This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2016 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

RTS5102 - Radiation therapy science 5

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Catherine Kealley and Dr Caroline Wright

Offered

Clayton

First semester 2016 (Online)

Synopsis

This unit covers advanced medical radiations physics with a specific focus on image formation and instrumentation. Students will gain an in-depth conceptual understanding of the instrumentation used for each of the diagnostic imaging modalities. Students will undertake a critical review of the physical properties responsible for image formation. Students will acquire an appreciation of the Image Registration process and the importance of combination imaging in radiation therapy. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge in the underlying theory and corresponding advancements in clinical radiation therapy instrumentation. Students will apply this knowledge in a critical review of advanced radiation therapy techniques.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

Illustrate the principles of operation and image formation of CT, PET, MRI and Ultrasound modalities reflecting on their use in radiation therapy;
Discuss Image Registration and evaluate the advantages gained from combination imaging;
Describe the scientific concepts and analyse the clinical applications of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy;
Evaluate the principles of Image-Guided Radiotherapy, describing the instrumentation and equipment used;
Appraise the advanced techniques of radiation therapy including Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Brachytherapy.

Assessment

Two assignments (2,000 words each) (40%)
Presentation and critical review (10%)
Written invigilated examination (2 hours) (50%)

Hurdle: To pass this unit, students must:
Achieve a combined mark of 50% or more of the available marks for the assignments and presentation/critical review combined,
Achieve 50% or more of the available marks for the written examination and
Achieve a total aggregate mark for this unit of 50% or more.