HomeMy WebLinkAboutRTT-210RTT 210 Dosimetry and Treatment Practices - pg. 1
BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DIVISION OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
COURSE SYLLABUS/STUDENT COURSE OUTLINE
SPRING SEMESTER
COURSE TITLE AND NUMBER: Dosimetry and Treatment Practices; RTT 210
PRE-REQUISITES: PHY-185, RTT-150
COURSE CREDITS/HOURS: 3
COURSE DESCRIPTION: To provide the students with knowledge of the Physics of photon
& electron dosimetry, treatment planning, dose calculations, brachytherapy, and radiation
protection, and the rationale for quality assurance in the delivery of radiation for therapeutic
purposes. Implementation of methods for quality control will be discussed.
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES: It is expected that the student will be able to:
1. Define and discuss dosimetric parameters such as PDD, TAR, TMR, TPR, etc.
2. Discuss, analyze and perform various dose and MU calculations.
3. Discuss the various aspects of the physics of photon dosimetry
4. Discuss the various aspects of the physics of electron dosimetry.
5. Discuss the principles and process of simulation and treatment planning.
6. Discuss the advances in treatment planning techniques.
7. Discuss the rationale of brachytherapy to include: radioactive materials, applicators, types
of implants, dosimetry and safety considerations.
8. Discuss the principles of special treatment procedures to include: IMRT, SRS, Proton,
and TBI.
These objectives are intimately interwoven throughout the course and serve as a repeated
reinforcement of the knowledge and skills necessary for the student to become successful in the
field of Therapeutic Radiation Therapy. This course serves as foundations for further study in
this health profession.
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM: Dosimetry and Treatment Practices follows a Zero Tolerance
Policy towards Cheating/Plagiarism. The definition and consequences of Cheating/Plagiarism are
described in the Bergen Community College Catalog under ACADEMIC REGULATIONS.
REQUIRED TEXT: The Physics & Technology of Radiation Therapy by Patrick N.
McDermott, Copyright 2010. ISBN-10: 1930524447
RECOMMENDED TEXTS:
Khan's Lectures: Handbook of the Physics of Radiation Therapy, Faiz M Khan PhD, Copyright
2011. ISBN-10: 1605476811
Mosby's Radiation Therapy Study Guide and Exam Review, Leia Levy, Copyright 2010. ISBN-
10: 0323069347
MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES: In addition to the required text these supplies may be
required: A pocket-sized scientific calculator. The functions must include direct and inverse
trigonometric functions, natural logarithm, and exponents.
RTT 210 Dosimetry and Treatment Practices - pg. 2
GRADES/EVALUATION METHODS:
The grade for the course is weighted according to the following percentages:
1. Participation/Attendance– 10%
2. Quizzes/Homework – 25%
3. Presentation - 10%
4. Mid-term – 20%
5. Final Exam – 35%
A passing grade is considered to be C+ or higher
COURSE CONTENTS (by week):
You will be expected to read the associated chapters before attending class each week.
Week Topic Textbook Chapter(s)
1 Course Overview and Linear Interpolation 10.8
2 Central Axis Dose Distribution 10.1-10.7
3 Calibration of MV Photon Beams 11
4 Calculation of Monitor Units (SSD) - Open Fields Handouts
5 Calculation of Monitor Units (SAD) - Open Fields and
Shaped fields (SAD and SSD)
Handouts
6 Calculation of Monitor Units – Electrons Handouts & 15
7 Review 10,11, 15 &
Handouts 8 Midterm Exam
-- NO CLASS – Spring Break ----
9 Dose Distributions in 2 and 3 Dimensions 14
10 Presentations: Special Modalities in Radiation Therapy 20
-- NO CLASS – BCC In-service Day ----
11 Treatment Planning & Special Modalities
12 Brachytherapy 16
13 Review 10, 11, 14-16, 20 &
Handouts 14 Final Exam
Letter
Grade
Numerical
Range
A 90% to 100%
B+ 85% to 89.9%
B 80% to 84.9%
C+ 75% to 79.9%
C 70% to 74.9%