Physics of Radiotherapy, 5 Credits

Contents

The course deals with different methods and highlights key safety aspects of radiotherapy and provides a good basis for work as a medical physicist in a radiotherapy department.

The course covers methods of internal and external radiotherapy, intensity modulation, as well as combination treatment with surgery, chemotherapy or hyperthermia. Different calculation algorithms for treatment planning, the impact of inhomogeneities, simulation and control systems as well as radiation biological aspects of radiation therapy with models for fractional treatment are studied. Radiation protection aspects for both patients and staff is also included. The course includes  mandatory laboratory work.

The course comprises two modules:
1. Theory, 3.5 credits
2. Laboratory Work, 1.5 credits

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

• Independently describe the most common treatment techniques in radiation therapy.
• Demonstrate insight into modern and future technologies for radiation delivery and dose planning.

Skills and Abilities

• Independently calculatethe absorbed dose to the patient for photons and charged particles.
• Have insight into dose planning and dose specifications for both external radiation therapy and Brachytherapy.
• Be able to apply international conventions for target definition and standardization.

Judgement and approach

• Critically evaluate biological models for radiation therapy.
• Critically evaluate dosage plans for external beam radiation therapy.

Required Knowledge

University: Radiobiology and Radiation Protection 7.5 ECTS, Physics of X-Rays 7.5 ECTS and Applied Dosimetry 5 ECTS, or corresponding. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The teaching is campus-based and consists of lectures, calculation exercises, seminars and supervised laboratories. The laboratories are compulsory. The language of instruction is in Swedish or English.

Examination modes

Module 1: Theoretical part 3.5 credits
The module is examined with written exam. The grade is  assessed with Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with merit (VG).

Module 2: Laboratory work 1.5 credits.
The module is examined with written laboratory reports. The grade is assessed with Fail (U) or Pass (G).

On the whole course the grades Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with merit (VG) are set. To pass the course it requires that all examinations and obligatory tasks are approved. The grade is based on the grade set at module 1, and is set after all mandatory elements are approved.

Students who received a passing grade on an examination may not retake the examination.

Students who do not pass the regular examination renewed examination in accordance with the Umeå University Regulations for tests and examinations at the undergraduate and graduate level (FS 1.1-574-22.) could be arranged. The first re-test is offered not later than two months after the first examination. When the ordinary examination takes place in May or June, d a first retesting opportunity is given within three months after the first examination. In addition, at least another re-test within one year of regular examination is offered.
In cases where the exam can not be repeated under the current rules for retesting the exam should instead be replaced with another task. The scope and content of such task should not be disproportionate to the missed exam.

A student who has passed two tests for a course or part of a course without a passing result, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons against it (HF ch. 6 § 22). The request for a new examiner is made to the head of the Department of Radiation Sciences. For more information, see Rules for grades and examinations at basic and advanced level, dnr: FS 1.1-574-22.
 

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.