PHYS5403 Radiotherapy Physics
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 2 UWA (Perth) Multi-mode - Content
- Students gain an understanding of the origins of ionising radiation, how radiation is detected and measured, and learn about the equipment used to measure radiation. The basic principles of radiotherapy methods and equipment are explored and an understanding of clinical beams, dosimetry, treatment planning, quality assurance and radiotherapy techniques are developed.
- Outcomes
- Students are able to (1) demonstrate understanding of the origins of ionising radiation and its interaction with matter; (2) describe the principles of detection and accurate measurement of radiation; (3) understand the fundamental principles underlying basic radiation measurement instruments and describe how to use these instruments to measure radiation; (4) understand the principles underlying radiotherapy methods and radiotherapy equipment; (5) understand the characteristics of clinical beams and their measurement; (6) understand dosimetry measurements used in radiotherapy; (7) describe acceptance, commissioning, and quality assurance of equipment in radiotherapy; (8) understand basic treatment planning in radiotherapy; (9) understand the use of sealed and unsealed sources in radiotherapy, including the basic principles of brachytherapy; and (10) discuss a range of clinical applications and novel radiotherapy techniques and their advantages.
- Assessment
- Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments; (2) tutorial preparation and participation; and (3) final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit. - Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Pejman Rowshan Farzad
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites:
- enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Medical Physics specialisation)
and
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major
or
equivalent. - Advisable prior study:
- PHYS5404 Radiation Physics and Dosimetry
- Contact hours
- 2 - 3 hours per week plus an extra hour of practicals in some weeks.
- Texts
Johns, H. E. and Cunningham, J. R. The Physics of Radiology, 4th edn: Springfield 1984
Khan, F. The Physics of Radiation Therapy, 4th edn: Williams and Wilkins 2010
Khan, F. M. Treatment Planning in Radiation Oncology: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins 2007
Mayles, P., Nahum, A. and Rosenwald, J. C. Handbook of Radiotherapy Physics: Theory and Practice: Taylor & Francis 2007
Podgorsak, E. B. Radiation Oncology Physics: a Handbook for Teachers and Students: International Atomic Energy Agency 2005
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Books and other material wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary reading', 'Recommended reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. Where texts are listed in the unit description above, an asterisk (*) indicates that the book is available in paperback.