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Unit of study_
PHYS5005: Radiotherapy Physics
2026 unit information
In this unit, normally undertaken as part of the Masters of Medical Physics degree or the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics, both theoretical and practical aspects of the major topics in radiotherapy physics are covered. These topics include radiation beam production and modification, dosimetry, the principles of treatment planning, dose calculation and reporting, and the physics of brachytherapy. Emerging techniques such as proton therapy and adative radiation therapy are also covered.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Physics Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Calculus, differential equations, Fourier analysis, linear algebra, complex variables and numerical methods |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. demonstrate an understanding of the physical properties and construction of kilovoltage and megavoltage x-ray producing machines
- LO2. demonstrate an understanding of the construction, the physics behind each part of the system, and how the x-ray beams are produced and collimated into a clinical useful beam for radiotherapy applications
- LO3. demonstrate an understanding of the physical properties of kilovoltage and megavoltage x-ray beams, and megavoltage electron beams, e.g. definitions of depth dose, profiles isodose curves, and standard introductory clinical beam properties
- LO4. demonstrate an understanding of brachytherapy dosimetry, properties of sealed sources in common use and clinical applications
- LO5. demonstrate an understanding of the dosimetry of MV photon and electron beams, discuss code of practice frameworks including IAEA TRS-398 & AAPM TG-61 dosimetry of FFF photon beams, and small field dosimetry
- LO6. demonstrate an understanding of the application of proton and ion beams in radiation therapy.
- LO7. demonstrate an understanding of contemporary RT methods of dose delivery and treatment planning
- LO8. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of imaging modalities in radiation therapy and identify at what stage of the radiation therapy treatment process these modalities are used. (CT, MRI, Ultrasound, PET-CT, EPID, kV- radiographic, fluoroscopic imaging and surface imaging)
- LO9. Demonstrate an understanding of the benefits and limitations of specific features of each imaging modality used in Radiation Therapy applications
- LO10. Demonstrate an understanding of the additional quality assurance requirements for each image modality
- LO11. Demonstrate an understanding of the safety and justification for using these imaging modalities in radiation therapy
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 2 2026
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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