University of Sydney Handbooks - 2020 Archive

Download full 2020 archivePage archived at: Tue, 27 Oct 2020

Master of Diagnostic Radiography

Diagnostic Radiography

Master of Diagnostic Radiography

Students must complete 96 credit points, including:
(a) 96 credit points of core units of study as listed in the sequence below
The course:
(a) is full-time only over 4 semesters of study

Year 1

Semester 1 - Core
BIOS5092 Bio Sciences for Health Professionals

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Peter Knight Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2hr lecture, 2hr practical/week and independent learning activities Assessment: Mid-semester exam (40%), end-semester exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces the fundamentals of Anatomy (structure), Physiology (function) and Pathophysiology (disease processes) of the major systems of the human body. The knowledge and skills acquired will enhance the health science student's ability to engage in case study-based problem-solving and to develop their clinical reasoning skills. The unit also examines the essential principles of infection control in health care practice and the immune system, highlighting the role of the immune system in disease production and prevention, in response to trauma and in neoplasia. Material will be presented in lectures, practical sessions and online. This unit includes laboratory classes in which human cadavers are studied.
Textbooks
Kelley and Petersen (2013) Sectional anatomy for imaging professionals (3rd edition); Generalist tertiary level Physiology and Anatomy textbooks are also recommended as references.
MRSC5001 Professional Practice Radiography 1

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Terry Jones Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2-hr in-class lecture, 2-hr in-lab practical, 1-hr image interpretation tutorial/week. Assessment: Pre-clinical practical test (30%), Image interpretation test (20%), final exam (50%) Practical field work: Practical classes will provide students with experience in positioning techniques and image interpretation. Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Pre-reading of material in advance of attendance is mandatory.
This unit of study introduces the student to the professional practice of diagnostic radiography of the chest and upper and lower limbs. The techniques covered will include routine procedures that the student will encounter in the clinical setting. Radiographic anatomy and pathology will be integrated with the corresponding radiographic techniques. This unit will apply evidenced based theory to practice and integrate applied sciences with imaging techniques. Students will be expected to supplement and broaden their learning experience by pre-reading class material and undertaking independent research on relevant topics.
Textbooks
Bontrager, K. L., and Lampignano, J. (2013). Textbook of radiographic positioning and related anatomy (8th ed.). St Louis: Elsevier Health Sciences.
MRSC5026 Clinical Studies Radiography 1

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Laura Di Michele Session: Intensive April,Intensive December Classes: On-campus: clinical centres Assessment: Pre-Clinical Exam (50%), and Clinical Departmental Assessment (50%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Intensive December
Note: Tutorials and briefing and debriefing session attendance is compulsory in this unit of study.
This unit of study is the first of four units in clinical education in which students are placed in the clinical environment within their respective professional fields. The unit will provide introductory clinical awareness, develop interpersonal skills and allow the application of theory to practice. The role of a diagnostic radiographer will be integrated with the professional practice subjects.
Textbooks
Students will be supplied with workbooks and clinical competency manuals
MRSC5045 Medical Radiation Science 1 Radiography

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Patrick Brennan Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/week Prohibitions: MRSC5002 Assessment: Group presentation (40%), 1-hr exam (60%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study introduces the student to ionizing radiation and its interactions with matter. The physical principles of the appropriate use of ionizing radiations in the medical radiation sciences including its radio-biological effects will be covered. The student will be introduced to the fundamental principles of radiation protection and equipment. Cellular biology applicable to the medical radiation sciences will be covered.
Textbooks
Seeram E. and Brennan PC, Radiation Protection in Diagnostic X-Ray Imaging Includes Navigate 2 Advantage Access, 2016, Jones and Bartlett Learning, Sudbury (USA).
Semester 2 - Core
MRSC5003 Foundations of Health Care Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Amanda Punch Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2-hr lecture/week Assessment: Mid semester exam (25%), summative group presentation (35%) and final exam (40%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study introduces students to the ethical, legal and psycho-social issues surrounding the safe delivery of medical radiation sciences in the Australian healthcare system. Modules within the unit are applied to medical radiation sciences and will cover the following: healthcare ethics, legal aspects of practice, risk management and quality assurance, radiation considerations, the Australian healthcare system, social factors and models of health, as well as specific health psychology topics.
Textbooks
Forrester, K., and Griffiths, D. (2015). Essentials of law for health professionals (4th ed.). Chatswood, New South Wales: Mosby.
MRSC5005 Professional Practice Radiography 2

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mrs Susan Miller Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3hrs lecture/week, 1x2-hr practical/week , 4x1-hr VERT tutorials Prerequisites: MRSC5001 Assessment: Mid semester test (20%), practical skills exam (30%) and final exam (50%) Practical field work: Practical classes will provide students with experience in positioning techniques and examine the impact of technique on image quality. Tutorials examine image evaluation and pathology. Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study will develop the student's knowledge of the professional practice of diagnostic radiography, predominantly of the axial skeleton. The techniques covered will build upon routine procedures that the student will encounter in the workplace. Anatomy, physiology and pathology will be integrated with corresponding imaging techniques of selected body systems. Planar anatomy and imaging will be included as appropriate. Students will be expected to supplement and broaden their learning by independent research on relevant topics.
Textbooks
Bontrager, K. L., and Lampignano, J.2017 , 9th ed.. Textbook of radiographic positioning and related anatomy .St Louis: Elsevier Health Sciences.
MRSC5027 Clinical Studies Radiography 2

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Laura Di Michele Session: Intensive April,Intensive December,Intensive January Classes: On-campus: 2- hr clinical briefing, 1-hr clinical debriefing Prerequisites: MRSC5026 Assessment: Practical Exam (30%) and Written Case Study (20%) and Clinical Departmental Assessment (50%) Practical field work: 6 week clinical placement Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Intensive April,Intensive January
Note: Briefing and debriefing session attendance is compulsory in this unit of study.
This unit of study is the second of four units in clinical education in which students are placed in the clinical environment. The unit will provide students with the opportunity to expand on clinical awareness learnt in Clinical Studies 1, further develop interpersonal skills and allow the application of more advanced theory to practice. The role of a diagnostic radiographer will be integrated with the professional practice units.
Textbooks
Students will be supplied with workbooks
MRSC5048 Simulated and Interprofessional Learning

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Laura Di Michele Session: Semester 2 Classes: Simulation clinic, NetradCT and image critiquing workshop Prerequisites: MRSC5026 Assessment: reflective journal (30%), modified clinical assessment form (35%), in-class online MCQ examination (35%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Attendance at all simulation sessions is compulsory
This unit of study aims to further allow students the opportunity to develop their clinical radiography skills in a supportive learning environment. This WIL unit of study will be run on campus involving the use of simulated learning and the opportunity for inter-professional learning experiences. Students will be able to access the on campus simulation clinic, NetradCT facilities. Students will undertake activities to assist in the further development of more complex patient communication, teamwork and professionalism skills. Beginning CT skills will also be introduced in this unit of study.

Year 2

Semester 1 - Core
MRSC5013 Professional Practice Radiography 3

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Warren Reed Session: Intensive March Classes: 6 hrs lectures/week, 4 hrs of tutorials/semester Prerequisites: MRSC5005 Assessment: Class test (30%), final exam (70%) Practical field work: Practical classes will provide students with experience in positioning techniques and pathology Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study will continue to develop the student's knowledge in the professional practice of diagnostic radiography. The techniques covered will introduce more specialised procedures that the student will encounter in the workplace. Anatomy, physiology and pathology will be integrated with corresponding imaging techniques of selected body systems such as the GIT and CNS. Dedicated planar anatomy and imaging will be included for selected body systems. Students will be expected to supplement and broaden their learning by independent research on relevant topics, such as trauma imaging
Textbooks
Carver, E., Carver, B. (2012). Medical imaging: Techniques, reflection and evaluation (2nd ed.). New York;Edinburgh;: Churchill Livingstone.
MRSC5028 Clinical Studies Radiography 3

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Laura Di Michele Session: Intensive January,Intensive June,Intensive May Classes: 2-hr clinical briefing, 1-hr clinical debriefing Prerequisites: MRSC5027 Assessment: Group assignment (50%) and Clinical Departmental Assessment (50%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Intensive January,Intensive June
Note: Briefing and debriefing session attendance is compulsory in this unit of study.
This unit of study is the third of four units in clinical education in which students are placed in the clinical environment. This unit will consolidate the student's competence in routine radiographic procedures and allow a broadening of knowledge and experience in more specialised procedures and modalities. The development of lifelong learning and professional skills are encouraged.
Textbooks
Online resources will be provided to students
MRSC5038 Medical Radiation Science 2 Radiography

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Steven Meikle Session: Intensive March Classes: 4-hr teaching/week taught in a compressed 7 week semester, directed independent work Prerequisites: MRSC5045 Assessment: Mid semester 1-hr quiz (35%), practical group assigment (15%) and 2-hr end semester exam (50%) Practical field work: 2-hr practicals in weeks 1 and 3 Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is the second of three units which cover the physical principles of the appropriate use of ionizing radiation and quality management in diagnostic radiography. It builds on the foundations in radiation physics established in Medical Radiation Science 1 and introduces the key topics of digital image processing, digital radiographic imaging systems, computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). It also forms the basis for a more detailed study of 3D tomographic multi-modality imaging systems and methods which are expanded upon in Medical Radiation Science Radiography 3.
.
MRSC5049 Advanced Clinical Reasoning in MRS

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Warren Reed Session: Intensive March Classes: 7 x 2hr lectures, 4x2hr tutorials, 6x2hr self directed learning Prerequisites: MRSC5001 and MRSC5005 Assumed knowledge: MRSC5027 Assessment: Progress Report (30%); Evidence based practice literature review (55%) and Reflective Report (15%) Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study consists of four areas: advanced evidence-based practice, advanced clinical reasoning, reflective practice and the skills (both written and oral) that underpin the effective communication of science. There will be lectures covering both the theoretical and practical aspects of research along with tutorials where students will have the opportunity to present their clinical reasoning both in written and oral format and receive feedback. In addition students will complete modules of reflective practice and benefit from the work of both senior and junior researchers.
Semester 2 - Core
MRSC5014 Professional Practice Radiography 4

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Warren Reed Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week and 1x2hr practical/week or directed independent work Prerequisites: MRSC5013 Assessment: Group presentation (30%), 2-hr final exam (70%) Practical field work: Practical classes will provide students with experience in positioning techniques and pathology Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This is the final unit of study that will complete the student's learning in the professional practice of diagnostic radiography. Angiography (conventional, CTA, MRA), stroke and cardiac imaging and interventional techniques will be covered along with operating theatre radiography, accident and emergency radiography, paediatric radiography and imaging of the elderly. The techniques covered will include routine procedures that the student will encounter in the clinical setting with particular focus on advanced techniques. Students will critically explore variations in techniques found in the clinical setting using a problem solving approach. Students will critically evaluate current practice from an evidence-based perspective. Students will be expected to supplement and broaden their learning by independent research on relevant topics.
Textbooks
Bontrager, K. L., and Lampignano, J. (2013). Textbook of radiographic positioning and related anatomy (8th ed.). St Louis: Elsevier Health Sciences.
MRSC5029 Clinical Studies Radiography 4

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Laura Di Michele Session: Intensive January,Intensive June,Intensive March Classes: 2-hr clinical briefing, 1-hr clinical debriefing Corequisites: MRSC5028 Assessment: Case Study (50%), Clinical Departmental Assessment (50%) Practical field work: 6 week Clinical Placement Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Intensive January,Intensive March
Note: Briefing and debriefing session attendance is compulsory in this unit of study.
This is the final unit of study in clinical education in which students are placed in the clinical environment. This unit provides the student with additional exposure and practice of more complex procedures. At the completion of this unit of study students should be competent in the knowledge and skills required for graduate practitioner entry into the diagnostic radiography profession.
Textbooks
Online resources will be provided to students
MRSC5039 Medical Radiation Science 3 Radiography

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr William Rae Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2-hr lecture/week, on-line reading and research, directed independent work, collaborative group work. Prerequisites: MRSC5038 Assessment: Mid semester exam (40%) and 2-hr final exam (60%) Practical field work: One CT demonstration practical Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is the final of three medical radiation science units. It consolidates and extends the students knowledge of foundational radiation physics into more specialised topics related to the practice of diagnostic radiography PET, Radiation Therapy, MRI and multi-modality imaging.
Textbooks
Bushberg, J. T., et al. (2002). The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging. 2nd edition, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
MRSC5050 Advanced Practice in MRS

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jillian Clarke Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture per week; 1 x 2hr tutorial per fortnight Prerequisites: MRSC5049 Corequisites: MRSC5039 Prohibitions: MRSC5044 Assumed knowledge: MRSC5027 Assessment: ultrasound assessment (30%); image interpretation (20%); portfolio submission 1 (formative, required); portfolio submission 2 (summative) (50%). All assessments must be passed to pass the unit of study. Campus: Cumberland, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study provides an opportunity to critically explore specific advanced MRS practices including diagnostic ultrasound and image interpretation. It concludes the course with a capstone experience where students will build upon previous units of study to consolidate professional competencies, learning abilities and the generic attributes of graduates of the university. The focus will be on consolidating specialized knowledge and skills for research-led professional practice, and curating evidence of this through a capstone portfolio of achievements.