PHY 326 Physics of Radiotherapy II

Semester: Spring
Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor only.

Directly and indirectly ionizing radiation use in radiation therapy causing biological damage in the normal tissue and cancer. Radiation delivery techniques are specifically designed and configured to target the neoplasm. The physics of radiation interactions with matter and the clinical use of radiation are presented in this course. The methods of radiation production, measurement of ionizing radiation, absorbed dose as well as the calculation of dose distributions and treatment-planning systems are presented for all radiation modalities. Radiological physics is covered to the extent necessary to explain the use of CT, MR, and PET images as implemented in the treatment planning process. Radiation protection and quality assurance are topics presented at the end of the academic year.(Cross-listed with PHY426).

One lecture per week is presented along with assignments and three exams during the academic year.

Typical texts are: "The Physics of Readiation Therapy," by Faiz Khan, "Radiation Therapy Physics", by W.R. Hendee and G.S. Ibbott (out of print), "Radiation Detection and Measurement," 3rd edition, by Glenn F. Knoll.

The course is restricted to Physics students who plan to get a Certificate in Biological or Medical Physics, or students are are in the BS/MS 3-2 program (and plan to do an MS thesis in Medical Physics). (Course offered every other year, alternates with PHY326/PHY426).

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