Diagnostic and Treatment Sciences

Radiologic and Imaging Sciences

Phone 616-331-5953, Fax 616-331-3350
Center for Health Sciences, College of Health Professions, Suite 412
301 Michigan Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

Medical Dosimetry Program

Diagnostic and Treatment Sciences
Cook-Devos Center for Health Sciences
College of Health Professions
301 Michigan Street NE Suite 455
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Fax 616-331-5752
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Code: RMD 630 Medical Dosimetry 1
Course meets: Every Other Weds 7:00pmEST 9:30pmEST
Room number: Virtual Classroom (Blackboard Collaborate Ultra)
Instructor Information: Scott Green
Office: CHS 412
Phone: Office: 616-331-5752
Cell: 616-550-8399
E-mail: greensc@gvsu.edu
Office hours: Mondays 11:30am 1:30pm, Weds 2pm-4pm
Evenings by appointment
Prerequisites:
Corequisites: RMD 631 Medical Dosimetry I Lab
Course Description:
Orientation and explanation of computerized treatment planning systems, including the procedures required to
develop radiation treatment plans for a diverse range of neoplasms in the head and neck, thoracic, and
abdominal regions. Introduction to Dosimetry related physics concepts, treatment planning physics and
classical Radiation Therapy physics.
Text(s) Suggested:
The Physics of Radiation Therapy (5th Edition), Faiz M. Khan (Author), Lippincott, Philadelphia.
Treatment Planning in Radiation Therapy (Latest Edition), Faiz Kahn (Author), Lippincott, Philadelphia

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Analyze the performance routine underlying medical dosimetry procedures of the head and neck, thoracic,
and abdominal regions.
2. Discriminate between treatment planning computer systems in a knowledgeable manner consistent with the
production of high quality therapeutic treatment plans in medical dosimetry.
3. Assess quality in the production of medical dosimetry treatment plans, including, but not limited to
neoplasms of the head and neck, thoracic, and abdominal regions.
4. Apply basic physics knowledge when producing treatment plans
Topics
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14

Syllabus, Clinic Update

Radiotherapy Process, Personnel, Radiotherapy and Data Acquisition
Structure of Matter, Nuclear Transformations, & Production of X-rays
Organ Movement, Immobilization Ionizing Radiation (interactions and measurement)
Quality of X-Ray beams, Measurement of Absorbed dose
Treatment Planning Algorithms
Dose Distributions, Calculations
Midterm
Isodose Distributions/ Calculations Part 2
Acquisition, Verification, Inhomogeneity correction
Field Shaping, Skin Dose, Field Specification
Electron Beams
3d Conformal Therapy, Into to IMRT
Review
Open

Methods of Evaluation:
Grading Scale:
Passing Grades:
100%-94% = A
93.9%-90% = A89.9%-88% = B+
87.9%-84% = B
83.9%-80% = B

Failing Grades:
79.9%-78% = C+
77.9%-74% = C
73.9%-70% = C69.9%-68% = D+
67.9%-60% = D
59.9%-0% = F
* Grades are taken to one decimal point and are rounded from second decimal point.

Common Methods of Evaluation:

The majority of evaluation in this course will be written examinations with both relevant information and
critical thinking problem solving exercises in accordance with standard clinical procedures. Journal review
papers are also required. Class Participation & Attendance grades will be based on the student's contribution to
class activities via videoconferencing. This grade will be determined solely by the instructor and will include
the following. All papers and written assignments are to be written using APA format.
Additional instructor determined grading points for substantive participation in online and on-site course
discussions.
GRADE BREAKDOWN
QUIZES and HOMEWORK
MIDTERM
DISCUSSION and
CLASS PART.
FINAL EXAM
ATTENDANCE

30%
10%
30%
25%
5%
MSMD Policies

Due Dates:

All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date.
A 10% grade reduction will be given if the assignment is turned in within 24 hours of the scheduled due
date and time.
A 20% grade reduction will be given if the assignment is turned in within 25 hours - 1 week of the
scheduled due date and time.
After 1 week the assignment will be given a grade of 0" unless extenuating circumstances are granted.
* The instructor prior to the due date & time must grant extenuating circumstances.
Make-up privileges:
Assignments may be made up by appointment before the beginning of the next class session only if arranged by
documentation informing the instructor of inability to attend the scheduled class or laboratory PRIOR to the
starting time AND the instructor approves the make up activity in advance. The only documentation of inability
to attend that will be accepted is a copy of an email or fax with a delivery time indication or a live voice-tovoice conversation that is acknowledged by the instructor. There are no make up privileges for pop quizzes.
*Only 1 make up quiz or test is allowed for this course unless extenuating circumstances are granted. Any and
all make-ups are at the sole discretion of the instructor.
Course Failure/ Repeats
II. B. Standards of Achievement Medical Dosimetry Program Student Handbook

GVSU Policies:
Students with Disabilities Policy:
If you need academic accommodations because of a learning, physical or other disability, please contact
Disability Support Services (DSS) at 331-2490. Furthermore, if you have a physical disability and think you
will need assistance evacuating this classroom and/or building in an emergency situation, please make me aware
so I can develop a plan to assist you.
Academic Dishonesty Policy:
Any ideas or material taken from another source for either written or oral presentation must be fully
acknowledged and offering the work of someone else as ones own is plagiarism. The language or ideas taken
from another may range from isolated formulas, sentences, or paragraphs to entire articles copied from the
internet, books, periodicals, speeches, or from the writings of other students. The offering of materials
assembled or collected by others in the form of projects or collections without acknowledgment also is
considered plagiarism. Any student who fails to give credit in written or oral work for the ideas or materials that
have been taken from another is guilty of plagiarism.