Basic interaction processes of ionising radiation with matter. Basic concepts of dosimetry, dosimetric quantities and units. Accelerators for radiation therapy, principles of linear and circular accelerators. Beam transport through treatment head to patient. Optimal design of the therapy beam. Principles of optimal treatment planning. Algorithms for calculations of dose distribution in the patient. Quality control and assurance.
Introduction to biology of the cell. Basic chemical reactions in cells. Lesions produced by radiation in DNA molecules. Cell survival models. Radiation effects on normal tissues and tumours. The biological basis of radiotherapy, oxygen effect, dose rate dependence, dose fractionation.
HL2003 Radiation Physics and Biology 6.0 credits
Radiation has for several decades, been used to treat tumours. Different types of radiation such as photons, electrons, neutrons, protons or light ions can be used. The clinically most used treatment modalities are photons and electrons. The course gives a basic knowledge in the physical and biological effects of ionising radiation in tissue and an overview of methods for treatment optimisation to get the best therapy outcome.
Information per course offering
Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.
Information for Autumn 2025 Start 27 Oct 2025 programme students
- Course location
KI Solna
- Duration
- 27 Oct 2025 - 12 Jan 2026
- Periods
- P2 (6.0 hp)
- Pace of study
33%
- Application code
50765
- Form of study
Normal Daytime
- Language of instruction
English
- Course memo
- Course memo is not published
- Number of places
Places are not limited
- Target group
- No information inserted
- Planned modular schedule
- [object Object]
- Schedule
- Schedule is not published
Contact
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus HL2003 (Autumn 2023–)Headings with content from the Course syllabus HL2003 (Autumn 2023–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to give a basic knowledge in radiation physics and biological effects of ionising radiation in order to understand the principles of radiation therapy.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in technology or science. 4 credits in physics, 4 credits in anatomy and/or physiology. English 6/B
Literature
You can find information about course literature either in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Examination
- TEN1 - Examinsation, 6.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
Written examination and exercises.
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.
Offered by
Main field of study
Electrical Engineering
Education cycle
Second cycle