PHYS 4815 - Contemporary Applications of Physics: Physics of Radiation Therapy

Course Description

This course covers the concepts and practical applications of radiation therapy physics, emphasizing the use of ionizing radiation for treatment of human diseases with the specific goal of improving human health and well-being. Topics include the structure of matter (atoms and radioactivity), production of ionizing radiation, its interaction with matter, its detection and proton therapy. The main goal of this course is to equip students with the physical knowledge of one of the most important branches of modern medical physics. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to explain the basic physics behind radiation therapy physics and to address problems related to medical physics. The course has a minor focus on the fast-developing field of proton therapy and includes a visit in an operating medical facility in Hong Kong.

 

Teaching Pattern

  • Duration of course: about 4 weeks

  • Lecture hour(s) / tutorial hour(s) per week: 3

 

Content

  • concepts and practical applications of radiation therapy physics

  • structure of matter (atoms and radioactivity)

  • production of ionizing radiation, interaction with matter, detection and proton therapy.

  • fast-developing field of proton therapy

 

Remarks

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 2022 AND (PHYS 3033 OR PHYS 3053)

 

Sample Course Outline