PH5023 Monte Carlo Radiation Transport Techniques

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Normally only taken in the final year of an MPhys or MSci programme involving the School, or as part of MSc Astrophysics.

Module description

This module introduces the theory and practice behind Monte Carlo radiation transport codes for use in physics, astrophysics, atmospheric physics, and medical physics. Included in the module: recap of basic radiation transfer; techniques for sampling from probability distribution functions; a simple isotropic scattering code; computing the radiation field, pressure, temperature, and ionisation structure; programming skills required to write Monte Carlo codes; code speed-up techniques and parallel computing; three-dimensional codes. The module assessment will be 100% continuous assessment comprising homework questions and small projects where students will write their own and modify existing Monte Carlo codes.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

UNDERGRADUATES: BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS PH2012 AND PASS AT LEAST 1 MODULE FROM {AS3013, PH3080, PH3081, PH3082}.

Assessment pattern

Coursework (worksheets = 50%, 3-hour computing test = 25%, 1-hour Class Test = 25%) = 100%

Re-assessment

No Re-assessment available - laboratory based

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 or 3 x 1hr lectures x 5 weeks, 1hr tutorial x 5 weeks, 2hr computer session x 3 weeks.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Use random numbers to sample events and processes from analytic or tabulated probability distributions.
  • Understand the structure of Monte Carlo radiation?transfer and neutron?transport codes, including absorption, scattering, fission, and 3?D density structures.
  • Use Monte Carlo detectors and estimators to compute physical quantities such as flux, fluence, and radiation pressure.
  • Apply variance?reduction techniques, including forced first scattering, weighting methods, roulette, and next?event estimators.
  • Write Fortran routines to sample probability distributions and build Monte Carlo simulations for photon and neutron transport in simple geometries.
  • Adapt publicly available 3?D Monte Carlo codes for specific photon?transport problems, including applications in biological tissue, photobleaching, and photodynamic therapy.

Additional information from school

For guidance on AS and PH modules please consult the School Handbook at https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/students/ug/timetables-handbooks/