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PHYC41050

Academic Year 2024/2025

Radiobiology & Ethics (PHYC41050)

Subject:
Physics
College:
Science
School:
Physics
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Sean Cournane
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is designed to provide an introduction to a number of topics including radiobiology, professionalism, leadership and ethics, all of which are relevant to the area of medical physics. The radiobiology section details the principles of radiation interaction with biological cells, the possibility of tissue injuries and their subsequent mechanisms of repair. The lectures provide insight into the kinetics of biological cells and how this knowledge and modelling may be used for improved therapeutic techniques. The professionalism section provides an overview of the professional expectations of a medical physicist, while the topic of effective leadership is discussed. Finally, ethical issues encountered for healthcare professionals, researchers and academics are reviewed.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should have acquired an understanding of the principles of radiobiology and its importance in the areas of diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology physics. The student should also have acquired an appreciation of the professional issues encountered in the role of the medical physicist, the importance of effective leadership and also the ethics considerations in the profession.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Specified Learning Activities

48
Autonomous Student Learning

48
Total

120

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will combine lectures, group work and reflective / case-based learning. Students will be required to work in small groups for the radiobiology assignment. Students will be expected to actively participate in case-based learning workshops and will also be required to present the Ethics and Professionalism assignments in groups. The radiobiology component of the module will also be assessed with an end-of term exam.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): End of trimester exam. In-person exam at the exam centre. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50

 No
Report(s): Report on the analysis of colony formation assay and LQ survival analysis in Radiobiology. Week 6 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10

 No
Group Work Assignment: Group presentation on the role of the current and future role of the Medical Physicist. Week 10 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20

 No
Group Work Assignment: Group presentation and discussion on Research Ethics Applications. Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Irene Hernandez Giron Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Luis Leon Vintro Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Brendan McClean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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