Radiation Therapy Physics (RTH 202)

Term: 2018-2019 Fall Semester

Faculty

Johannes Ritter
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Paula Freeman
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Charles Carver
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Schedule

Wed, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM (7/16/2018 - 8/17/2018) Location: MIT CCTR 145
Tue-Wed-Thu, 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM (8/21/2018 - 8/30/2018) Location: MIT CCTR 145
Tue-Thu, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM (9/4/2018 - 10/19/2018) Location: MIT CCTR 145

Description

This course applies the concepts of radiation oncology physics as it is practiced in the clinic. Interactions of ionizing radiation, measurement of ionizing radiation, nuclear transformation and the quality of X-ray beams are discussed. Students will analyze scatter radiation, changes of dose deposition with depth in tissue, dose profiles, isodose curves, patient contouring, beam shaping, dosimetric calculations, and treatment planning procedures for megavoltage x-ray and electron beam therapy. Students will examine modern delivery equipment and techniques, including intensity modulated radiation therapy, TomoTherapy, stereotactic radiotherapy, stereotactic radio surgery and image guided radiation therapy. The general nature and application of heavy particle (photon) therapy will be discussed. Additionally, the course contains a review of mathematics, basic principles of physics, atomic structure, electro-magnetic and particulate radiation.