RTS4103 Radiation therapy science 3
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
RTS4103 Radiation therapy science 3 is a level 4, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 2 units, leading on to 8 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
- Workload
- 12 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before RTS4103
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After RTS4103
2 units list RTS4103 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Corequisite: Master of Radiation Therapy Students: Units: RTS4102, RTS4101,
Course: Must be enrolled in Bachelor of Radiation Sciences (M2013, M2017, M20024) or the Master of Radiation Therapy (M6004) or the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (M2003)
Overview
This unit focuses on the action of ionising radiation on living things at the cellular level and the resulting effects on organs, tissues and the whole body. You will gain an in-depth knowledge on the biological effects of ionising and non-ionising radiation, and the mechanisms of repair to biological damage. You will be able to describe the systemic and total body responses to early/late effects of radiation. You will undertake a critical review on how the effects of radiation on biological tissue can be utilised in the practice of radiation therapy. You will acquire an appreciation of the potential hazards present in different radiation therapy procedures, and focus on the principles of dose reduction, while maximising the information produced from a particular dose of ionising or non-ionising radiation. Whilst studying these topics, you will be encouraged to critically reflect, analyse and synthesise relevant information from the literature.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | Online |
Assessment
- Quiz series (4 x 20 mins Moodle quizzes)Quiz / TestCompetency hurdle40%
- Scientific poster with audio narration (1 x poster 'page' and narration/audio maximum 3 mins)Artefact30%
- Recorded oral presentation (Equivalent 8 mins presentation, maximum 20 slides)Presentation30%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Predict the biological effects of ionising and non-ionising radiation, their severity and risks, at population, whole body, organ, cellular and molecular levels;
- 2
Evaluate the mechanisms of repair to biological damage, and the systemic and total body responses to early and late effects of radiation;
- 3
Discuss the radiobiology principles underpinning modifications to procedural techniques and treatment schedules to maximise the benefit from a particular dose of ionising radiation;
- 4
Analyse the rationale used to determine the most appropriate procedure to balance tumour control and normal tissue exposure with regard to biological effects;
- 5
Calculate the radiation dose and appraise the current scientific theories relating to the risk associated with radiation dose.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials8 hours
- Workshops-
8 hours of online synchronous tutorials via zoom per semester, proposed schedule of four 2-hour online Tutorials across the semester.
For the weeks with a Tutorial:
2 hours of Tutorials, 4 hours of directed, structured learning through interactive online learning packages and tutor moderated discussion forums per week, and 5-6 hours of self-directed study per week.
For the weeks without a Tutorial:
6 hours of directed and structured learning through interactive online learning packages and tutor moderated discussion forums per week, and 5-6 hours of self-directed study per week.
Total per week = 12 hours
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Shan Kou
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Shan Kou
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for RTS4103?
RTS4103 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after RTS4103?
RTS4103 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including RTS4102 and RTS5110. Those lead on to 8 units in all.
When is RTS4103 offered?
In 2026, RTS4103 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton, with an online option.
How much work is RTS4103?
The handbook expects about 12 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does RTS4103 have an exam?
No. RTS4103 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.