STRÅL6010 Scientific Subjects and Quality Assurance in Radiotherapy Course description

The course covers the physical and technical aspects that form the basis for radiotherapy, and addresses the core subjects of clinical physics, dosimetry, radiotherapy machines and quality assurance. 

Admission to the programme

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 give an account of ionising radiation and properties of the radiation field and discuss factors that affect dose distribution
• can discuss key concepts used in radiotherapy and assess dose definitions and normalisation
• can describe in detail the structure and functioning of radiotherapy machines and other equipment used in radiotherapy
• can give an account of radioactivity and radionuclides used in radiotherapy
• can assess quantities, units and measuring methods in dosimetry
• can discuss legislation, regulations and guidelines relating to radiotherapy
• can evaluate radiation protection in connection with external and internal radiotherapy
• can give an account of quality assurance and quality development systems in radiotherapy

Skills

The student

• can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different radiation qualities
• can apply and evaluate techniques and equipment used in connection with radiotherapy
• can carry out and discuss basic dose calculations and simulations
• can carry out and interpret geometric and dosimetric calculations
• can carry out checks of radiotherapy equipment and planned treatment

General competence

The student

• can communicate science issues and solutions relating to radiotherapy
• can assess the effect of different radiation qualities on dose distribution
• can analyse quality assurance, non-conformities and handling of non-conformities in radiotherapy

The work and teaching methods used are lectures, self-study, seminars, group and project work, as well as skills training and lab exercises under supervision.

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

• minimum 80 per cent attendance in connection with the introduction to the study programme, skills training, lab exercises and scheduled group and project work

Combined exam consisting of two parts:

1. Individual project assignment, 2,500 words (+/- 20 per cent)

2. Supervised individual written exam, 3 hours 

One overall grade is awarded. The two exam parts count equally towards the grade. Both parts must be passed (A-E) in order to pass the exam. 

Resit exam: If the written exam is awarded an F, it must be retaken. If the project assignment is awarded an F, the student will be given one (1) more chance to submit a reworked version for the exam.

Part 1: All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Part 2: Calculator

Grade scale A-F.

An external and an internal examiner will assess all exams.