Applied Dosimetry, 5 Credits

Contents

The course provides in depth knowledge of modern methods of measuring and control of accelerators for radiotherapy.
The course covers radiation dosimetry for external beam therapy sources, with focus on photon and electron as well as parameters affecting the radiation field appearance and spectral distribution. Also radiation field with protons and light ions are covered. The course also contains international dosimetry protocol and calibration of non absolute dosimeters as well as the use of air and liquid ionization chambers,  diod, etc. for survey and control of therapeutic radiation sources. The course also covers the calibration of brachytherapy sources.

The course includes mandatory laboratory work

The course comprises three modules
1. Theory, 1.5 credits
2. Calculation part, 1.5 credits
3. Laboratory Work, 2 credits

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

• In detail report on analytical methods and relevant algorithms for dose calculations.
• In detail describe how radiation therapy accelerators create and shape radiation fields that meet clinical requirements.
• Report on the basic principles of the most common models and algorithms used for 3D dose calculations in patients in radiation therapy.

Skills and Abilities

• Independently apply relevant dosimetry protocols for dose determination and calibration of radiation therapy equipment for external as well as internal radiation therapy.
• Independently apply methods for quality control of the radiation treatment process.
• Demonstrate the ability to calibrate relevant dosimeters for measurement and control of radiation therapy equipment.
• Independently perform the type of dosimetric measurements required to characterize a treatment beam in a dose planning system.

Judgement and approach

• Critically analyze the beam field characteristics and thoroughly summarize the parameters that affect the spectral distribution.

Required Knowledge

University: Radiation Dosimetry, 15 ECTS and Radiation Biology and Radiation Protection, 7.5 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 is conducted in the form of lectures, calculation exercises, laboratories and seminars. Laboratories and seminars are compulsory. The language of instruction is Swedish or English.

Examination modes

Module 1: Theoretical part 1.5 credits
The module is examined with written exam. The grade is assessed with Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with merit (VG).

Module 2: Calculation part 1.5 credits.
The module is examined with a written homework assignment. The grade on the module is assessed as Fail (U), or Pass (G).

Module 3: Laboratory work 2 credits.
The module  is examined with written laboratory report. 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 a summary assessment of the results of the examinations of module 1 and 2, where module 1 is given a weighting factor of 1/2 and module 2 a weighting factor of 1/2, and is set after all mandatory elements are approved.

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

Deviations from the course syllabus examination form can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support due to disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the expected syllabus of the course syllabus. At the request of the student, the course responsible teacher, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision must then be communicated to the student.

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.