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Unit outline_

PHYS5012: Radiation Physics and Dosimetry

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit is normally undertaken as part of the Master of Medical Physics degree or the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics. Sources of radiation, interaction of radiation with matter, physical, chemical and biological effects of radiation in human tissue, physical principles of dosimetry, internal and external dosimetry, radiation units and measurement are covered.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Physics Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
PHYS5001
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Annette Haworth, annette.haworth@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Hilary Byrne, hilary.byrne@sydney.edu.au
Joerg Lehmann, joerg.lehmann@sydney.edu.au
Robin Hill, robin.hill@sydney.edu.au
Annette Haworth, annette.haworth@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam hurdle task Final exam
Final exam
60% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Small test hurdle task Canvas quiz
Canvas quiz: Lectures 1-5
10% Week 06 60 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Assignment hurdle task Practical Lab 1
Practical Lab 1: Radiotherapy equipment
10% Week 07 3 days
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
Presentation hurdle task Oral presentation
Oral presentation: Detectors and dosimeters
10% Week 11 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO3
Assignment hurdle task Practical Lab 2
Practical Lab 2: Dosimetry equipment
10% Week 11 3 days
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Final exam: This will be based on lecture material only and will be assessed by the lecturers.
  • Small test: It will be based solely on material presented in lectures and will be assessed by the respective lecturers.
  • Oral presentation: It will be based solely on material presented in lectures and will be assessed by the respective lecturers.
  • Practical Lab (x2): It will be based solely on material presented in lectures and labs and will be assessed by the respective lecturers.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

All assessments are compulsory.

Assessment tasks are intended to allow you to demonstrate what you have learned related to the goals of this unit. They also serve to encourage you to work with the material but should not dominate your approach to learning. See them as another learning activity, accompanying and complementing the lectures and labs.

In addition, students in physics must be able to express themselves accurately by clear, efficient use of the English language in their written work.  Spelling, grammar, punctuation and correct use of language will be taken into account when written reports and examination work are assessed.  Students should refer to the University’s WriteSite (http://writesite.elearn.usyd.edu.au/) if they are looking for guidance on grammar and other aspects of academic and professional writing.

Assessment of this unit of study is based on achievement of specific learning objectives as demonstrated in a combination of assignments, tests, examination and laboratory work.  Satisfactory performance in ALL aspects of assessment is necessary to ensure a pass in this unit. It is expected that a grade of at least 45% in each of the assessments and examination will be achieved in order to demonstrate satisfactory performance. A combined score of at least 50% is necessary for a pass as indicated in the section “Assessment Grading” below.

You are responsible for understanding the University policy regarding assessment and examination, which can be found in the University Policy Register at http://sydney.edu.au/policies/

Your final grade will be based principally on your performance in the final exam.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a superior standard, a credit competent work demonstrating potential for higher study, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Mastery of topics showing extensive integration and ability to transfer knowledge to novel contexts; treatment of tasks shows an advanced synthesis of ideas; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is very well presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an outstanding level.

Distinction

75 - 84

Excellent achievement, consistent evidence of deep understanding and application of knowledge in medical science; treatment of tasks shows advanced understanding of topics; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is well-presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a superior level.

Credit

65 - 74

Confident in explaining medical science processes, with evidence of solid understanding and achievement; occasional lapses indicative of unresolved issues; treatment of tasks shows a good understanding of topic; work is well-presented with a minimum of errors; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a high level.

Pass

50 - 64

Satisfactory level of engagement with and understanding of topic; some inconsistencies in understanding and knowledge of medical science; work is adequately presented, with some errors or omissions, most criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an adequate level.

Fail

0 - 49

Unsatisfactory achievement and engagement with the medical science discipline; inadequate understanding or fundamental misunderstanding of topics; most criteria and learning outcomes not clearly or adequately addressed or achieved; lack of effort/involvement in the unit.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Sources of radiation (HB) Lecture (3 hr) LO1
Week 02 Photon interactions (HB) Lecture (3 hr) LO1
Week 03 Photon interactions (HB) Lecture (3 hr) LO1
Week 04 Charged particle interactions (HB) Lecture (3 hr) LO1
Week 05 Charged particle interactions (HB) Lecture (3 hr) LO1
Week 06 Professional Development Part 1 (AH) Lecture (3 hr)  
Week 07 Lab 1 Radiotherapy equipment at Lifehouse (RH) Practical (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Dosimetric quantities and principles (JL) Lecture (3 hr) LO2
Week 09 Radiation detectors and dosimeters (RH) Lecture (3 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 10 Radiation detectors and dosimeters (RH) Lecture (3 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 11 Lab 2 Dosimetry equipment at Lifehouse (RH and JL) Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 12 Relative/absolute dosimetry (JL) Lecture (3 hr) LO3
Week 13 Research Methods (Part 1) (AH) Lecture (3 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

Due to the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance requirements for this unit of study have been amended. Where online tutorials/workshops/virtual laboratories have been scheduled, students should make every effort to attend and participate at the scheduled time. Penalties will not be applied if technical issues, etc. prevent attendance at a specific online class. In that case, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator, and attend another session, if available.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Reading List, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate an understanding of radiation interactions with matter, and an overview of different sources of radiation relevant to medical physics
  • LO2. demonstrate an understanding basic radiation quantities with their units and to discuss the principles, which form the background of dosimetric measurements
  • LO3. demonstrate an understanding practical clinical dosimetry, the related but different approaches of absolute and relative dosimetry, application of dosimetry at various points of the path of a radiation oncology patient, the principles of practical dose measurement and the relevant formalisms used in the clinic
  • LO4. demonstrate an understanding of radiation dosimeters as used in radiotherapy, radiology, nuclear medicine, radiation safety and radiation metrology

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

More information can be found on Canvas.

Equity Access and Diversity Statement in Unit Outlines

Current Version – 17/1/20

The School of Physics recognises that biases and discrimination, including but not limited to those based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and age, continue to impact parts of our community disproportionately. Consequently, the School is strongly committed to taking effective steps to make our environment supportive and inclusive and one that provides equity of access and opportunity for everyone.

The School has three Equity Officers as a point of contact for students and staff who may have a query or concern about any issues relating to equity, access and diversity. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, bullied, discriminated against or disadvantaged in any way, you are encouraged to talk to one of the Equity Officers or any member of the Physics staff.

More information can be found at https://sydney.edu.au/science/schools/school-of-physics/equity-access-diversity.html

Any student who feels they may need a special accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Disability Services: http://sydney.edu.au/current_students/disability/ who can help arrange support.

Site visit guidelines

Please check the Canvas site for this unit for any information.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances

  • A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory

  • Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories

  • In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door

  • First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory

As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.