MABIOD4300 Medical Use of Radiation Course description

The course deals with the biological basis for, and effects of, the medical use of radiation, focusing on ionising radiation. The main emphasis is on biological effects and factors that affect radiosensitivity and the use of radiation in diagnosis, screening, and treatment. Ethical challenges for the individual and the society are also highlighted.

The course is carried out in collaboration with McMaster University in Canada.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme. The course is also offered as an individual course.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student has

• advanced knowledge of the characteristics of the types of radiation used in medical diagnostics and treatment
• in-depth knowledge of radiobiological long-term effects at the molecular, cell, and organ level when using low and high doses
• in-depth and specialised knowledge of genetic variations and other factors that affect cells’ radiosensitivity
• in-depth knowledge of the main theories and models used to estimate radiation effects and long-term side effects
• in-depth knowledge of the principles behind new radiation-based technology, its potential for medical application and potential consequences for radiation protection and long-term effects
• insight into radiation protection policies at a national and international level, and radiation protection guidelines

Skills

The student is capable of

• analysing how medical use of radiation is influenced by technological, medical, sociocultural and political factors
• applying existing theories and models in the use of radiation with regards to interpreting possible long-term effects

Competence

The student is capable of

• identifying societal challenges relating to the use of new technology that applies ionising radiation
• participating in discussions with other experts in the field about choices of treatment techniques and diagnostic methods
• identifying and discussing ethical challenges relating to medical use of radiation at the individual and societal level, including the assessment and communication of risk

This web-based course is carried out in English. Work and teaching methods include e-lectures, online seminars with oral student presentations and discussions, group work and self-study. For the preparation of the student oral presentations, a digital group tutorial session can be arranged.

The course is disseminated and implemented through OlsoMet’s digital learning platform. Students must have good internet access and computer equipment that allows for communication both by sound and image.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• Online attendance at two online seminars at set times
• Online oral presentation of two web-based seminar assignments, in groups of at least two and maximum three students

The course deals with statistical tools used in biomedical research, method development and method validation at medical laboratories. The course also comprises quality assurance systems for such laboratories.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme. The course is also offered as an individual course.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has advanced knowledge of the selection and use of statistical methods in research and method validation
• has in-depth knowledge of systems and procedures for monitoring quality and quality assurance of analysis processes
• is capable of describing systems and processes related to the accreditation and certification of medical laboratories
• has advanced knowledge of the assessments that form the basis for the establishment of a reference area
• has advanced knowledge of how analysis methods’ specificity, sensitivity and test accuracy are decided and evaluated
• is capable of explaining the concepts predictive value, odds ratio, and ROC curves
• is capable of explaining the laws and regulations that regulate medical laboratory activities
• has advanced knowledge of how to carry out durability tests of sample material
• has advanced knowledge of analytical variation in terms of repeatability and reproducibility

Skills

The student is capable of

• applying statistical methods and tools, such as table analysis, variance analysis, correlation, and simple and multiple, linear and logistic regression
• carrying out and explaining hypothesis testing, parametric and non-parametric methods, as well as correlation and regression analysis
• using one and two-way variance analysis for repeated measurements
• assessing and discussing the importance of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical sources of error related to the result/quality of the analysis
• choosing and applying statistical methods used to quality assure medical laboratories
• planning and carrying out comparisons of analysis methods and assessing measures

Competence

The student is capable of

• discussing and analysing relevant issues and actively contribute to the execution of advanced work tasks related to quality control and quality assurance in laboratories

Work and teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group work and self-study.