Medical Physics in Radiotherapy

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

Objectives: The course objective is to understand the general theory, concepts and methods used in radiotherapy, including also particle therapy.

 

Content: The course will provide knowledge into the theory and methods that are applied for treatment of cancer with ionizing radiation both using photons and particles. This will include several subjects with the main being: introduction to the use of external beam radiation therapy, basic physics interactions and dosimetry, particle accelerators for radiation therapy, how to derive a dose distribution including different treatment techniques, dose optimization, basic radio-biological interactions and their impact on treatment and methods for treatment delivery.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

 

Knowledge

The student should be able to:

  • Describe the physical interactions, radio-biological rational and theory behind radiation therapy
  • Describe the generation and characterization of a treatment beam
  • Understands in detail the different parts in the workflow for planning and delivery of radiation therapy treatments
  • Account for advantages and disadvantages with different treatment techniques and types of radiation

 

Skills

The student should be able to communicate his/hers acquired knowledge in oral presentations as well as through written exercises. Through practical exercises the student will practice and govern knowledge of how and what to consider when creating a treatment plan.

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Bachelor and master

Semester of Instruction

Autumn
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
None
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures and exercises.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
  • Exercises will count for 20% of the final grade and all exercises must be submitted to qualify for the final exam.
  • Forms of Assessment
    The course will be evaluated as follows:
    • Exercises will count for 20% of the final grade. All exercises must be submitted to qualify for the final exam
    • Oral exam will count for 80% of the final grade
    Reading List
    The reading list will be ready before June 1st for the autumn semester and December 1st for the spring semester. 
    Examination Support Material
    None
    Programme Committee
    The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.
    Course Administrator
    The Department of Physics and technology has the administrative responsibility for the course.