Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Calculus, differential equations, Fourier analysis, and linear algebra
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sarah Alnaghy, sarah.alnaghy@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final Exam Final Exam	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Practical Lab 1 Practical Lab 1: RT Equipment at Lifehouse	5%	Week 04 Due date: 29 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 08 Sep 2025	1 week	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Practical Lab 2 Practical Lab 2: Dosimetry at Blacktown Hospital	10%	Week 06 Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Sep 2025	1 week	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Practical Lab 3 Practical Lab 3: Treatment Planning at RNSH	5%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Oct 2025	1 week	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Oral Assessment: Treatment Planning Oral Assessment: Treatment Planning	10%	Week 09	15 mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Practical Lab 4 Practical Lab 4: Brachytherapy at St. George Hospital	10%	Week 12 Due date: 31 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 Nov 2025	1 week	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Practical labs: These labs will be based on the clinical practical/virtual class at Lifehouse, Blacktown hospital, Royal North Shore Hospital and St. George Hospital and/or IMP lab.
Lab Assignments: These will be based on material presented in practical labs drawing on material presented in lectures and will be assessed by the respective lab supervisors/lecturers.
Oral assessment: will be based on lecture material, and readings and will be assessed by the lecturers.
Final Exam: will be based on lecture material, and readings and will be assessed by the lecturers. Must be attempted & must meet hurdle mark threshold otherwise = AF grade.

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator

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 assessments across all learning outcomes is necessary to ensure a pass in this unit. It is expected that a grade of at least 45% across all assessments and the final 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 very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to radiotherapy and radiotherapy physics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Equipment 1	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Equipment 2	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Practical Lab 1: Equipment at Lifehouse	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Dosimetry 1	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Dosimetry 2	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Practical Lab 2: Dosimetry at Blacktown Hospital	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Treatment planning 1	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Treatment planning 2	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Practical Lab 3: Treatment planning at RNSH	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Protons and heavy ion therapy	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Imaging for radiotherapy	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Adaptive RT and automation	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Brachytherapy	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Practical Lab 4: Brachytherapy at St. George Hospital	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	The future of particle therapy	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Where online tutorials/workshops/virtual laboratories have been scheduled, students are expected 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.

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

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

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

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas site for this unit.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

Please check the Canvas site for this unit.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PHYS5005: Radiotherapy Physics

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links