The below oncology courses are restricted to Radiation Therapy students only. Course registration requests and program inquiries can be sent to radth@ualberta.ca:
★ 3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-1) Introduction into fundamental medical physics concepts including theory of atomic and nuclear structure, radioactivity, and electromagnetic and particulate radiation. Topics to be covered include production of medically useful radiation, interaction of radiation with matter, radiation dose, and an introduction to physics concepts used in a radiation oncology environment. Prerequisites: PHYS 124, 126, and MATH 113 or 114, or permission of the department.
★ 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-1) Builds on the concepts covered in ONCOL 233, with a shifting emphasis towards production of radiation, its shaping and measurements in the clinical environment as well as introduction to the fundamental concepts in equipment used in radiation therapy. Specific topics include: general principles of X-ray tube, Linac, Cobalt machine, dosimetry instrumentation, principles of diagnostic imaging techniques (including X-ray imaging, CT, MRI, PET and SPECT), innovative radiation treatment methods, treatment simulators; imaging equipment used for radiation therapy verification and general QA procedures for all imaging techniques as well as brachytherapy equipment. Prerequisite: ONCOL 233.
★ 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-1) Introduction of the fundamental concepts in radiation protection and safety for the patient, self, and general public. Topics include: general principles and practices of working with radiation in a healthcare environment, differences in protection required for different types of radiation, basic radiation shielding considerations and facility design, monitoring and measurement of radiation for protection purposes, and relevant regulatory agencies and associated standards. Prerequisite: Permission of the department.
★ 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0) An introduction to the biology of cancer highlighting features that distinguish normal cells from cancer cells. Specific topics include the genetic basis of cancer, control of cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, mechanism of action of cancer drugs and the development of resistance. Prerequisite: CELL 201.
★ 3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0) A survey course outlining the basic concepts in clinical oncology including epidemiology, cancer screening, cancer staging and pathology, molecular diagnostics, all modalities of treating primary, metastatic and resistant cancers. Definitions for the application of medical terminology will also be addressed. Prerequisite: Permission of the Department.
★ 3 (fi 6) (Spring/Summer, 30 hours/week - 4 weeks) Principles and concepts of clinical oncology. Prerequisite: ONCOL 254.
★ 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-2) A unique course exploring the use of imaging in radiation therapy from a radiologic, radiation oncologic, and radiotherapeutic perspective. Students will gain skills in operating imaging software, identifying normal relational and cross sectional anatomy and pathological conditions using a variety of imaging modalities, and radiographic images, contouring tumor volumes, and will be expected to analyze and critique treatment images to make informed treatment decisions. Prerequisite: ANAT 305 or permission of the department.
★ 3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-1) The field of radiation oncology is introduced, as well as the evaluation and treatment of tumours with ionizing radiation. Students will begin the study of the various modalities of radiation treatment, and the respective treatment regimens and techniques utilized for the most common tumour sites. Prerequisite: Permission of the Department and ONCOL 255.
★ 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-1) The study of the field of radiation oncology is further developed. By the completion of the course, students will have developed an understanding of the various treatment options for each of the tumour sites, and the respective treatment regimes, techniques, schedules, results, and toxicities of treatment with ionizing radiation. Prerequisite: ONCOL 309.
★ 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0) An introduction to the physics, chemistry and biology of radiation effects on cells and tissues. Concepts discussed include the biological factors that influence the response of normal and neoplastic cells to radiation therapy; cell survival curves; linear energy transfer and relative biological effectiveness; effects on tissues of time, dose and fractionation of radiation treatment; and emerging concepts in radiobiology. Prerequisites: ONCOL 253 and 254.
★ 3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-2) The foundation of radiation therapy treatment planning with the principles of radiation dose deposition within the patient, characteristics of radiation beams, and the intricacies of treatment calculations applied in order to develop an appropriate treatment strategy for typical tumor locations. The course covers both low and high energy X-ray, electron and Cobalt60 dose calculations for a variety of treatment techniques. Prerequisite: ONCOL 233, 234.
★ 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-2) Concepts from ONCOL 355 are explored in more detail. Advanced topics in treatment planning will be covered, including 4 dimensional treatment planning, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, Inverse planning, Arc therapy, and Brachytherapy planning. Prerequisite: ONCOL 355.