RTS4102 · Radiation therapy science 2

Overview

In this unit you will study anatomy, physiology, pathology and oncology of the; integumentary, female reproductive, male reproductive, lower respiratory, lower digestive, urinary and renal systems. You will analyse and apply the principles of radical and palliative radiation therapy planning through online radiation therapy planning curriculum activities and you will learn the foundation principles of treatment and patient care. In addition, you will recognise cross sectional and 3D anatomy from a range of imaging modalities including CT, MRI and PET, and you will gain in-depth knowledge of the molecular basis of cancer. You will be able to analyse a range of cancer management strategies and synthesise these with individual patient diagnoses. This unit also introduces you to the principles of; communication, interprofessional care, ethics, patient centred care, cultural safety, occupational health and safety, national safety and quality in health care standards (including the safe use of medicines), which will be applied during the one week clinical orientation.

Areas of study: Radiation therapy

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

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

Learning outcomes

1. Describe in detail the principles related to cancer biology, the molecular basis of cancer, familial cancers, and the metastatic and systemic effects of cancer.
2. Identify and describe in detail; structural and sectional anatomy, physiology, pathology and oncology related to: male and female reproductive, integumentary, lower digestive, urinary and renal, and lower respiratory systems.
3. Critically analyse radiation therapy planning, treatment and verification techniques with reference to international standards and the evidence-base for the male and female reproductive, integumentary, lower digestive, urinary and renal, and lower respiratory systems.
4. Describe with reference to the evidence-base, acute and late radiation therapy side effects, analysing patient care and management strategies related to the above body systems.
5. Evaluate the role of, and the associated safety considerations and standards relating to surgery, cytotoxic chemotherapy, medications used for supportive care, hormone therapy and other cancer management strategies.
6. Appraise the influence of social issues and cultural safety on the management of patients with cancer.
7. Describe and apply the principles of patient safety, quality management, occupational health and safety and organisational policy related to radiation therapy practice.
8. Analyse and apply communication principles and techniques related to radiation therapy practice.
9. Evaluate the principles of interprofessional practice and apply these to radiation therapy practice.
10. Describe the process of reflective practice and demonstrate critical reflection on experience.
11. Describe the process of how 3D datasets are generated and evaluate the clinical use of 3D images for planning and verification.

Workload

Average of 24 hours per week of structured online synchronous, asynchronous and self-directed learning, for 11 weeks of the semester This includes two 90-minute support tutorials per week One x 2-hour manual handling practical in the semester One x 2-hour online interdisciplinary applied session One week clinical orientation placement

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