The Physics of Radiation Therapy

Catalog description

This course focuses on radiation therapy physics with special emphasis on clinical applications. The course provides basic radiation physics and physical aspects of treatment planning using photon and electron beams and brachytherapy sources. The course consists of three parts: Part I deals with the basic physics of radiation; Part II deals with classical radiation therapy, which includes dosimetry and treatment planning; Part III focuses on modern radiation therapy, which deals with conformal and intensity-modulated radiation therapy. The course will also involve lectures by Medical Physics experts from local hospitals. Students will write a report on a topic selected in consultation with the teacher. Prerequisite(s): A PHY 320 or 410, 340 or 470, 350 or 480, and 440.