The Bachelor of Radiation Sciences combines scientific and technical knowledge with studies in health and patient care. Radiation therapy uses ionising radiation for the treatment of cancer and benign conditions. Topics covered include radiation physics and instrumentation, radiobiology, imaging anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, oncology, radiation therapy, cancer management strategies, general radiography, medical ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Beginner-level clinical skills are developed in radiation therapy planning, radiation therapy treatment, and patient care and management. Psychology, medico-legal and ethical aspects of health care, cultural and communicative competence, and occupational health and safety are also addressed.
Undergraduate - Course
Commencement year
This course entry applies to students commencing this course in 2018 and should be read in conjunction with information provided in the 'Faculty information' section of this Handbook by the Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.
Unit codes that are not linked to their entry in the Handbook are not available for study in the current year.
Course code
M2013
Credit points
144
Abbreviated title
BRadiationSc
Managing faculty
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Admission and fees
Course progression map
M2013 (pdf)
Course type
Specialist
Bachelor
Standard duration
3 years FT, 6 years PT
Students have a maximum of 8 years to complete this course including any periods of intermission and suspension, and must be continuously enrolled throughout.
Mode and location
On-campus (Clayton)
Students are required to study some units at Caulfield campus.
Award
Bachelor of Radiation Sciences
Notes
This course is not available to international students who are holders of an Australian student visa, for study onshore in Australia. However holders of some other categories of Australian visas living in Australia, and students studying off-campus by distance learning (where this option is available) and living outside of Australia, may be eligible for this course.
Description
Outcomes
These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 7 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).
Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:
- demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the scientific concepts underpinning radiation physics and including digital image processing, magnetic resonance imaging and medical ultrasound
- apply knowledge of the biological consequences of ionising and non-ionising radiation and scientific principles informing radiation dosimetry and radiation safety to the radiation therapy professional context
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding at the beginner level of practice the protocols and techniques associated with radiation treatment and planning processes
- synthesise knowledge of the practice of general radiography, medical ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for application in the field of radiation therapy practice
- identify relevant aspects of the theories informing the psychosocial basis of illness and disease for application in radiation therapy practice across diverse clinical contexts
- apply knowledge of imaging anatomy, human health, disease and promotion in the radiation therapy professional context
- critically apply ethical concepts and knowledge of the Australian health system and medico- legal framework to the practice of radiation therapy
- collect, organise, analyse, interpret and report health data
- communicate effectively with patients and the inter-professional team using a variety of formats
- exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.
Special requirements
You must refer to the information available on the special requirements outlined below. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation.
Police checks
You must have a current Police check regarding your suitability to undertake placements. Refer to the faculty's Police checksPolice checks (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/current/police-checks.html) webpage.
Working with Children checks
You must have a current Working with Children check regarding your suitability to undertake placements. Refer to the faculty's Working with Children checksWorking with Children checks (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/current/wwc-check.html) webpage.
Immunisation and infection requirements
In accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council recommendations, this course requires that you comply with the faculty's Immunisation and vaccination policy and proceduresImmunisation and vaccination policy and procedures (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/current/immunisation/). These are designed to provide maximum protection against the increased risk of some vaccine preventable diseases for students, patients and workers in a health care setting.
This policy, and the associated procedures require that you have certain specified vaccinations, and have you blood borne virus status determined, before they commence a clinical placement. If you have not complied with this policy you may not be able to undertake clinical placement, with the attendant academic consequences.
Prospective students are provided detailed information on the effect of blood borne virus infection on the scope of practice of health care workers. If you test positive to a blood borne virus (including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C) you will be required to consult a specialist medical practitioner approved by the faculty to provide advice on any necessary restrictions on work practices to protect patients and others from infection.
Structure
The course develops through four themes of: personal and professional development; population, communities, health and illness; the scientific basis of health care; and applied practice.
Part A. Personal and professional development
These studies will develop your understanding of the roles, responsibilities and expectations of health professionals and the personal and professional attributes you will need in the workplace. These include communication and interpersonal skills, teamwork, critical thinking, ethical and legal issues, and reflective practice. You will also learn about research methodologies and the application of research to the field of health.
Part B. Population, communities, health and illness
The focus of these studies is the social, environmental and behavioural contexts of ill health, disease and injury and broad societal issues such as health promotion, the application of epidemiology and statistics in the assessment of health risk in populations, public health, community diversity, population and global health. You will also develop a sound understanding of evidence-based practice.
Part C. Scientific basis of health care practice
These studies provide the foundation scientific knowledge of human systems and technology that you will require to become an expert in the field of radiation sciences. This will include physical, biomedical, mathematical and behavioural sciences.
Part D. Professional practice skills
This theme addresses competencies for the radiation sciences. The focus will be on the incorporation of the best available research evidence with the clinical reasoning skills of assessment, management, evaluation and health care across the lifespan and across a spectrum of environments and circumstances.
Requirements
This course comprises 144 points, of which 48 points are foundation study and 96 points are from radiation sciences study.
The course develops through theme studies in: Part A. Personal and professional development; Part B. Population, communities, health and illness; Part C. Scientific basis of health care; and Part D. Professional practice skills.
The course progression map will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.
Units are six points unless otherwise stated.
Foundation Studies (48 points)
You must complete:
- BMA1011 Foundation of anatomy and physiology for health practice 1*
- BMA1012 Foundations of anatomy and physiology for health practice 2*
- FIT1052 Digital futures: IT shaping society
- FIT3180 Data management for health informatics
- HSC1100 Introduction to research and evidence
- PBH2001 Foundations of epidemiology*
- HSC1400 The Australian healthcare system*
- MTH1010 Functions and their applications (students who have completed maths methods in high school are not required to undertake this unit and can select an elective)
* These units are offered at Caulfield campus.
Radiation sciences studies (96 points)
- RAD1022 Medical radiation science: Physical principles
- RAD2001 Medical imaging science: Radiographic principles
- RAD2002 Medical imaging anatomy
- RAD2003 Medical imaging science: Nuclear medicine
- RAD2004 Pathophysiology for medical radiation science 1
- RAD2005 Medical radiation science: Professional skills 1
- RAD2006 Pathophysiology for medical radiation science 2
- RAD2007 Medical radiation science: Professional skills 2
- RAD3002 Medical imaging science: Computed tomography and digital image processing
- RAD3061 Medical imaging science (ultrasound)
- RAD4503 Magnetic resonance imaging: Physics, instrumentation and safety
- RTS2101 Fundamentals of cancer and its management
- RTS4101 Radiation therapy science 1
- RTS4103 Radiation therapy science 3
- RTS4104 Radiation therapy principles and practice 1
- RTS4105 Radiation therapy principles and practice 2
Progression to further studies
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Radiation Sciences are eligible to apply for admission to M6012 Master of Social Work and M6004 Master of Radiation Therapy. A credit average is required for entry into the Master of Radiation Therapy.
Students graduating with the Bachelor of Radiation Sciences and admitted to the Master of Radiation Therapy will be eligible to receive 24 points of credit towards it. Upon successful completion of the masters, they will be eligible for general registration as a radiation therapist from the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia.