicine Technology, Wells

Review of Nuclear Medicine Technology, 5^th Edition, 

Quick Reference Guide for Nuclear Medicine Technologists 

1. Computer for online testing
2. External webcam for online testing 
3. Ability to create and upload PDFs, wird docs, Google docs, as ONE document 

Supplies

Scientific Calculator without memory. Calculators with memory will not be allowed. 

The ability to create electronic documents through Google docs, word docs, PDF. Ability to scan/create/upload documents to blackboard as ONE DOCUMENT.

A computer or device compatible with the lockdown browser and a webcam. 

Student Performance

Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM) Course Description: Basic concepts of radiochemistry and radiopharmacy including the atomic structure, radioactive decay, and production of various radionuclides. Emphasis on radiopharmaceuticals and their ideal characteristics, biodistribution, and clinical applications; the various dosage forms in which they may be dispensed; quality control tests; and their formation and dispensing. End-of-Course Outcomes: Analyze the concepts of radiopharmacy; explain atomic structures and electronic configuration of atoms; describe various methods of radionuclide production and radiolabeling; interpret the mechanism of localization of various radiopharmaceuticals; cite quality control tests of various radiopharmaceuticals; identify radiation safety practices; and relate federal and state regulations governing the use of radiopharmaceuticals.

The Master Educational Plan of the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program requires these objectives to be met:

Calculate radioactive decay using half-life.

Analyze decay charts.

Analyze universal decay chart.

Perform pre-calibration calculations.

Calculate specific concentration.

Calculate dose volume.

Calculate total activity needed to provide specific number of kits or doses.

Calculate total volume to be added to kit.

Calculate patient dosage based on activity per unit weight.

Perform unit dose adjustments.

Perform pediatric dose adjustments using Clark’s formula.

Perform pediatric dose adjustments using body surface area (BSA).

Perform pediatric dose adjustments using Talbot’s nomogram.

Calculate minimum/maximum pediatric dosage.

Calculate MAA lung perfusion particles.

Calculate I-131 capsule dosage.

Calculate Mo-99 generator yield based on efficiency of the generator.

Calculate Mo-99/Tc99m generator yield based on decay

Calculate allowable Mo-99 content in generator eluate..

Calculate allowable alumina content in generator eluate.

Calculate eluate expiration time based on Mo-99 content.

Perform chromatography calculations.

Identify characteristics of radiopharmaceuticals from Components of Preparedness. 

Identify half-lives and kev of radiopharmaceuticals listed on Components of Preparedness. 

Define valence state of Tc99m in relation to prescribed kits.

Identify various types of generators.

Identify chelating agents, reducing agents, additives, preservatives in kits.

Describe the operations of a nuclear pharmacy.

Identify diagnostic uses of radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine.

Identify therapeutic uses of radiopharmaceuticals.

Describe quality control measures in the use of radiopharmaceuticals.

Describe the use of monoclonal antibodies.

Define molecular imaging.

Identify chemical and name brands of RPs.

Describe normal bio-distribution, method of localization, route of excretion, and organ receiving highest dose.

Identify target organ per RP/procedure.

Identify chemical and brand names of Interventional and misc pharmaceuticals.

Identify RPs with special prep or handling.

Discuss appropriate radiopharmaceuticals for the day’s schedule in accordance with license possession limits               

Discuss storage of radiopharmaceuticals consistent with established safeguards and institutional radiation safety guidelines             

Discuss how RPs are prepared and labeled applicable radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with institutional protocols                            

Discuss physician order, procedure, time, patient, radiopharmaceutical or adjunctive pharmaceutical, dosage, and route for administration      

Discuss how to dispense and administer radiopharmaceuticals and/or adjunctive pharmaceuticals under the direction of an authorized user 

Discuss how to document radiopharmaceutical and/or adjunctive pharmaceutical administration in accordance with institutional policies     

Discuss protocols for blood withdrawal and radioactive labeling 

Evaluate patients for contraindications, precautions, physiological response and side effects of radiopharmaceuticals and adjunctive pharmaceuticals                   

Write professional paper/engage in health sciences research methods. Present orally individually and as a group.

Engage in cross campus assignment with radiography or nursing students to maintain diverse interactions. 

 

Pass major exams and other graded assignments with final grade of 80 C or better.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

PHONES/PAGERS/LAPTOPS/OTHER TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES

Cell phones and other electronic devices are distractions within the learning environment.  For this reason, they are to be turned off and put away out of view upon entering the classroom.  They cannot be placed upon the desk, but must be out of view. Phones can be checked on breaks. Students may use a personal laptop computer for personal note taking only. 

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Any student, who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements.

Contact disability Services at 345-5639 for any special need.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

A student who may have concerns or problems with the course or course instructor should make every attempt to resolve the problem with the course instructor.  In the event that it is not successful, the student may appeal the decision of the instructor to the program director, then the Dean of the Health Sciences Division, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, in that order.

STUDENTS RIGHTS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Please refer to the Students Rights and Responsibilities publication of Amarillo College (Web site or hard copy available in student services).

Students are responsible for maintaining all aspects set forth within the publication so that professionalism is maintained.

THE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

Mutual respect is foremost in this classroom.  Please make yourself at home within the classroom, regarding your peers and instructors with utmost respect.

Students should feel free to express ideas/thoughts without making others in the classroom feel uncomfortable.

AC ONLINE COMMUNICATION

Use your personal account to check grades, emails, download course lecture material, etc. 

Students are responsible for checking their accounts daily so that communication about program/course information is current.

Students may also use any of the instructor contact information provided on the syllabus or classroom schedule provided each semester.

Grading Criteria

REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS

Grading Criteria:

The course will consist of the following activities to be scored for course credit:

1. Assignments/Quizzes/DB/Presentations (20%) Major Exams (80%) (Comprehensive Final Exam counts as major exam). 
2. Research Paper and RP Property binder-will be graded per rubric and count as major exam grade.
3. A passing grade for each exam is expected.  If a student does not pass an exam, the student is assigned an "at risk score", prompting them to engage in mandatory remediation (review) for the exam that the student did not pass. 
4. NOTE any exam or quiz of an 79.9 or below requires remediation. Remediation must be emailed to the instructor within 48 hours of taking the exam. For each remediation, and each day, the remediation is late, 2% for each day and remediation will deducted fro the students overall final grade. Remediation is elaborating on why the correct answer is correct, you may not submit just the question and the answer. 
5. Bonus points do not count toward NOT remediating. The base exam score is the evaluator for remediation. 
6. The course content is comprehensive in nature so that students are expected to carry information from one semester to the next.
7. NOTE:  A study guide, chapter objectives/key terms, and summary will be completed out of class and will be used to prepare for exams utilizing textbooks and powerpoint lecture.  This study guide with chapter objectives/key terms, and summary will be utilized and turned in by each student prior to each exam.  Failure to turn in the study guide/key terms/objectives or turning in partial work will result in a drop in a letter grade  (10 points) for each exam that the notes are linked to. If these items are late, 2% will be taken off the already reduced by 10 point grade for each day it is late. No course work is optional, it has to be turned in. *NOTE* ALL math assignments will be counted as a grade worth 100 points, however these are also you study guide to your math exams; therefore if a math assignment is not turned a grade of zero will be given as well as a letter grade drop (10 points) on the exam it is linked to. Math assignments and exams must show work or they will be counted as wrong. 
8. Any assignments missed may result in a zero. Partial credit may be given for late work. If this is decided to be the case the highest grade you can make is a 75, however the assignment must be completed before the student can progress to the next course. When information is missing from an assignment and feedback is left in the grade book for what needs to be corrected, the student has 48 hours to email the missing information to the instructor or the grade will be changed to a zero. It is the students responsibility to check Blackboard everyday. For example if you log on on Tuesday and there is in no bubble indicating feedback, but there is a bubble on Wednesday indicating feedback was left, you have until Friday at midnight to submit the missing information.  Missed quizzes will be recorded as a zero in the grade book.
9. A student may not make over a 100 on an exam even with bonus points. Bonus points may not be applied to another exam.
10. NOTE: Math section assignments will be completed out of class and will be used to prepare for exams utilizing textbooks, videos.
11. The final exams count as one exam.

12. NOTE on Plagiarism. Copying my notes word for word or the text book is plagiarism, you must paraphrase it in your own words. Copying another students assignment, even if you worked together is cheating and plagiarism. Self-plagiarism is also considered cheating. If you are repeating this course, you may not turn in the same work from the course you failed. This is self-plagiarism and is not allowed. Self-plagiarism is grounds for removal from the class with a final grade of an F. The course cannot be repeated, so you are then removed from the program. In order to avoid self plagiarism, all assignments in repeated courses must be hand written if they were originally typed, and typed if they were originally hand written. 

13. NOTE some assignments must be handwritten. Refer to the assignment calendar or instructions. Typed assignments will not be accepted and recorded as a zero. 

14. In order to satisfy the program objectives, a cumulative exam (content from previous semesters) may be given and must be passed. This is a pass/fail exam and will be given in the same week as the course final exam. The student will get two attempts. If the exam is not passed, the student will be removed from the program.

FINAL GRADE EVALUATION (NO ROUNDING of grade)

A= 94.5-100            C=80-84.4

B=84.5-94.4            F=less than 80

MAKE-UP POLICY

If a student is absent on the day of a major exam, quiz, or the day that a topic outline is due, the work will be graded as follows:

1. In order to be fair to students who take scheduled exams at the designated time, makeup exams will lose 15% of the original value for the first exam missed, 20% for the second, 25% for the third, and so forth with an additional 5% ech missed exam.
2. Bonus points may not be applied to make up exams.
3. Major exams must be made up within one school day.
4. Class activities cannot be made up.  It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor to acquire information on missed content.
5. NOTE:  Other arrangements may be made with instructor’s permission on a case-by-case basis.  It is the sole responsibility of the student to communicate the need for other options regarding make-up policies.
6. In the event a community service assignment is taken on, the lowest exam grade will be dropped for those passing the class. Students that have not passed the class based on the average will not be allowed to use the community service to pass them. 

Attendance

 

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class. Likewise, prompt arrival to class is also expected. Attendance will be recorded. Late students will not be allowed into the classroom as we will start on time and it is a distraction to students when someone comes in late. Missing class or being late counts as an infraction, simply be there and be on time. Five points from your overall grade for being late and ten points for missing. Three tardies or two missed days equals an F for the course. 

To be successful and your attendance is critical to your success.  In order to be fair, there is no distinction between an excused and an unexcused absence.  If/when you do miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain notes from your classmates. Do not ask the instructor for notes.

HOWEVER, if you are ill please provide a positive COVID or COVID quarantine note, flu, or strep test and stay home. If these are negative and you feel that you must attend class and are coughing, running fever, vomiting, etc... get a mask and sit away from other students.  Another option is to get a digital recorder and have a classmate record the lecture if you must miss class.

 

MAKE-UP POLICY

If a student is absent on the day of a major exam or class activity, the work will be graded as follows:

1. In order to be fair to students who take scheduled exams at the designated time, makeup exams will lose 15% of the original value for the first exam missed, 20% for the second, 25% for the third, and so forth with an additional 5% ech missed exam.
2. Bonus points may not be applied to make up exams.
3. Major exams must be made up within one school day.
4. Class activities cannot be made up.  It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor to acquire information on missed content.
5. NOTE:  Other arrangements may be made with instructor’s permission on a case-by-case basis.  It is the sole responsibility of the student to communicate the need for other options regarding make-up policies.

Calendar

Additional Information

The course content is aligned with the Master Educational Plan of the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program at Amarillo College.

In addition, the lecture content aligns with the task analysis of the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board and The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

The Nuclear Medicine Technology program at Amarillo College is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Nuclear Medicine Technology.

Student Injuries Information (class and clinical)

https://www.actx.edu/health_sciences/index.php?module=pagesmith&uop=view_page&id=17

HB 1508 Statement 

 

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

 

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense.  For further information, please contact your advisor, the legal clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in.  The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.