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PHYC40110

Academic Year 2024/2025

Medical Physics (Selected Topics) (PHYC40110)

Subject:
Physics
College:
Science
School:
Physics
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Luis Leon Vintro
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This course is designed to provide an introduction to some of the medical applications of physics, including MRI, CT, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, lasers and radiotherapy. The lectures include a review of the main interaction processes of high energy photons and charged particles in tissue equivalent material and a section on the use of ionizing radiation to image human anatomy using Nuclear Medicine and Computed Tomography scan techniques. Devices, such as X-ray tubes and linear accelerators, required for the production of high energy particles and photons for use in diagnostic and radiation therapy applications, are presented. Accurate calibration of these devices, in terms of absorbed dose, is discussed using the concept of electronic equilibrium, and a description of the parameters and detector systems employed is also provided. An account is provided of how imaging data and radiation beam models are used in combination to calculate dose delivery with a view to the treatment of human cancers by radiotherapy. Finally, a concise overview is given of the philosophy underlining modern radiation protection practice, with emphasis on practitioners, patients and the public alike. Guided visits to appropriate medical centers will also form part of the student experience.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should have acquired a clear understanding of the interaction of high energy photons and changed particles in tissue equivalent material, and on the application of ionizing radiation in selected areas of medicine, including Nuclear Medicine, Radiology and Radiotherapy. The student should also have acquired an appreciation of modern radiological protection principles and practices. Students should also have gained knowledge on MRI and ultrasound, as well as the uses of lasers in medicine.

Indicative Module Content:



Introduction to radiotherapy (RT) physics. Review of interactions of photons and electrons with matter. External Beam Radiotherapy equipment. Linacs. Photon beam parameters. Detectors and dosimetry in RT. Treatment Planning and dose calculation in RT. Motion management and 4D CT acquisition.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

48

Autonomous Student Learning

35

Lectures

33

Field Trip/External Visits

4

Total

120


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures provided by practising medical physicists in university teaching hospitals.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Stage 3 Physics or equivalent

Learning Recommendations:

PHYC 30090 Nuclear Physics or equivalent


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
100
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

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

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

In class discussions with lecturers.

Name Role
Dr Sean Cournane Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Brendan McClean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Mon 09:00 - 10:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 09:00 - 09:50