RTS4000

Physics and instrumentation for radiation therapy 1 ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Ray Budd

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2005 (OCL)

Synopsis: This unit will instruct students in the areas of; introductory radiation protection, fundamentals of radiation physics and applied mathematics, radioactivity, production of X-rays, radiation detectors, interaction of radiation with matter, conventional radiographic equipment, radiographic imaging, kilovoltage X-ray equipment, the linear accelerator, radiotherapy simulators and portal imaging, quality assurance physics, radiation dose calculations and radiation dose distributions.

Objectives: On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to: 1. understand the principles of radiation protection applicable to the medical use of ionising radiation; 2. understand the scientific concepts of atomic structure and radioactivity; 3. descibe the various types and sources of ionising radiation; 4. recognise and explain the operation of different types of radiation detectors; 5. demonstrate the appropriate use of selected radiation detectors; 6. explain the physical processes involved in the interaction of radiation with matter; 7. understand and explain the principles of radiographic image formation; 8. recognise and describe the basic design features and operating principles of radiation therapy equipment; 9. outline the quality assurance principles and techniques applicable to radiation therapy equipment; and 10. understand the distribution of radiation dose tissue and perform a range of radiation dose calculations.

Assessment: One written examination (three hours): 70% + Two assignments -1500 words each: 30%

Prerequisites: Admission into the Master of Radiation Therapy course

Corequisites: RTS4010 and RTS4021