Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit will introduce the student to the current scientific theories of the molecular basis of cancer, facilitate student understanding about the phenomenon of metastasis and the mechanisms of spread throughout the body, and address the pathology and aetiology of cancer. The unit will also deal with the principles of human bioethics and their application in the radiation oncology context and present students with theories of health psychology, health behaviour and stress and their relationship to the illness known as cancer.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate and communicate a broad and critical conceptual understanding of:

1. The pathology and aetiology of cancer;
2. Metastasis and mechanisms of spread throughout the body and how cancer affects the patient;
3. The molecular basis of cancer;
4. Human bioethics and medico-legal issues and its application to the medical setting and the radiation oncology context; and
5. Theories of health psychology and health behaviour and their application in treating the cancer patient with radiotherapy.

Assessment

2 Clinical action plans (1500 words) and accompanying comparative reports (1500 words): 40%
Written examination (two hours): 60%

Prerequisites

Admission into the Master of Medical Radiations (Radiation Therapy)

Co-requisites

MMR4000, RTS4021