Learning through Discovery: a Radiation Therapy Teaching Platform that Stimulates the Development of Improved Treatment Protocols

Abstract

This project will assemble a miniature radiotherapy platform for teaching the physical and practical concepts behind radiotherapy. The general idea of building miniature platforms that mimic real life systems for teaching purposes can be applied to a wide range of science and engineering courses. Students will use the platform to visually appreciate important aspects of radiotherapy, implement existing radiotherapy protocols, and "discover" new radiotherapy protocols and hardware. This will significantly enhance learning and directly supports the Discovery-enriched Curriculum. We will evaluate project success by tracking the number of discoveries and the number of students finding employment in related fields.