This hands-on training course on reference dosimetry techniques is run over four days, starting after lunch on the first day and finishing before lunch on the final day.

Aims & Objectives

At the end of the course, attendees will:

• Have a good fundamental theoretical and practical understanding of all aspects of reference dosimetry for kV X-rays, High-energy photons, Electrons and HDR brachytherapy sources
• Be familiar with the UK primary standards used in reference dosimetry
• Understand the current Codes of Practice for kV X-rays, High-energy photons and Electrons, and their application
• Be able to carry out basic metrology in reference dosimetry including the application of correction factors and evaluation of uncertainties

Course Content

The course will consist of introductory lectures that cover:

• Basic quantities and units
• Overview of dosimetry and evaluation of uncertainties
• Practical advice on the handling and maintenance of secondary standard and field instruments with emphasis placed on recognising and dealing with measurement problems

and four separate practical sessions on:

• Dosimetry of kV X-rays (covering both in-air and in-water measurements)
• High-energy photons (Co-60 gamma-rays and 4 MV to 19 MV X-rays)
• Electrons
• HDR brachytherapy (including a session covering check source measurements)

The practical sessions will cover all areas of measurement including basic metrology, estimating uncertainties and applying corrections.

Intended Audience

This course is primarily aimed at trainee radiotherapy physicists, but would also benefit anyone wishing to improve their practical dosimetry techniques.

Prior Knowledge

No prior knowledge of reference dosimetry is expected, although some familiarity with the relevant codes of practice would be advantageous. Due to the intensive nature of the course, however, we do recommend that the lecture and practical sessions notes from the previous course (below) be reviewed beforehand. Knowledge of basic statistical concepts is also expected, such as the calculation of mean and standard uncertainty of the mean. Attendees are asked to bring a calculator to the course and be able to use it to calculate such quantities.

Previous course lecture notes (2 MB)  |  Previous course session notes (900 KB)

Lecturing Team

The course will be presented by members of NPL's Radiation Dosimetry Group and representatives from clinical radiotherapy departments who have extensive experience in reference dosimetry and its application in clinical radiotherapy.

Documentation

The course materials will consist of:

• An updated set of lecture and practical session notes
• A CD containing electronic copies of all notes and presentations

Further Information

For enquiries or further information about this course, please contact either: David Crossley or David Shipley

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