Advanced Beam Commissioning & QA

Syllabus

# LNA 115 - Advanced Beam Commissioning & QA

**Program:** Advanced Medical Linear Accelerator Service Technician certificate
**Credits:** 3
**Term:** 2

## Course Description
This course provides an in-depth exploration of advanced medical linear accelerator (LINAC) beam commissioning and quality assurance (QA) procedures. Students will master techniques for verifying beam symmetry and flatness, ensuring output constancy, and analyzing multi-leaf collimator (MLC) log files. The curriculum covers essential support roles in Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) QA, including phantom setups and data acquisition. Furthermore, students will gain proficiency in supporting water-tank scanning operations for comprehensive beam data collection. Emphasis is placed on precision, safety, and adherence to industry standards for optimal LINAC performance.

## Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
* Explain the physical principles underlying beam symmetry and flatness measurements and their clinical significance.
* Execute procedures for assessing and adjusting LINAC beam symmetry and flatness parameters.
* Perform output constancy checks using various dosimetry equipment and interpret the results.
* Analyze multi-leaf collimator (MLC) log files to identify potential performance anomalies.
* Provide technical support for IMRT and VMAT QA protocols, including phantom positioning and data collection.
* Assist with water-tank scanning operations for comprehensive beam data acquisition and system calibration.

## Topics by Week
**Week 1:** Review of LINAC operation and basic dosimetry principles
**Week 2:** Introduction to beam symmetry and flatness concepts
**Week 3:** Beam symmetry and flatness measurement techniques
**Week 4:** Practical application of beam symmetry and flatness adjustments
**Week 5:** Theory and methods of LINAC output constancy checks
**Week 6:** Performing and interpreting output constancy measurements
**Week 7:** Introduction to multi-leaf collimator (MLC) log files
**Week 8:** Advanced MLC log file analysis and troubleshooting
**Week 9:** Principles of IMRT and VMAT quality assurance
**Week 10:** Supporting IMRT and VMAT QA procedures
**Week 11:** Introduction to water-tank scanning systems
**Week 12:** Practical water-tank scanning operation and data collection
**Week 13:** Midterm review
**Week 14:** Final exam review

## Grading
*   Knowledge Checks: 15%
*   Assignments and Labs: 30%
*   Quizzes: 25%
*   Final Exam: 30%

## Policies
All Anode Technical Institute policies regarding academic integrity, attendance, and accommodations apply to this course. Students are expected to adhere to all safety protocols during lab sessions. Late submissions will be penalized as per institute guidelines. Collaboration on assignments is encouraged where explicitly permitted, but all submitted work must be original.