| CODE | RAD3343 | ||||||
| TITLE | Radiotherapy Science | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Radiography | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | 1. Radiation Biology: - Effects of radiation on the normal and tumour cell; target theory; radiobiological factors e.g. OER, LET, RBE etc; effects of fractionation; kinetic changes after irradiation, apoptosis, regeneration of tumours, recruitment of non-cycling clonogenic tumour cells, response of tumour sub-populations; immediate / late effects of ionising radiation on normal tissues; tolerance limits. - Treatment policies. Categorisation of patients during radiotherapy. 2. Imaging in Radiotherapy: - The appropriate selection and application of imaging modalities in radiotherapy. - Principles of operation of imaging modalities used in radiotherapy: components and design features of the equipment; basic imaging procedures; safety and patient care. 3. Advanced radiotherapy treatment techniques: - Intensity modulated radiotherapy. - Volumetric modulated radiotherapy. - Gating. - Stereotactic radiotherapy. - Tomotherapy. 4. Particle beam therapies: - Electron, proton and neutron beams. - Characteristics of particle beams and their use in radiotherapy. - Practical applications of particle therapies to include treatment techniques, factors affecting the isodose distribution, treatment reactions and shielding devices. - Radiation protection – room and equipment design with respect to particle producing equipment. 5. Equipment for Radiotherapy: - Factors involved in the selection and purchasing of therapeutic radiographic equipment. Study-Unit Aims: The aim of this study-unit is to develop student's knowledge of the different aspects of radiotherapy science including radiobiology, particle therapies, imaging in radiotherapy. Knowledge regarding management and operation of equipment, both in planning and administration of radiotherapy treatments, will also be developed. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate an understanding of current developments and trends in technology and its applications to radiotherapy. - Discuss the applications of particle therapies. - Explain the physical concepts and principles in the design and construction of radiotherapy particle therapy equipment. - Describe the radiobiological principles and other factors to be considered when choosing various treatment methods for malignant and benign conditions. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Discuss the role of imaging within radiotherapy and oncology. - Examine the concepts of radiation physics and discuss its role in the preparation and administration of radiotherapy treatments. 3. Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to identify potential radiation hazards according to legislature and apply this knowledge to the working environment. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Williams, J.R. & Thwaites, D.I. (2001) Radiotherapy Physics. (2nd edition). Oxford: Oxford Medical Publications. - Hall, E.J. & Giaccia, A.J. (2012) Radiobiology for the Radiologist. (7th edition). Philadelphia: Lippincott. - Hoskin, P. (editor) (2006) Radiotherapy in Practice: External Beam Radiotherapy. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Supplementary Readings: - Graham, D.T., Cloke, P. & Vosper, M. (2007) Principles of Radiological Physics. (5th edition) Oxford: Elsevier Ltd. - National Radiotherapy Advisory Group (2007) Radiotherapy: developing a world class service for England. Report to Ministers from National Radiotherapy Advisory Group. - The Royal College of Radiologists, Society and College of Radiographers, Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, National Patient Safety Agency, British Institute of Radiology. (2008) Towards Safer Radiotherapy. London: The Royal College of Radiologists. -Webb, S. (2005) Contemporary IMRT: Developing Physics and Clinical Implementation. Bristol: Institute of Physics Publishing. This list is not exhaustive. Students may also wish to use radiotherapy / oncology based journals and radiotherapy equipment journals / information. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Independent Study, Demonstrations & Lectures | ||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Sara Rosas Jose Guilherme Couto Susan Mercieca Gerbert Van Dijk |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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