Course Description
DOS 522 takes an in depth look at fundamental computational principles involved in medical Dosimetry radiation dose calculations.
Assessment
Weekly readings of text books The Physics of Radiation therapy (Kahn 5th ed.) and Radiation Therapy Planning (Bentel 2nd 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, a beam attenuation project, and a final exam.
-Course Discussions
Friendly discussion and debate added depth to our weekly study materials and readings. Take a look at some of my discussion posts by clicking the links below: -Practice Problems
Weekly practice problems assesd our comprehension of material. Students were encouraged to discuss the problems with clinical physics staff. In addition, our student practice problem discussion forum was a valuable resource to discuss problem solving approaches. -Beam Attenuation Project
Students of this course were required to complete a study of attenuation devices in the clinical setting. The assignment required students to measure output of an attenuation device such as a tray or wedge. In my study I measured output of a 30 degree wedge. After obtaining wedge output measurements I determined the wedge factors for 6Mv and 10Mv energies and applied the wedge factor to a hand calc for an actual treatment plan. The project concluded with a discussion on wedge attenation and its affect on the treatment plan.
Self-Reflection
The new knowledge and skills I gained during this course were...
The topics covered in DOS 522 added context to previously covered principals of medical dosimetry. Students were able to see these principals at work and use them to problem solve in a clinical setting.
The new knowledge and skills will benefit me by...
This course was a valuable tool for registry exam preparation. Calculating doses and monitor units for treatment plans by hand was a great way to become more familiar the material that will be needed to pass my licensure exam.
I struggle with...
Dose computation is a complex process involving many formulas and values. The math itself is not difficult but determining when to use a formula and why can be challenging. I will need more study to master this process.
I feel pretty good about...
Although this course was challenging I feel that I have a much more thorough understanding of dose calculation methods. I was able to understand all of the material and apply my knowledge to do well on my final exam.
Other reflective thoughts...
I see this course as the beginning of my exam preparation. From this point on I will have to continue to study dose and monitor unit calculations to remain familiar with the correct processes and refine my knowledge
DOS 522 takes an in depth look at fundamental computational principles involved in medical Dosimetry radiation dose calculations.
Assessment
Weekly readings of text books The Physics of Radiation therapy (Kahn 5th ed.) and Radiation Therapy Planning (Bentel 2nd 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, a beam attenuation project, and a final exam.
-Course Discussions
Friendly discussion and debate added depth to our weekly study materials and readings. Take a look at some of my discussion posts by clicking the links below: -Practice Problems
Weekly practice problems assesd our comprehension of material. Students were encouraged to discuss the problems with clinical physics staff. In addition, our student practice problem discussion forum was a valuable resource to discuss problem solving approaches. -Beam Attenuation Project
Students of this course were required to complete a study of attenuation devices in the clinical setting. The assignment required students to measure output of an attenuation device such as a tray or wedge. In my study I measured output of a 30 degree wedge. After obtaining wedge output measurements I determined the wedge factors for 6Mv and 10Mv energies and applied the wedge factor to a hand calc for an actual treatment plan. The project concluded with a discussion on wedge attenation and its affect on the treatment plan.
Self-Reflection
The new knowledge and skills I gained during this course were...
The topics covered in DOS 522 added context to previously covered principals of medical dosimetry. Students were able to see these principals at work and use them to problem solve in a clinical setting.
The new knowledge and skills will benefit me by...
This course was a valuable tool for registry exam preparation. Calculating doses and monitor units for treatment plans by hand was a great way to become more familiar the material that will be needed to pass my licensure exam.
I struggle with...
Dose computation is a complex process involving many formulas and values. The math itself is not difficult but determining when to use a formula and why can be challenging. I will need more study to master this process.
I feel pretty good about...
Although this course was challenging I feel that I have a much more thorough understanding of dose calculation methods. I was able to understand all of the material and apply my knowledge to do well on my final exam.
Other reflective thoughts...
I see this course as the beginning of my exam preparation. From this point on I will have to continue to study dose and monitor unit calculations to remain familiar with the correct processes and refine my knowledge