BI3DIR1: Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy for Cancer

Module code: BI3DIR1

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 3 (Honours)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Lindsey Thompson, email: lindsey.thompson@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Sillas Hadjiloucas, email: s.hadjiloucas@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer are critical areas of medicine that involve the detection and management of malignant tumours and other abnormal growths in the body. This module will begin with a revision of the principles of nuclear physics and how this relates to the human body and health in both positive and negative ways. You will then learn about the functioning and application of a range of imaging modalities including X-rays, Ultrasound, CT, PET, radionuclide imaging and SPECT. You will have a chance to study images and relate these to diagnoses under the direction of practicing clinical radiologists. The second part of the module focusses on radiotherapy for cancers, this is run by practicing medical physicists who will teach you how radiotherapy can be used as a therapeutic tool. You will learn how to plan radiotherapy treatments including safety considerations, how the main pieces of equipment work and the production of radiopharmaceuticals.  

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Compare the functioning and output of a wide range of diagnostic imaging modalities including CT, MRI, PET, SPECT and radionuclide imaging. 
2. Evaluate each modality as a tool for cancer diagnosis and staging in different parts of the body. 
3. Explain the principles of radiotherapy and apply to the treatment planning for a range of cancers with regard for outcome and safety. 
4. Describe and explain the functioning of the Linear accelerator (LINAC) and the production of radiopharmaceuticals in hospitals. 

Module content

Lecture material will explore the following topics:

• Types of ionising radiation including alpha, beta and gamma; their production and effects on the body
• Factors that determine potential harmful effects on the body
• The functioning of a range of diagnostic imaging equipment such as X-rays, Magnetic Resonance, Positron Emission Tomography, SPECT and Gamma Camera
• Modalities for diagnosing different cancers. Identify images from different modalities and relate to simple diagnoses and clinical cases. Identify how staging can be achieved using a range of modalities
• The use of radiotherapy in cancer treatment compared to other treatment options and understand the indications for the use of radiotherapy in cancer
• The principles of treatment simulation and planning including dose calculations
• The importance of imaging and immobilisation
• Factors affecting the severity of side effects, toxicities and their measurement
• The principles of fractionation, biologically effective dose and dose volume histograms
• Tumour control probability against normal tissue complication probability
• Pathways of care for common cancer types and the difference between radical and palliative treatment
• The role of the radiographer, oncologist and medical physicist in the pre-tteatment planning, delivery and after care
• The functioning of the Linear accelerator
• The principles and production of radiopharmaceuticals

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, clinical sessions, self-directed learning and directed independent study. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard. 

Study hours

At least 38 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Reassessment

Additional costs