Course Title: Radiation Therapy Methods 4

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Radiation Therapy Methods 4

Credit Points: 12.00

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
RADI1147	Bundoora Campus	Undergraduate	160H Medical Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2010

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 delivered in Radiation Therapy Methods 1, 2 and 3, with focus on the application of this theory to the management of specific tumours and exploration of advanced imaging and radiation therapy treatment techniques.

Refer to the current program summary for pre-requisite and co-requisite courses.

Course Description

This course is designed to extend the student’s theoretical knowledge of the principles of radiation therapy as studied in Radiation Therapy Methods 1, 2 and 3, and promote the application of this knowledge to specific radiation therapy treatment techniques. In conjunction with the Radiation Therapy Technology 4 and Radiation Therapy Practice 4 courses, this course will assist in developing the student’s understanding of the clinical applications of radiation therapy with respect to the treatment of tumours of the head and neck, and pelvic and abdominal cavities. Advanced treatment and imaging modalities will be studied with particular attention to MRI,  Brachytherapy , Stereotactic RT and IMRT.

The format of this course may consist of , but not be limited to, a series of face-to-face lectures, tutorials and practical planning sessions.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

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. They should also demonstrate an understanding of the role of radiation therapy and patient care in these cases. In addition, the research skills and understanding developed through participation in Radiation Therapy Methods 1,2 and 3 research-based projects, will culminate with the students further extending their growing information literacy and general research skills via a Research Proposal Project.

The students will 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.

The capabilities addressed by this course include the ability to evaluate and apply the scientific principles underpinning radiation therapy practices to specific treatment techniques, the ability to gather and utilise a wide range of resources to investigate issues relating to radiation therapy and the ability to critically analyse and accurately present research findings relevant to radiation therapy. The student will also have the ability to recognise and appreciate the social, legal and ethical issues relevant to radiation therapy.

At the conclusion of this course the students 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 and academic writing skills
Explain social, legal and ethical issues relevant to radiation therapy using appropriate terminology and academic writing skills
Effectively design and evaluate a range of radiation therapy techniques using specific radiation therapy planning software using appropriate terminology
Demonstrate their growing research skills through the successful completion of a reserach project proposal considered appropriate for submission to HREC

Overview of Learning Activities

The student will be involved in learning activities that include, but may not be limited to, face to face lectures, small group tutorials, peer supported learning activities, self-directed study, problem based learning and laboratory based exercises.

Overview of Learning Resources

Students will be provided with course notes via the Learning Hub, as well as a wide range of referred articles and references. Students will be expected to read widely from appropriate sources located independently and to supplement their course notes with pre-reading from the prescribed texts and directed readings.

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

Overview of Assessment

Students will be assessed via activities that may include but may not be limited to, a mid semester test, a timed practical planning exercise, completion of a series of laboratory sessions, presentation and submission of a research proposal and a written examination to be held in the formal examination period.