MARAD4300 Medical Use of Radiation Course description

The course is fully digital and deals with the biological basis for, and effects of, 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 was developed in partnership with McMaster University in Canada and Oslo University College.

Students must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health and Technology - Specialisation in Radiography. The course can be taken as an elective course by students admitted to the specialisation in biomedicine, if places are available. The course is also offered as an individual course. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required for admission to the course.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can analyse characteristics of types of radiation used in medical diagnostics and treatment
• can analyse radiobiological long-term effects at the molecular, cell and organ level when using low and high doses
• can analyse genetic variations and other factors that affect the radiosensitivity of cells
• can critically assess and discuss the main theories and models used to estimate radiation effects and long-term side effects
• can critically assess the principles behind new radiation-based technology, its potential for medical application and potential consequences for radiation protection and long-term effects
• can identify and evaluate radiation protection policies at the national and international level, and radiation protection guidelines

Skills

The student

• can analyse and critically assess how medical use of radiation is influenced by technological, medical, sociocultural and political factors
• can discuss and critically assess existing theories and models in the use of radiation with regard to interpreting possible long-term effects

General competence

The student

• can interpret and critically assess societal challenges associated with the use of new technology that applies ionising radiation
• can participate in discussions with other experts in the field about choices of treatment techniques and diagnostic methods
• can identify and discuss ethical challenges relating to medical use of radiation at the individual and societal level, including the assessment and communication of risk
• can work to ensure good health and promote quality of life for all, regardless of age
• can safeguard the universal right to equitable health services and reduced inequality by focusing on justification, optimisation and radiation dose when using medical radiation

The course is web-based and is taught in English or Norwegian, depending on whether there are English-speaking students following the course. Work and teaching methods includee-lessons (which include video lectures and online resources), digital seminars and follow-up sessions with oral student presentations and discussions, group work and self-study. Students may arrange for supervision by a lecturer in connection with preparation for presentations.

Web-based teaching takes place via OsloMet’s digital learning platforms. Students need good internet access and computer equipment that enables sound and image communication.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• digital presence at two seminars held at a set time
• oral, digital presentation of two seminar assignments, in groups of between two and four students The size of the group will depend on the number of participants. If the course is taught in English, the presentations must be given in English.

Individual oral exam (held digitally), up to 30 min.

The exam can be taken in English or a Scandinavian language.

None.

Grade scale A-F.

All answers are assessed by two examiners. An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

10 credits overlap with MABIO4300 Medical Use of Radiation.