Radiotherapy and nuclear medicine from an engineering perspective, 7.5 credits

Contents

The course provides a deep understanding of the current technical applications used in a modern nuclear medicine department and within radiation therapy The course deals with the technical structure of the equipment as well as troubleshooting, service and quality assurance. This includes accelerators for clinical use, microwave generation, magnetron, klystron, beam transport, vacuum systems, leak detection and parameters affecting the beam field and its interlock system. Furthermore, control programs and quality assurance, the use of computerized measurement systems for 3D beam field analysis, ion chambers, diodes, film and more are covered for testing the performance and control of therapy beam sources.  The course includes two modules:

Theory 5 credits

Laboratory, 2.5 credits

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:

The student must be able to

• Describe in detail the functions of main system components.
• Explain the systems function and technology
• Give a detailed description of the most important interlock systems
• Describe the radiotherapy geometry and understand its requirements for precision.

Skills and Abilities:

The student must be able to

• Independently measure and, from a technical quality perspective, interpret dose distributions from electrons and photons.
• Describe and independently perform the main quality controls for a radiotherapy accelerator.
• Independently check function and image quality for nuclear medicine equipment.

Valuing ability and approach:

The student must be able to:

• Critically assess and independently manage risks and various radiation protection situations that may arise around a radiotherapy accelerator or nuclear medicine equipment.

Required Knowledge

At least 90 credits including a basic course in medical technology or equivalent. English A and Swedish for basic eligibility for university studies if the education is given in Swedish.

Form of instruction

The teaching is campus-based and is conducted in the form of lectures, calculation exercises and supervised laboratories. The laboratory work are compulsory. The language of instruction is Swedish. Teaching can take place in English.

Examination modes

Module 1: Theory part 5 credits The module is examined with the classroom exam. The grade on the module is assessed with Fail (U), Pass (G), passed with Distinction (VG).

Module 2:

Laboratory part 2.5 credits. The module is examined with written laboratory reports. The grade on the module is assessed as Fail (U) or Pass (G). The entire course is given one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G), Passed With Disctinction (VG) and is based on the grade on Module 1. In order to pass the entire course, all tests and mandatory parts must be passed.

A student who has received a passing result on an exam may not take a new exam.

The examiner can decide on deviations from the examination form. Individual adaptation of the form of examination must be considered based on the student's needs. The form of the examination is adapted within the framework of the curriculum's expected study results. A student who needs an adapted examination, and who has received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator for students with disabilities at the Student Centre, must request adaptation from the department responsible for the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on an adapted examination, which is then notified to the student.
 

Other regulations

In the event that the course plan ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exam opportunities (including regular exam opportunities) according to the regulations in the course plan in which the student was originally course registered for a maximum of two years from the time the previous course plan ceased to apply.