Course Title: Radiation Therapy Methods 3

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Radiation Therapy Methods 3

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

RADI1146

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

160H Medical Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009

Course Coordinator: Albert Low

Course Coordinator Phone: 99257943

Course Coordinator Email: albert.low@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 201.08.11


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

This course builds upon the theory presented in Radiation Therapy Methods 1 and 2, with a focus on the application of this theory to the rationale of oncological management of the cancer patient. Students will focus on tumour biology, disease, and normal tissue response to Radiation Therapy, and the implications of this to radiotherapy treatment. This course also further develops the students’ knowledge of the principles and practices of current radiation therapy treatment techniques.

Pre-requisites are: Radiation Therapy Methods 2, Radiation Therapy Practice 2 and Radiation Therapy Technology 2

 



Course Description

This course is designed to extend the student’s theoretical knowledge of the principles of radiation therapy by introducing them to some of the more specialised and advanced imaging applications and treatment techniques utilised in clinical practice today.
In conjunction with the Radiation Therapy Technology 3 and Radiation Therapy Practice 3 courses, it will assist in developing the student’s understanding of the clinical applications of radiation therapy with respect to the treatment of diseases in the various body sites.  Students will learn the principles of medical oncology, tumour biology and psychosocial patient care by applying these to oncological scenarios.   It will also introduce the students to the rationale of oncological management . Students will also examine the use of CT and related technologies as they apply to the planning of radiation therapy. 

The format of the methods module of this course will be a series of face-to-face lectures, tutorials and practical radiation therapy computer planning sessions.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development


At the conclusion of this course you will be able to:

  • Discuss and critically analyse the principles and practice of radiation therapy as applied to a range of cancer sites using appropriate terminology
  • Explain social, legal and ethical issues relevant to radiation therapy using appropriate terminology
  • Effectively design and evaluate a range of radiation therapy techniques using specific radiation therapy planning software
  • Demonstrate their growing research skills through the successful completion of a literature review of a current relevant topic suitable for publication.
  • Communicate effectively  with peers and demonstrate reflective practice
  • Construct an electronic ePortfolio in which to store, showcase and reflect on radiation therapy treatment plans created, including active participation in self and peer review



Students will be expected to
  • demonstrate understanding of, and the ability to apply, the theoretical basis of radiation oncology and radiation therapy to a variety of different cancers.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the role of radiation therapy and patient care in these cases.
  • extend their growing information literacy and general research skills via a comprehensive review of current literature on a relevant oncological management topic.
  • use specific radiation therapy planning software, CT databases and tutorials utilising problem-based learning on actual patient scenarios to demonstrate their ability to effectively apply radiation therapy principles through the creation and adaptation of radiation therapy planning techniques.


Overview of Learning Activities

A variety of assessment activities are included in this course. These may include, but are not limited to, formal tests, online tests, an evidence-based practice project and presentation and an electronic portfolio (ePortfolio)


Overview of Learning Resources

Students will be provided with course notes via the Learning Hub, as well as a wide range of referreed articles and references. Students are expected to read widely from these sources and supplement their course notes with pre-reading from the prescribed texts and extend their understanding through research utilising other available online and text based resources.

Supervised computer based laboratory sessions are incorporated into the course to assist the students to further develop those concepts delivered during the lectures and apply them to specific radiation therapy planning procedures. Students will also participate in structured tutorials (including a library based tutorial) designed to assist them develop skills that will be utilised in the radiation therapy workplace.


Overview of Assessment

Students may be assessed via submission of an e-portfolio, submission of a literature review, and a written examination. Details to be finalised.