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Module

MPY8005 : Radiotherapy Physics 1

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Judith Mott
  • Lecturer: Ms Elizabeth Jefferson, Mr Jim Daniel, Mr David Morgan, Mr Josh Kirby, Dr John Byrne, Mr Nick West, Ms Rachel Brooks, Miss Karen Hawthorn, Dr Sam Warren
  • Deputy Module Leader: Mr JJ Wyatt
  • Owning School: School of Medical Education
  • Teaching Location: Mixed Location
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

This module provides the student with the knowledge that underpins specialist practice in Radiotherapy Physics in the second year of the Scientist Training Programme (STP), whilst developing critical appraisal skills.

The module will:

1) build on the introductory knowledge delivered during year 1 to describe in detail the fundamental physical and technical aspects of radiotherapy equipment and detectors

2) consider in detail the physics underlying treatment planning for external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy techniques

Outline Of Syllabus

Interactions
Equipment and treatment beams
Radiation detectors and calibration chains
Treatment planning
Brachytherapy and unsealed sources

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion71:007:00Formative assessment practice
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture341:0034:00Present in person: Lectures/demonstrations/visits
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials11:301:30Non-synchronous online: eg ReCap/voice over PPT, student tasks
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion130:0030:00Written exercise - 2,300 words
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion11:301:3090 minute closed book exam
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading201:0020:00Independent and self-directed research eg module reading list
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical71:007:00Present in person: Practicals and results analysis
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching41:004:00Present in person: Tutorial/debates/problem based learning/scenario practice/student led learning
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study951:0095:00N/A
Total200:00
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.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination901A50Unseen written (closed book) PIP exam. To pass this module students must achieve at least 50% in the exam.
Exam Pairings
Module Code Module Title Semester Comment
Radiation Safety and Diagnostic Radiology 11N/A
Nuclear Medicine 11N/A
Imaging with Non Ionising Radiation 11N/A
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise2M502,300 word essay
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written exercise and closed book examination assess the students' analytical skills and their critical understanding of the key scientific principles of radiotherapy.

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

Reading Lists

Timetable