RTS4101 · Radiation therapy science 1

Overview

The focus of this unit is an in-depth understanding of the key facets of radiation physics. You will be able to define radiation and radioactive decay. You will be able to describe in detail the interactions of radiation with matter, and explain how radiation is detected and measured. You will gain an appreciation for the importance of radiation safety, and will be encouraged to critically reflect on the implications of radiation protection in your clinical experiences. You will also be given an introduction to medical radiations instrumentation and techniques, with emphasis on the fusion of the conceptual theory with the practical applications. Whilst studying these topics, you will be encouraged to critically reflect, analyse and synthesise relevant information from the literature and your previous experiences of studying physics.

Areas of study: Radiation therapy

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Define and calculate radioactivity, and describe in detail radioactive decay processes;
2. Explain the scientific concepts involving the production and properties of ionising and non-ionising radiation, and the physical processes involved in the interactions of ionising and non-ionising radiation with matter;
3. Discuss the principles of, and equipment used for, radiation detection and measurement;
4. Describe the importance of radiation safety and analyse the techniques and engineering controls used in radiation protection;
5. Recognise and describe the basic design features, operating principles and the quality assurance checks for medical radiation equipment;
6. Describe the principles and practice of Radiation Treatment Planning.

Workload

8 hours of online synchronous tutorials via zoom per semester, proposed schedule of four 2-hour online Tutorials across the semester. For the weeks with a Tutorial: 2 hours of Tutorials, 4 hours of directed, structured learning through interactive online learning packages and tutor moderated discussion forums per week, and 5-6 hours of self-directed study per week. For the weeks without a Tutorial: 6 hours of directed and structured learning through interactive online learning packages and tutor moderated discussion forums per week, and 5-6 hours of self-directed study per week. Total per week = 12 hours

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.