Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module provides the student with the knowledge that underpins specialist practice in Radiotherapy in the third year of the Scientist Training Programme (STP), and gives the student the tools to undertake project based learning in the workplace.

The module will:
i) build on the academic knowledge gained during years 1 and 2 and will expand this knowledge to describe advanced topics and recent developments in the therapeutic use of radiation, including advanced radiobiology.

ii) consider in detail the medical imaging modalities used in the planning and verification of radiotherapy treatments.

iii) cover radiation safety legislation and guidance associated with radiotherapy.

iv) complete the wide-ranging teaching on radiotherapy and equip the student to undertake their third year research project.

Outline Of Syllabus

Imaging in radiotherapy
Radiation safety in radiotherapy
Radiobiology
Superficial radiotherapy
Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR)
Specialist treatment modalities
Key skills for Healthcare Scientists in Radiotherapy

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of the module students should be able to:

1. Explain the physical principles of imaging equipment and image processing, including limitations and uncertainties.

2. Critically evaluate the role of different imaging modalities in all stages of the radiotherapy pathway.

3. Apply integrative knowledge of approaches to treatment verification, motion management and adaptive planning.

4. Discuss the radiobiological basis of radiotherapy and formulate appropriate recommendations for clinical scenarios.

5. Compare and contrast alternative superficial treatment modalities, their clinical uses, treatment planning approaches, and dosimetry.

6. Explain the principles of, and requirements for, stereotactic treatments, critically evaluating the risks and safety requirements.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the module students should be able to:

1. Critically appraise the requirements for safe working in radiotherapy, applying the relevant legislation and guidance governing radiation safety and describe the underpinning quality framework.

2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the purpose of clinical trials and outline the main elements of a clinical trial quality assurance programme.

3. Critically evaluate a range of specialised and novel radiotherapy treatment techniques and treatment planning modalities.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The underpinning knowledge of the radiotherapy syllabus will be taught by present in person lectures, tutorials and practicals. Small group teaching will be used to explore complex topics, supported by problem based learning and group discussions. Understanding is further developed in the workplace through directed reading and independent study.

The student’s critical understanding and analysis skills will be progressively developed through tutorials and small group teaching and the use of coursework/problem based learning.

Academic skills activities support students to develop the skills to select and justify in a range of clinical situations the application of scientific and technical principles to develop and deliver therapeutic interventions.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The student’s knowledge, critical understanding and ability to apply developed skills relating to a critical analysis will be tested through the report and the closed book examination.

In order to pass this module candidates must achieve a mark of at least 50% in the examination.

General Notes

N/A