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Free Radical and Radiation Biology

The Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program provides in-depth training and research experience in the physical, chemical, and biological effects of radiation. It also focuses on free radical biology. Free radicals, which are generated in great number by radiation, play a major role in the interaction of radiation with biological systems. Free radicals are of great interest to basic researchers and clinicians because of their role in a variety of diseases and pathological states, including aging and cancer. The program stresses the importance of all of these areas to scientific research, clinical medicine, and public health.

Undergraduate Education

Three courses, 077:103 Radiation Biology, and 077:107 Special Topics: Advanced Undergraduates and 077:108 Special Topics: Advanced Undergraduates, are open to University of Iowa undergraduates. Students who want an overview of the biological effects of radiation, including the role of free radicals, will find 077:103 Radiation Biology especially appropriate. All three courses are appropriate for students who plan to enter medicine, nuclear medicine technology, environmental health, or related programs.

Graduate Programs

The Carver College of Medicine administers graduate programs in free radical and radiation biology; graduate degrees are granted through the Graduate College. See Carver College of Medicine and Graduate College in the Catalog for general information about study in medicine and graduate study at the University.

The Master of Science requires a minimum of 30 s.h. of graduate credit; the Doctor of Philosophy requires a minimum of 72 s.h. of graduate credit.

The M.S. and Ph.D. programs in free radical and radiation biology are open to graduate students with a background in physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, health sciences, veterinary medicine, or engineering.

After completing the introductory course 077:103 Radiation Biology, students typically concentrate on a particular aspect of the field. Some students elect to focus on radiation biology, while others choose to emphasize free radical biology.

In addition to formal lectures and some structured laboratory exercises, plans of study for free radical and radiation biology students involve small-group conferences, discussions, and seminars. Students are encouraged to spend at least one semester as a teaching assistant, for which no registration is required and no academic credit is given.

Postgraduate Training

Postdoctoral training is available by arrangement with the program's director and individual faculty members. Contact the Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program.

Financial Support

Graduate students are supported as graduate assistants from funds available through research grants and contracts or from departmental funds. Individual postdoctoral awards also may be available; the candidate and his or her faculty sponsor apply for them jointly.

Facilities

The Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program has a 300 kVp orthovoltage X-ray generator and other radiation sources, including a kilo-Curie Cs-137 irradiator. Students and staff also have access to other radiation sources, such as the Co-60 gamma source and linear accelerators in the Department of Radiation Oncology.

The program has a number of radiation detectors and counters, including liquid scintillation counters. It also has ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometers; various types of equipment for densitometry, chromatography, and electrophoresis; molecular biology equipment, including thermal cyclers; an automatic cell counter and particle sizer; tissue culture facilities; Typhoon Phosphoimager; HPLC; Electron Spin Resonance Spectrometers; and nitric oxide analyzers.