Radiotherapy BSc (Hons)

Module details Programme Year One

The first year of the programme is concerned primarily with the acquisition of knowledge in the sciences, with some integration and application of this knowledge to practice.

It provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin therapeutic radiotherapy and its role in the management of cancer.

Year One modules include:

• Fundamentals of Radiation Science and Protection
• Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology
• Introduction to Professionalism
• Foundations of Radiotherapy Practice and Oncology
• Research Skills
• The Patient Journey and Oncology of the Skin
• Introduction to Radiotherapy Equipment, Treatment
• Planning and Radiation Protection.=

Compulsory modules

• Foundations of Radiotherapy Practice and Oncology (RADT118) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 70:30 Aims

  To enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills base required for safe and effective radiotherapy practice

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the module, the student will be able to:

  Operate radiotherapy equipment in a safe manner under supervision, with respect to current legislation and treatment protocols;

  recognise and describe changes in a patient''s condition (Vital Signs) to identify the most appropriate course of action;​

  demonstrate an understanding of cancer epidemiology, aetiology and the process of carcinogenesis;​

  describe the principles that underpin radiotherapy practice for benign and malignant conditions;​

  describe the management choices available for the patient with cancer.​

• The Patient Journey In Radiotherapy and Oncology of The Skin (RADT127) Level 1 Credit level 22.5 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 0:100 Aims

  To provide knowledge of the cancer patient journey from cancer registration to treatment including the necessary record keeping required.

  To provide knowledge of the skin and skin care and relate it to the treatment of patients having non-malignant and malignant skin conditions.

  Introduce the student to radiobiology Learning Outcomes

  Identify the stages of the cancer patient journey from cancer registration to treatment including the necessary record keeping required.

  Describe the development and management of cancers of the skin, their related psychosocial issues and appropriate health promotion strategies

  ​

  Describe the radiation skin reactions and patient care practices used to avoid or minimise the acute and late radiotherapy effects

  ​

  Apply the principles of radiobiology to radiotherapy of the skin

  ​

  To demonstrate basic radiotherapy and patient care skills in the practice placement environment

  ​

  Apply ethical, psychosocial and communication skills knowledge to dealing with patients with cancer involving the skin.

  ​

• Introduction To Radiotherapy Equipment, Treatment Planning and Radiation Protection (RADT128) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 80:20 Aims

  The module will enable the student to develop a knowledge and understanding of the science of

  ·       Radiotherapy Pre-Treatment Equipment

  ·       Radiotherapy treatment equipment (inc kV units)

  ·       Introduction to treatment planning

  ·       Equipment used for immobilisation

  ·       Radiation protection in radiotherapy

  Learning Outcomes

  Describe the principles, key functions, components and key operating elements of Pre-treatment Equipment used in Radiotherapy

  Describe the principles, key functions, components and key operating elements of treatment equipment (linear accelerators and kV Units)

  ​Explain foundational concepts used in treatment planning, define basic terminology and describe the effect of simple changes in treatment parameters to the dose delivered in irradiated volumes

  Perform simple mathematical calculations relating to the foundational concepts of treatment planning

  Outline and identify key features of immobilisation equipment and discuss their use in radiotherapy

  Outline and identify key imaging modalities used in radiotherapy treatment

  ​Explain foundational concepts used in radiation protection when applied to radiotherapy

Programme Year Two

The second year of the programme expands the previously acquired knowledge with an increasing emphasis on the understanding and application of scientific principles to practice. Students are encouraged to develop the skills of interpretation and evaluation and to relate them to all areas of the programme.

Year Two modules include:

• The Emerging Professional
• Fundamentals of Radiation Dosimetry and Radiobiology
• Radiotherapy and Oncology of the Abdomen, Pelvis and Breast
• Radiotherapy and Oncology of the Head, Neck and Thorax
• Operational Principles of Radiotherapy Equipment and Further Treatment Planning
• Research Methods

Compulsory modules

• Applied Research Methods for Professional Practice (MIRT221) Level 2 Credit level 7.5 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 0:100 Aims
• To facilitate the student’s critical understanding of how the philosophy, principles and methods of health research are applied in professional practice.

  ​

• To facilitate development of skills in critical appraisal, synthesis  and interpretation of published evidence.

  ​

• To facilitate the development of skills in articulating professional research or review questions, and describing appropriate strategies to address these questions.

  ​

• To prepare the student for application of their knowledge and skills in undertaking an evidence review or empirical dissertation study in Year 3 of their programme.

  ​

Learning Outcomes Demonstrate an ability to effectively search, collate, appraise and interpret the meaning of published research within their field of interest.

​

Demonstrate an understanding of how review methods, experimental, survey or qualitative research designs may be applied in addressing health research questions.

​

Further develop understanding of ethical issues in health research.

​

Apply their practice placement knowledge and experience to identify an area of enquiry relevant to their professional discipline.

​

Demonstrate the ability to effectively use ICT , library and and on-line resources.

​

• Radt 218 Radiotherapy & Oncology of The Abdomen, Pelvis and Breast (RADT218) Level 2 Credit level 30 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 60:40 Aims

  The module aims to provide knowledge and understanding of the oncology, disease process, current management options and holistic care of patients with cancer of the abdomen, pelvis and breast.​

  Learning Outcomes

  By the end of this module the student will be expected to:

  Apply and expand anatomical knowledge gained at level 4 to malignant disease dissemination and radiotherapy technique in the management of malignant disease in these regions​.

  Describe epidemiology, aetiology, signs and symptoms, investigations, management options and treatment induced side-effects and their management in malignancies of the abdomen, pelvis and breast​.

  Demonstrate a knowledge and application of clinical pharmacology and apply this to current chemotherapeutic practice​.

  Apply ethical, psychosocial and communication skills knowledge to dealing with patients with cancer involving the abdomen, pelvis and breast.

  Demonstrate an awareness of true holistic care of the patient and the important role of the multi-disciplinary team in providing such care.​

  Demonstrate accurate and safe delivery of radiotherapy technique in the following sites: abdomen, pelvis  and breast.​

• Radiotherapy Equipment and Treatment Planning (RADT219) Level 2 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 70:30 Aims
• Comprehend the detailed principles of operation and application of imaging and therapeutic radiotherapy equipment including the implications for health and safety through their use

  ​

• Apply planning techniques to optimise plans and be able to evaluate treatment prescription through computation of dose or machine monitor units ​

Learning Outcomes On successful completion of the module, students will be able to –   Explain the operational and functional features of therapy equipment that allow safe and optimal patient treatment together with maximum staff protection ​ Demonstrate a detailed applied knowledge of the design, construction and use of current clinical radiotherapy equipment, and how it is commissioned

​

Evaluate current  imaging applications in radiotherapy and perform treatment plans independently ​

Evaluate the design, implementation and application of current quality assurance systems employed in modern radiotherapy department and d emonstrate a detailed knowledge of current legislation and regulation applied to radiotherapy ​
• Radt 227 Radiotherapy & Oncology of The Head, Neck & Thorax (RADT227) Level 2 Credit level 30 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 60:40 Aims The module aims to; 
  1. enable the student to develop an understanding of essential gross, relational and functional anatomy in relation to cancers of the head and neck and thorax. ​
  2. enable the student to develop an appreciation of the management of people with cancers in the head and neck and thorax regions. ​
  Learning Outcomes Describe the structure and function of tissues and organs that are found in the head, neck and thorax regions and common pathology that arises in these tissues. ​
  Discuss the patient care pathway for patients with all stages of cancer affecting the head, neck and thorax regions. ​ Discuss the psychosocial, communication and ethical issues that may arise for patients with head, neck and thorax cancers. ​ Demonstrate accurate and safe delivery of radiotherapy to patients with HN and thorax malignancies. ​
• Fundamentals of Radiation Dosimetry and Radiobiology (RADT229) Level 2 Credit level 15 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 70:30 Aims
• Relate the application of radiotherapy treatment planning, dosimetry and imaging to the relevant characteristics of ionising radiations and be able to justify the use of current clinical radiation detection devices.

  ​