RTS4106 Radiation therapy principles and introduction to professional practice
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
RTS4106 Radiation therapy principles and introduction to professional practice is a level 4, 12-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs RTS4100 and unlocks 1 unit, leading on to 7 units in all.
- Credit points
- 12
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 20%
- and 4 other tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before RTS4106
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After RTS4106
1 unit list RTS4106 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
For students enrolled in M2017 must have passed 120 credit points.
Co-requisite: M2017, M2003. Permission is required for M2003.
Overview
This unit builds on the knowledge gained in RTS4104 and explores the use of radiation therapy to treat cancer. You get to experience an immersive clinical placement experience in a radiation therapy department. You will study the aetiology, epidemiology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, oncology management and specific radiation therapy practices to support the care of patients with cancer in the reproductive systems, integumentary system, lower respiratory, lower digestive, urinary and renal systems. You will have opportunities to further develop fundamental professional capabilities of; communication, reflective practice, interprofessional care, patient-centred care, inclusivity and cultural safety and responsiveness.
Your ability to adhere to occupational health and safety, national safety and quality in health care, radiation safety and practice standards will be further developed. You will learn radiation therapy principles to enable you to analyse and apply beginner level radiation therapy planning, imaging and treatment for the cancer sites covered. You will reflect on your technical and professional practice and create an action plan for your future growth through simulation and clinical learning. You will enhance prior research knowledge and apply it to a contemporary radiation therapy issue.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester (extended) | Clayton | Blended |
Assessment
- Clinical workbook (Equivalent to 2,000 word essay)PortfolioCompetency hurdle10%
- Simulated and professional learning workbooks (Equivalent to 4,000 word essay)PortfolioCompetency hurdle40%
- Scoping review (3,000 words)Written20%
- Oral presentation (15 mins - 10 mins presentation and 5 mins questions)Presentation10%
- End of semester open book exam (150 mins)ExaminationCompetency hurdle20%
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
Identify and describe in detail; structural and sectional anatomy, physiology, pathology and oncology related to the reproductive systems, integumentary system, lower respiratory, lower digestive, urinary and renal systems.
- 2
Analyse radiation therapy pre-treatment and planning processes with reference to international standards and the evidence-base to support the management of patients with cancers of the male and female reproductive systems, integumentary system, lower respiratory, lower digestive, urinary and renal systems.
- 3
Analyse radiation therapy treatment and verification techniques with reference to international standards and the evidence-base to support the management of patients with cancers of the male and female reproductive systems, integumentary system, lower respiratory, lower digestive, urinary and renal systems.
- 4
Evaluate with reference to the evidence-base, acute and late radiation therapy side effects, analysing patient care and management strategies in patients with cancers of the male and female reproductive systems, integumentary system, lower respiratory, lower digestive, urinary and renal systems.
- 5
Appraise the influence of inclusivity, social and cultural issues on the management of patients with cancer.
- 6
Analyse and apply the theories of communication, reflective and interprofessional practice within the context of radiation therapy.
- 7
Demonstrate a professional approach to practice by implementing radiation therapy planning, treatment and patient management protocols for patients with cancers of the male and female reproductive systems, integumentary system, lower respiratory, lower digestive, urinary and renal systems at a beginner level.
- 8
Demonstrate professional behaviours and safe clinical practice.
- 9
Describe and apply the principles of quality management and improvement in the context of practice standards.
- 10
Produce evidence of research informed critical thinking in relation to radiation therapy.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials24 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Practical activities12 hours
You will have an average of 5-hours per week of structured online/on-campus synchronous support sessions, 4 hours of online asynchronous (Moodle books with embedded videos) theory content, 5 hours of teacher directed readings, 5 hours of teacher directed clinical practice simulation activities linked to assessments and 5 hours of self-directed learning.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- John Ryan
- Unit Coordinators
- John Ryan
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for RTS4106?
You need RTS4100 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.
What can I take after RTS4106?
RTS4106 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including RTS5110. Those lead on to 7 units in all.
When is RTS4106 offered?
In 2026, RTS4106 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does RTS4106 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 20% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.