Fundamentals of Radiotherapy Field of study: Medical Physics
Programme code: W4-S1FM19.2025

Module name: Fundamentals of Radiotherapy
Module code: W4-FM-S1-4-23-24
Programme code: W4-S1FM19.2025
Semester: summer semester 2026/2027
Language of instruction: Polish
Form of verification: exam
ECTS credits: 4
Purpose and description of the content of education:
The topics covered in the lectures include medical and physical aspects of radiotherapy: Definitions, classification, methods, and devices used in radiotherapy Interaction of ionizing radiation with matter - discussion in the context of clinical applications Dose distribution in tissue volumes, types, and role of dose modifiers Interaction of radiation with living organisms: mechanisms, phases, effects, therapeutic benefits Dose-response relationship, linear-quadratic model, modifying factors Processes determining tissue response Dose fractionation schemes - their benefits and risks Factors influencing the body's response: volume effect, oxygen effect, microenvironment, chemical factors, biological modifiers Dose-volume histogram and tolerance of critical organs according to QUANTEC Radiotherapy process from the perspective of medical physics - planning methods and dose distribution verification As part of a project, students develop a presentation on one of the selected contemporary radiotherapy methods, considering the following aspects: Basic physical principles of radiation interaction with matter Chemical and biological interactions of ionizing radiation used in the specific method Dosage and fractionation schemes Applied equipment, its dosimetric parameters, and methods of therapeutic dose delivery Overview of centers implementing the given method, its availability, and procedure cost Review of epidemiological data, including treated disease types, curability, and survival rates During self-study, students aim to consolidate the acquired knowledge based on lecture notes and recommended bibliography provided by the lecturer. They also make efforts to understand the advantages, limitations, and application areas of various contemporary radiotherapy methods.
List of modules that must be completed before starting this module (if necessary): not applicable
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
Familiar with contemporary medical techniques (radiotherapy) based on the use of ionizing radiation. [E1]
 W06 [4/5] IW05 [4/5]
Understands the role of treatment planning within the scope of the medical physicist's competencies. [E2]
 W01 [3/5] W08 [3/5] IW03 [3/5] IW04 [3/5]
Can gather information from literature, databases, and other sources, integrate and interpret them, draw conclusions, and formulate and justify opinions. [E3]
 U08 [5/5]
Possesses the ability for self-education, including the purpose of professional development. [E4]
 U08 [4/5] K01 [4/5]
Has the ability to prepare and deliver oral presentations in their native language, utilizing modern multimedia techniques. [E5]
 U08 [3/5] U10 [3/5]
Understands the social aspects of practical application of acquired knowledge and skills, as well as the associated responsibility. [E6]
 W01 [3/5] W08 [3/5]
Properly identifies and resolves dilemmas related to the practice of the medical physicist profession. [E7]
 K01 [3/5] K02 [3/5] K04 [3/5] IK02 [3/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
lecture [FZ1] 30 Problem-based lecture [b01] 
Lecture-discussion [b02] 
Activating method – discussion / debate [b04]  		exam E1 E2 E7
laboratory classes [FZ2] 15 Working with a computer [d01] 
Laboratory exercise / experiment [e01]  		course work E3 E4 E5 E6
The student's work, apart from participation in classes, includes in particular:
Name Category Description
Literature reading / analysis of source materials [a02] Preparation for classes
reading the literature indicated in the syllabus; reviewing, organizing, analyzing and selecting source materials to be used in class
Developing practical skills [a03] Preparation for classes
activities involving the repetition, refinement and consolidation of practical skills, including those developed during previous classes or new skills necessary for the implementation of subsequent elements of the curriculum (as preparation for class participation)
Getting acquainted with the syllabus content [b01] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
reading through the syllabus and getting acquainted with its content
Implementation of an individual or group assignment necessary for course/phase/examination completion [c03] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
a set of activities aimed at performing an assigned task, to be executed out of class, as an obligatory phase/element of the verification of the learning outcomes assigned to the course
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)