Academic Courses > DOS 515
DOS 515 - Computers and Networking in Radiation Oncology
Course Description
This course covers basic computing concepts such as the components of computer systems, data representation using binary systems, and an overview of network technology. The class also delved into software systems such as electronic medical records, and oncology information systems. It covered the need for standardized interfaces between systems and
Assessment
Grading was based on participation in a discussion forum and on a final exam. The discussion forum involved guided writing topics each week, as well as commentary on posts by other students. I went a bit overboard on my writing in this class because I already knew a lot of the material, and I saw a lot of areas where I felt I could add new viewpoints to expand on ideas from the readings. Since the scope of the class was so broad, there wasn't time to cover many of the subjects in detail in the teaching material. In my replies to other students, I tried to elaborate on ideas that had noteworthy backstories, especially topics relating to recent developments in the computer world and how the industry arrived at its current state.
Discussions
Reflections
At the conclusion of each course, students are asked to reflect on what they have learned about the material and about themselves. The reflection is guided by five questions:
The new knowledge and skills I gained during this course were...
My background is rooted in information technology and imaging informatics, so the vast majority of this class was review for me. I was, however, fascinated by the discussions of treatment planning algorithms, the fine details of DICOM-RT objects, and the HL7 framework. I've heard these terms used constantly, and I work with RT-Structures, RT-Plans, and RT-Doses daily, but I had not glimpsed the internal workings of these topics before now.
The new knowledge and skills will benefit me by...
I have new areas to explore! I would like to dig in to Oncology Information Systems quite a bit more in the future. So far, my medical computing experience has been primarily imaging-centric, but there is clearly quite a bit more out there in the patient information management and treatment management fields.
I struggle with...
The math behind treatment planning algorithms is intense. It is over my head right now, but I want to keep digging into this area because it seems really fascinating.
I feel pretty good about...
I feel quite grounded in this area. This is my home. I feel that I have quite a lot to contribute to whatever department I end up joining after graduation. I am also excited by all the new topics I see where I can expand my knowledge base.
Other reflective thoughts...
I spent most of this class thinking about how I would teach it if I had the chance. Organizing this much material into a coherent narrative is no small task, and I salute the developers of what's here so far. I think it could be extended to include more modern topics at the same time that it is pruned of older material. I would like to be involved in the education side of the medical dosimetry field once I graduate, and I think classes like this would be a good starting point, since it matches my background so well.
The new knowledge and skills I gained during this course were...
My background is rooted in information technology and imaging informatics, so the vast majority of this class was review for me. I was, however, fascinated by the discussions of treatment planning algorithms, the fine details of DICOM-RT objects, and the HL7 framework. I've heard these terms used constantly, and I work with RT-Structures, RT-Plans, and RT-Doses daily, but I had not glimpsed the internal workings of these topics before now.
The new knowledge and skills will benefit me by...
I have new areas to explore! I would like to dig in to Oncology Information Systems quite a bit more in the future. So far, my medical computing experience has been primarily imaging-centric, but there is clearly quite a bit more out there in the patient information management and treatment management fields.
I struggle with...
The math behind treatment planning algorithms is intense. It is over my head right now, but I want to keep digging into this area because it seems really fascinating.
I feel pretty good about...
I feel quite grounded in this area. This is my home. I feel that I have quite a lot to contribute to whatever department I end up joining after graduation. I am also excited by all the new topics I see where I can expand my knowledge base.
Other reflective thoughts...
I spent most of this class thinking about how I would teach it if I had the chance. Organizing this much material into a coherent narrative is no small task, and I salute the developers of what's here so far. I think it could be extended to include more modern topics at the same time that it is pruned of older material. I would like to be involved in the education side of the medical dosimetry field once I graduate, and I think classes like this would be a good starting point, since it matches my background so well.
|
Academic Courses > DOS 515
|
Published November 2, 2014
First Semester, Pre-Internship |