Radiobiology

Recommended Prerequisites

A.Knowledge

It is important that the student has background knowledge before attending this curricular unit to learn effectively its contents. This background includes knowledge of the curricular unit of Celullar and Molecular Biologya and Biophysics, which becomes relevant for understanding the contents of Radiobiology. Additionally to knowledge of basic sciences is advisable prior acquisition of knowledge and clinical skills.

B.Skills

English language - Ability to read, understand, write and speak at a level which is enough to understand the recommended bibliography and to perform scientific communication.

Information Technology - ability to use the Internet for bibliography research.

C.Attitudes

Students should demonstrate intrinsic motivation, determination, self-study ability and capacity for teamwork.

They should also enhance the relationship with colleagues, other professionals and patients.

Teaching Methods

In this curricular unit the general structure of teaching methodologies, will be complementary between theoretical and practical. In the theoretical lessons the teacher exposes the syllabus content, using the illustration of the physical concepts presented with concrete examples. The practical classes should be an extension of the lectures, strengthening and exploring in detail aspects addressed in the theoretical component.

Learning Outcomes

Objectives

Provide students with the tools to understand and describe the issues relating to the practice of radiation therapy, including the characterization of different types of radiation, the radiation effects at the cellular level and its impact on clinical practice of radiotherapy.

Explain the models of radiation effects at cellular level.

Understand the processes involved in radiobiology.

Identify and understand the procedures involved in radiation dosimetry.

Identify and describe the procedures that promote radiation protection and radiation safety.

 

Skills

Apply the knowledge to the radiation dosimetry and radiation protection problematics.

Being able to interpret an individual dosimetric record.

Demonstrate adequate capacities for synthesis and communication.

Demonstrate skills that are essential to teamwork and knowledge of ethical and deontological concepts underlying the relationship with colleagues, other professionals and patients.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1.Characterization of radiations

Define units and types of ionizing radiation and characterize interaction with matter

Judging the use of ionizing radiation considering the physical characteristics

2.Radiobiology

Characterize the biological effects (molecular, cellular, acute and chronic)

Define the models of cell death by radiation and characterize the effects in terms of the target theory. Single dose vs. fractionation

3.Dosimetry of radiation

Calculate activities and doses in brachytherapy and metabolic radiotherapy

Explain the importance of in vivo dosimetry to control the administered dose

4.Therapy with radiation

Identify therapies with radiation (external, brachy and metabolic)

Describe the imaging modalities for planning and define target volumes and organs at risk

5.Protection and Radiation Safety

Recognize the dose limits

Interpret individual dosimetric records

Describe possible errors and accidents and establish security protocols in the use of radioactive sources.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ana Margarida Coelho Abrantes

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 40.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

Basic Clinical Radiobiology. M Joiner and A van der Kogel. Hodder Arnold, 2009

Biofísica Médica. JJ Pedroso de Lima. Universidade de Coimbra, 2003

Basic Radiation Oncology. M Beyzadeoglu, G Ozyigit and C Ebruli. Springer, 2010

Nuclear Medicine Physics. JJ Pedroso de Lima. CRC Press, 2011

Physics in Nuclear Medicine. Simon Cherry, James Sorenson, Michael Phelps, Sauders, 2003

Biological Radiation Effects. Jurgen Kiefer. Springer-Verla, 1990

An Interoduction to Radiobiology. AHW Nias. Wiley, 2000

Radiation Physics in Nuclear Medicine. Marie Claire Cantone, Christoph Hoeschen. Springer, 2011