Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title RADIOBIOLOGY AND RADIOBIOLOGICAL MODELLING
Code PHYS858
Coordinator Dr P Mayles
Physics
Philip.Mayles@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 10

Aims

The aim is to give the students an understanding of the principles governing the operation of diagnostic and theraputic methods used for cancer treatments. The topics include lectures which aim to give the students a detailed knowledge of specific techniques and modalities, both in theory and in practice. The use of model calculations and treatment plans will be covered with the aim of giving the students a better understanding.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) An understanding of the principles of radiobiology needed for medical physics and cancer therapy.

(LO2) The ability to use of radiobiological models in the evaluation and optimisation of radiotherapy treatment plans.

(LO3) An understanding of the radiobiological basis of radiation treatment for cancer.

(S1) Communication skills

(S2) IT skills


Syllabus

 

Clonogenic assays; cellular response to radiation; cell-cycle effects; the linear-quadratic (LQ) model; the effects of: oxygen/hypoxia, doserate, radiation quality (LET) incl. protons/ light ions; the principles of fractionation; specific considerations in LDR and HDR brachytherapy; clonogen proliferation and treatment-gap compensation. Radiation oncologists specialising in breast, head & neck, lung and prostate tumours will discuss the application of the latest radiobiological ideas to these specific cancers. The fundamentals of (radio)biological models (TCP, NTCP, EUD) and their application to the evaluation and optimisation of radiotherapy treatment plans. Extensive hands-on practice in a "computer lab" with modelling software (LQ-survivor; BIOPLAN; BioSuite and ORBIT) similar to that which is now starting to appear in commercial treatment planning systems. There is a formative class test at the end of the module. There is a practical session using treatment plannin g software. This is then used in the assignment.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Series of one hour lectures
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided
Notes: Including some invited lectures from those carrying out research in this field

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Problem solving and revision sessions
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: Students get help with problem solving, see model answers to problems and can ask any questions.

Teaching Method 3 - Laboratory Work
Description: Computer laboratory
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Use of model calculation and treatment planning software


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 20

  4

8

    32
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 68
TOTAL HOURS 100

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Examination There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :end sesmester 2  2 hours    70       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assignment There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :end semester 2  3000 words (or equiv    30       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.