The module will describe the cellular and molecular basis of the response of cells, tissues and tumours to ionising radiation. The biological basis of radiation damage and repair will be addressed and how this effects cellular processes such as cell survival. It will address the principles underlying the application of radiotherapy to the treatment of cancer and how radiotherapy interacts with other treatments such as chemotherapy. The course is modelled on the radiobiology syllabus of the FRCR Part I examinations and will therefore provide suitable preparation for this professional examination.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Describe the various radiation biology models and how these have assisted our understanding of the effects of radiation damage at the cellular and tissue levels.
Explain the molecular processes involved in and the time course of radiation damage and repair.
Discuss the principles of population radiobiology, the derivation and use of cell survival curves, Relative Biological Effect and oxygen enhancement ratios and dose rates.
Describe the effect of radiation on different tissues and organs and the concept of tolerance levels and factors influencing this.
Discuss the interaction between radiation and other agents such as chemotherapy.
