TORONTO METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

Course Outline (F2024)

BME704: Radiation Therapy Devices

Instructor(s)Dr. Victor Yang [Coordinator]
Office: EPH400Q
Phone: (416) 979-5000 x 552143
Email: yangv@torontomu.ca
Office Hours: TBA Tues after lecture
Calendar DescriptionThe course will cover radiation producing equipment, character of photon and electron radiation beams, radiation dose functions, computerized radiation treatment planning, brachytherapy, special radiation treatment procedures, quality assurance, and radiation shielding of high energy facilities.
PrerequisitesBME 674 and BME 229 and MTH 410
Antirequisites

None

Corerequisites

None

Compulsory Text(s):
  1. Radiation Oncology Physics: A Handbook for Students and Teachers, E.B. Podgorsak ed. (online book: http://www-pub.iaea.org/mtcd/publications/pdf/pub1196_web.pdf
Reference Text(s):
Learning Objectives (Indicators)  

At the end of this course, the successful student will be able to:

  1. Use numerical and analytical models to predict, control and design component, system and process behaviors. (1c)
  2. Use physics and biology principles in simulation and Matlab to depict high energy X-ray photon and electron interactions in radiation detection and therapy devices. (1d)
  3. Compare model predictions with real-world data. (2b)
  4. Practice critical and continual assessment of experimental data and associated models. (3b)
  5. Demonstrate iterative process in complex design engineering projects. (4c)
  6. Work individually and in a team to organize and deliver clear and formal presentation following established guidelines (6a)
  7. Summarize and paraphrase written work accurately with appropriate citations; Formulate and express ideas in clear and correct grammar. (7a)
  8. Organize and deliver clear and formal presentation following established guidelines. (7b)
  9. Consider economic, social and environmental factors in decisions. (9a)

NOTE:Numbers in parentheses refer to the graduate attributes required by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).

Course Organization

3.0 hours of lecture per week for 13 weeks
2.0 hours of lab per week for 12 weeks
0.0 hours of tutorial per week for 12 weeks

Teaching AssistantsTBA
Course Evaluation
Theory
Midterm 25 %
Final Exam 35 %
Laboratory
Term Project 10 %
Labs 30 %
TOTAL:100 %

Note: In order for a student to pass a course, a minimum overall course mark of 50% must be obtained. In addition, for courses that have both "Theory and Laboratory" components, the student must pass the Laboratory and Theory portions separately by achieving a minimum of 50% in the combined Laboratory components and 50% in the combined Theory components. Please refer to the "Course Evaluation" section above for details on the Theory and Laboratory components (if applicable).


ExaminationsMidterm exam in Week 7, two hours, multiple-choice and short answers, closed book (covers Weeks 1-6).
 Final exam, during exam period, two hours, closed-book (covers all course material).
Other Evaluation InformationPotential project topics will be posted in the BME704 course shell. In order to allow students the time to make a considered decision, final topic selection will occur in the 3rd week of the term. All topics are 5-6 student projects, where the team as a group will present their final design in the final week of the course. The presentation time will be 15 minutes. Student generated topics must be approved by the TA and course coordinator. Specific details of the term project will be given during class and posted in the BME704 course shell.
Teaching MethodsLecture location: VIC501 PT Classroom (D2L Zoom link if conflict)
 Lecture slides will be posted on D2L.
 Lab location: ENG412
 Lab materials and project guidelines will be posted on D2L.
Other InformationNone

Course Content

Week

Hours

Chapters /
Section

Topic, description

1

3

14

Introduction overview of radiation therapy process radiobiology
 


2

3

1

Interaction of radiation with matter atomic & nuclear structure electron and photon interactions
 


3

3

2

Concept of dose interaction coefficients cavity theory
 


4

3

3

Dose measurement with ionization chambers dosimeter design
 select


5

3

4

Area survey and individual monitoring
 


6

3

5

External beam radiation therapy (linear accelerators)
 


7

3

6

Inverse square law patient dosimetry planning
 


8-9

3

7

Conventional treatment planning Intensity modulated radiation therapy Protons and heavy ions Radiation Safety


9-10

3

8

Dosimetric parameters clinical considerations
 


11

3

10

Clinical quality assurance and principles of statistical process control
 


12

3

16

Radiation effects safety designs
 


Laboratory(L)/Tutorials(T)/Activity(A) Schedule

Week

L/T/A

Description

2

ENG412

Radiobiology (LAB)

3-4

ENG412

Interaction of radiation with matter (LAB)

5

ENG412

Ion chamber design (LAB)

6-7

ENG412

Linac design (LAB)

8-9

ENG412

Dose calculation algorithms (LAB)

10

ENG412

Image quality and dose (Diagnostic X-ray beam parameters) (LAB)

11

ENG412

Linac bunker design and radiation shielding calculation (LAB)

University Policies & Important Information

Students are reminded that they are required to adhere to all relevant university policies found in their online course shell in D2L and/or on the Senate website

Refer to the Departmental FAQ page for furhter information on common questions.

Important Resources Available at Toronto Metropolitan University

Accessibility

Academic Accommodation Support

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Academic Accommodations (for students with disabilities) and Academic Consideration (for students faced with extenuating circumstances that can include short-term health issues) are governed by two different university policies. Learn more about Academic Accommodations versus Academic Consideration and how to access each.

Wellbeing Support

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we recognize that things can come up throughout the term that may interfere with a student’s ability to succeed in their coursework. These circumstances are outside of one’s control and can have a serious impact on physical and mental well-being. Seeking help can be a challenge, especially in those times of crisis.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911 and go to the nearest hospital emergency room. You can also access these outside resources at anytime:

If non-crisis support is needed, you can access these campus resources:

We encourage all Toronto Metropolitan University community members to access available resources to ensure support is reachable. You can find more resources available through the Toronto Metropolitan University Mental Health and Wellbeing website.