Course Description
Physics Fundamentals for Medical Dosimetrists covers topics related to radiation production and measurement in Medical Dosimetry. Topics covered began with an overview of the structure of matter and elementary particles including radiation quantities and units of measurement. More in depth study in this course transitioned into topics such as production of x-rays, types of decay, and radiation interactions. As the course progressed beam quality and types measurement were covered which paved the way for discussion of applications like machine calibration and TG-51 protocol.
Assessment
Weekly readings of text book The Physics of Radiation therapy (Kahn 5th ed.) were assigned along with supplemental notes, lectures, and videos. Assessment of comprehension and progress in this course took the form of weekly discussions, practice problems related to the weekly topics, and a weekly quiz.
-Practice problem and Quiz assmessment:
Click below to see examples of my practice problem assessment on TG-51 protocol and machine calibration principals. I found our practice problems and quizzes to be an exercise in thinking outside the box. In some cases question answers were not directly in the study materials. These questions required us to draw upon our knowledge of the material and apply what we know to solve the problems. It was a great way for me to gauge my understanding of the material and see where improvement and extra study was needed.-Course discussions:
Each week students answered a topic question and replied to each other's posts. Friendly discussion and debate added depth to our weekly study materials and readings. Take a look at my discussion posts by clicking the links below:
- WEEK 1 PHYSICS DISCUSSION: HVL and Mean Life
- WEEK 2 PHYSICS DISCUSSION: Bremsstrahlung interaction
- WEEK 3 PHYSICS DISCUSSION: HVL and clinical application
- WEEK 4 PHYSICS DISCUSSION: Clinical Instruments
- WEEK 5 PHYSICS DISCUSSION: TG-51 Protocol
Self reflection
The new knowledge and skills I gained during this course were...
I have built on my existing understanding of radiation physics. I have a deeper understanding of radiation interactions, measurement, and machine calibration.
The new knowledge and skills will benefit me by...
Applying my new knowledge to dosimetric applications will contribute to my ability to produce radiation treatment plans. Additionally, study of radiation measurement and calibrations has made me familiar with equipment that I may use in the future as a dosimetrist.
I struggle with...
As I have studied radiation physics in this course some of the topics covered remain abstract for me and are hard to visualize in a practical setting. I feel that once I begin clinical rotations and work in the field I will have a more complete understanding.
I feel pretty good about...
This course has made me confident that with the right amount of study and effort I can continue to grow in my knowledge of radiation physics. With continued study I am confident that I can learn everything necessary to pass my board exam and become a fully licensed CMD.
Other reflective thoughts...
The physics group discussions were a new way of learning for me. I enjoyed discussing our weekly study materials with my peers and I feel it helped add depth and new perspective to the topics covered.