Radiotherapy Physics

Period (from – till ): 8 February - 16 April 2026 (BMS_P3_A)
Course coordinator : Dr. B. van Asselen
Faculty
Dr. B. van Asselen, UMC Utrecht/Imaging Division, lecturer
Dr. J.C.J. de Boer, UMC Utrecht/Imaging Division, lecturer
Dr. C.P.J. Raaijmakers, UMC Utrecht/Imaging Division, lecturer
Prof.dr. B.W. Raaymakers, UMC Utrecht/Imaging Division, lecturer
Dr. E. Seravalli, UMC Utrecht/Imaging Division, lecturer
Dr. M Smolic, UMC Utrecht/Imaging Division, lecturer
Dr.Ir. J.W.H. Wolthaus, UMC Utrecht/Imaging Division, lecturer
Dr. S. Woodings, UMC Utrecht/Imaging Division, lecturer
Renée Allebrandi, MA (course registration)

Course description
This course covers practical and theoretical aspects on medical physics in the field of radiotherapy.

First the basic radiation physics will be addressed, including the production of radiation, radioactive decay, characteristics of ionizing radiation, interaction with matter and measurement of absorbed dose.

The second part covers the principles of dose calculation using different algorithms as well as dose optimization techniques such as Intensity-modulated therapy (IMRT) and volumetric arc therapy (VMAT).

The third topic focuses on image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT): including inter- and intrafraction motion, position-verification systems (cone-beam CT and MRI), and real-time imaging. Also adaptive radiotherapy is addressed including offline, online and raal-time strategies.

Finally topics related to MRI-guided treatment will be discussed, including dose delivery in magnetic fields, MRI linac design and the clinical adaptive workflow.

Examination:

• Written exam: 80%;
• Oral presentation and discussion: 20%
• Attendance to the practical work is obligatory to qualify for examination

The weights indicated above are applied to calculate the final mark. To pass the course the grade for each component must be a 5.0 or higher and the final mark must be an unrounded 5.5 or higher. (Anglo-Saxon grade mark D)

Literature/study material used:

• Khan’s the physics of radiation therapy, Khan, Faiz M, ISBN 9781451182453. (an electronic version of the book is available at the UU library)
• Hand-outs.
• Articles on specific topics

Details: https://mix.isi.uu.nl/courses/radiotherapy-physics/
Registration
You can register for this course via Osiris Student. More information about the registration procedure can be found here on the Students' site.
Students from outside the UU or TU/e MI-track can register for this course by sending an email to mix@umcutrecht.nl. Please include your name, student number, Master’s programme and the course code.Mandatory
No

Optional for students in other GSLS Master’s programme:
Yes

After completing the course the student understands:

1. the basics concepts of the linear accelerator and the generation of X-ray’s
2. the photon and electron interactions with matter important for radiotherapy
3. the physical aspects of photon beams
4. the principles of dosimetry
5. the concepts of clinically applied dose calculations algorithms and optimization algorithms
6. the concepts of IMRT and VMAT
7. the origin of geometrical uncertainties on various time scales
8. the various types of adaptive radiotherapy (offline, online and real time)
9. the effect of the magnetic field on the dose distribution
10. the effect of the magnetic field on the measurement
11. the need for MRI-only planning and fast dose calculation
12. the workflow needed for online MRI guided radiotherapy

You will be enrolled for this course by administration of the programme of this course.