MSc Medical Physics in Cancer Radiation Therapy / Course details

The unit will cover both the underlying science and clinical aspects of particle therapy though the following topics:

• Particle therapy physics
• Particle radiobiology
• Advanced particle therapy techniques
• Modelling, Simulation and AI particle therapy research
• Particle therapy beam delivery technology
• Particle therapy treatment planning
• Particle therapy dosimetry and quality assurance
• Uncertainties in particle therapy - clinical considerations and mitigations
• Uncertainties in particle therapy - a research perspective
• Radiation protection
• Heavy ions, very high-energy electrons, neutrons, and future perspectives

The aim of this unit is to describe the range of treatment options available to radiotherapy that utilise external charged particle beams. This will enable students to gain in-depth knowledge of the underlying physics that dictates the achievable dose distributions, the methodologies behind the clinical delivery of particle therapy and the radiobiology underpinning tumour control. The unit will also explore the limitations of particle beam therapies and how research is helping to improve this treatment modality for patient benefit.

The following learning and teaching processes will be utilised: Classroom based teaching, interactive group-based sessions, paired programming and interactive computer simulations, formative assessments, tutorial sessions, on-line resources, independent study, facility tours and demonstrations.

Students should/will be able to:

• Understand the physics and radiobiology underpinning particle therapy, clinical delivery, and the associated limitations.
• Analyse and describe the uncertainties associated with external particle beam therapy, current clinical strategies, and future potential mitigations, evaluating clinical impact of these uncertainties.
• Knowledge of how particle therapy is delivered safely, clinical indications and the potential impact of clinical trials.

Students should/will be able to:

• Critically compare and contrast the merits of particle therapy over conventional photon radiotherapy.
• Describe the interactions of charged particles with matter and human tissue.
• Detail and evaluate the equipment and techniques used in particle therapy.
• Examine the principles of radiation protection.
• Critically evaluate the radiobiological rationale for external beam particle therapy.
• Examine and discuss the patient pathway and possible benefits of future applications and developments in particle beam therapy.

Students should/will be able to:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the field of particle therapy.
• Use of Monte-Carlo simulation techniques for radiation transport and analysis.
• Perform simple calculations to highlight the cases where particle therapy may prove beneficial over conventional photon therapy.
• Participate in collaborative learning and peer support.

Students should/will be able to:

• Apply analytical skills to systematically analysis evidence in particle therapy.
• Technical: Practical skills in Monte Carlo simulations.

Summative 1: 50%

PC based examination paper - mix of multiple choice and short answer questions.

Summative 2: 50%

Written report based on the practical component of the unit regarding the outcome of Monte Carlo experiment.

Feedback will be provided within the required timeframes.