Available in 2024
Course code

MRSC3205

Units

10 units

Level

3000 level

Course handbook

Description

This course explores modern clinical approaches in radiation therapy. The oncology assessment and radiation therapy of major disease sites is covered so that students develop clinical reasoning skills to manage patients/clients, and professional practice and procedures.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Replacing course(s)

This course replaces the following course(s): MRSC3200. Students who have successfully completed MRSC3200 are not eligible to enrol in MRSC3205.


Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Describe the epidemiology, etiology and natural history of oncological related illnesses

2. Compare & contrast the different modalities of oncology treatment for specific tumours

3. Describe the process of patient management, diagnosis and decision making in oncology

4. Compare and contrast, and describe and apply, 3D conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Arc Therapy (VMAT) approaches to radiation therapy

5. Develop clinical reasoning and reflective thinking skills with regard to safe, ethical and effective patient management; patient quality of life assessment; technology assessment and implementation

6. Communicate their understanding of professional practice issues both in written & oral form

7. Critically appraise research literature through the use of structured critical appraisal approach to gather evidence to inform decision making and practice

8. Collaborate with others to inform their learning and development, and reflect on and evaluate personal & peer contribution to the learning process


Content

The following topics are covered:1. Epidemiology, etiology and natural history of oncological related illnesses2. Process of patient management, diagnosis and decision making in oncology3. Comparison of 3D-CRT, IMRT & VMAT approaches to radiation therapy including  immobilization, simulation, planning and treatment4. Specific methodological focus on Radiation therapy and oncology of the thorax and the abdomen5.  Dosing techniques and plan evaluation including visual, statistical and,dose volume histogram assessments,6.  Patient assessment with regard to quality of life, living with illness and treatment toxicity criteria

Application of clinical reasoning and reflective practice in patient management, with emphasis on ethical considerations is also required.


Requisite

Students must be active in the B Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Radiation Therapy) [40010] program, and must be concurrently enrolled in MRSC3220, and have successfully completed HUBS1401, HUBS2103, MRSC2250 & MRSC2270.


Assumed knowledge

MRSC2250, MRSC2270


Assessment items

Formal Examination: Formal Examination
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.

In Term Test: Examination - online
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.

Portfolio: Evidenced and Experience Based Portfolio


Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan

Computer Lab-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s)
  • In class exam
Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 9 week(s)
Seminar-1
  • Face to Face Off Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 7 week(s)
  • Mater Oncology Lecture
  • Compulsory Requirement: Students must meet the compulsory attendance requirement.
Tutorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 9 week(s)
  • Compulsory Requirement: Students must meet the compulsory attendance requirement.

Course outline