Radiotherapy, 15 credits

Admitted to the specialist education for nurses

The aim of the course is that the student should have enhanced his/her knowledge and understanding of radiotherapy, its underlying physiology, modes of action and methodology

On completion of the course, the student should be able to
Account for and explain the basic principles of external radiotherapy, brachytherapy and systemic radiotherapy
Account for Bohr's atomic model and the prevalent nuclear model, the properties, connection and different radioactive decays of elementary particles and the concept of half-life
Explain the interaction of charged particles, the interaction model of photons and their relation to photon energy and the atomic number of the irradiated agent
Explain how X-ray tubes and linear accelerators are constructed and account for their acceleration principle
Have knowledge about current laws and constitutions
Explain basic principles of computer dose planning and independently be able to carry out a computer-aided 3D-dose planning with given entry data.
Show basic knowledge in topographic anatomy and principles of x-ray computed tomography
Make simple field settings in a linear accelerator and calculations of radiation dose, and monitor units
Make calculations of radioactive decay, radiation damping and the inverse square-law independently
Show awareness of risk philosophy in radiological work and of acute and late risk assessments from a patient perspective.

Contents:
Basic radio physics
Radiation protection
Radiation sources in radiotherapy
Radiation field physics
Computed tomography
Topographic anatomy
Set-up and verification of treatment
Dose planning
Radiobiology in external radiotherapy

Studies take place according to the LäraNära concept implying active learning independently or in collaboration with others interleaved with the course meetings, including i.a. seminars and presentations. Self-assessments, problem-solving, own reflection and analysis of situations are included in the concept. Läranära consists of a computer program distributed as a cd-rom or on Internet. It is connected to a web server, where information is collected. Work in groups and active participation in seminars and attendance at all scheduled group meetings is compulsory. For carrying out the course, access to a computer (PC) with Internet connection is assumed.

For each study group and course, two compulsory course meetings of about a day each, will be organised. For participation in a course meeting, previous assignments should be approved. Active participation in the meetings is required for a pass.grade The grading system is Failed/Passed/Passed with distinction. Limited number of examinations or practical training sessions
At Karolinska Institutet a student is entitled to a total of 6 examinations per course to get passed. Student without approved results after 3 examinations have the right to re-take the course once. However, at most 6 examinations.

The course has been cancelled and was offered for the last time in the autumn semester of 2012. The course has been replaced with another, and examination will be provided according to the guidelines in the syllabus for 2ON019.