Reference Dosimetry

Course description

This course has a theoretical and a practical component. The theoretical component is delivered via e-learning. It can be taken as a stand-alone course, or as a pre-requisite for the practical component as part of a blended course. The practical component is delivered face-to-face at NPL’s Teddington site.

The e-learning component consists of 8 modules. It covers:

• Quantities, units and radiation fundamentals
• An overview of dosimetry
• Maintenance and general care of instruments
• The evaluation of measurement uncertainty
• An overview of dosimetry at a primary standard laboratory and in a clinical setting for the main radiotherapy modalities: brachytherapy, kV X-ray dosimetry, MV photon dosimetry and electron dosimetry

The blended course, in addition to the e-learning component above, offers the opportunity to apply the theory during four practical sessions at NPL’s Teddington site.

These practical sessions cover:

• All areas of measurement, including basic metrology, estimating uncertainties and applying corrections. Dosimetry of kV X-rays, covering both in-air and in-water measurements.
• High-energy photons (4 MV to 19 MV X-rays), incl small field.
• Electrons (4-20MeV).
• High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, incl a session covering check source measurements.
• Learn from experienced NPL scientists.

Please note that the blended course has a maximum capacity of 24 learners. There is no capacity limit for the stand-alone e-learning course, which is available to start at any time.

Who is it for?

Primarily aimed at new/junior radiotherapy physicists or clinical scientists.
Also useful for more experienced personnel who wish to refresh their dosimetry knowledge.