STRÅL6110 Radiobiology and Treatment Planning in Radiotherapy Course description

The course focuses on radiobiology and radiation effects on tumours/normal tissue as the basis for treatment planning in radiotherapy. The course includes dose planning and assessment of dose distribution as well as fixation, simulation and quality assurance of the planned radiotherapy.

Scope of the course: 15 credits

• Radiobiology: 6 credits
• Treatment planning: 3 credits
• quality assurance:1 credits
• Practical radiotherapy: 5 credits

Students who are to take the exam in the course should have relevant prior knowledge of radiation physics and oncology.

Admission to the programme

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 in-depth knowledge of radiobiological effects at molecular and cell level
• has advanced knowledge of the effect of ionising radiation on normal tissue and tumour tissue
• has in-depth knowledge of the biological aspects and radiobiology models that form the basis for the planning and delivery of radiotherapy
• has in-depth knowledge of the definition of margins, target volumes and high-risk organs
• has in-depth knowledge of treatment principles and techniques in radiotherapy
• has in-depth knowledge of criteria and tools for assessing dose distribution
• has in-depth knowledge of recommendations and guidelines for treatment planning
• has broad knowledge of quality control, procedures and documentation of planning and treatment

Skills

The student

• is capable of using knowledge of topographic anatomy and different image modalities in treatment planning and quality assurance
• is capable of justifying the choice of fixation method, patient position and treatment technique
• is capable of analysing and critically assessing volumes and margins in radiotherapy
• has practical skills in treatment planning and radiotherapy
• is capable of analysing and critically assessing different choices and considerations made during the planning phase to assess the treatment plan based on given assessment criteria
• is capable of assessing the biological effects of radiotherapy on tumours, high-risk organs and normal tissue, and of justifying the choice of fractionation pattern

Competence

The student

• is capable of discussing and analysing problems related to radiobiology and the planning of radiotherapy treatment
• is capable of integrating knowledge of and skills in natural science and oncology in issues relating to treatment planning
• is capable of justifying choices and assessments made in connection with the quality assurance of radiotherapy
• has insight into and is capable of identifying ethical issues in connection with treatment planning in radiotherapy

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

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

• minimum 80 per cent attendance in skills training, workshops and scheduled group and project work

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Combined exam consisting of two parts:

1. Individual project assignment, 3,000 words (+/- 20%)

2. Supervised individual written exam, 3 hours

The two exam parts count equally towards the grade. Both parts must be passed (A-E) in order to pass the exam. If the written exam is awarded an F, it must be retaken. If the project assignment is awarded an F, the student is given one more chance to submit a reworked version for the exam.

Part 1: All aids are permitted.

Part 2: Calculator

Grade scale A-F.

All the exam papers will be assesses by an external and an internal examiner.