Outline

Academic unit	Clinical Imaging
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Coordinator	Jacky Chen, jacky.chen1@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Don Nocum, don.nocum@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Yun Trieu, phuong.trieu@sydney.edu.au
Keiley Mead, keiley.mead@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-class quiz	Early Learning Quiz MCQ in class quiz	15%	Week 03 Due date: 11 Mar 2026 at 14:00	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Mid Semester Quiz MCQ on campus exam	45%	Week 07 Due date: 15 Apr 2026 at 14:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	OSCE Skills based assessment	40%	Week 12	30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to radiography	Lecture (2 hr)
Justification	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Learning how to operate Imaging equipment	Practical (2 hr)
Hand	Lecture (2 hr)
Hand	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Hand	Practical (2 hr)
Forearm and wrist	Lecture (2 hr)
Forearm and wrist	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Forearm and Wrist	Practical (2 hr)
Elbow	Lecture (2 hr)
Elbow	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Elbow	Practical (2 hr)
Shoulder	Lecture (2 hr)
Shoulder	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Shoulder	Practical (2 hr)
Chest	Lecture (2 hr)
Chest	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Chest	Practical (2 hr)
Mid Semester Quiz	Lecture (2 hr)
OSCE Information and Chest continues	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Revision and OSCE Practise time	Practical (2 hr)
Thorax	Lecture (2 hr)
Thorax	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Thorax	Practical (2 hr)
Foot	Lecture (2 hr)
Foot	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Foot and Mobile Chest	Practical (2 hr)
Ankle	Lecture (2 hr)
Ankle	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Ankle and Revision	Practical (2 hr)
Knee	Lecture (2 hr)
Knee	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	OSCE REVISION	Practical (2 hr)
OSCE Revision	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Knee	Practical (2 hr)
Operating Theatre Radiography	Lecture (2 hr)

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. provide and explain relevant information to patients and demonstrate appropriate methods to obtain informed consent
LO2. master appropriate levels of autonomy and professional judgement in diagnostic radiography of the chest and upper and lower limbs in medical radiation practice settings
LO3. investigate Professional practice then apply appropriate professional behavior in all patient interactions
LO4. Critically review then identify and respect appropriate boundaries between patients and health professionals
LO5. Criticality review and evaluate and respond appropriately to unsafe of unprofessional practice within their division of registration
LO6. Collaborate with other members of the health care team about the suitability and application of the proposed medical radiation procedure when necessary
LO7. communicate clearly, sensitively, and effectively with patients and their family or carers
LO8. investigate and review applying critical and reflective thinking to resolve clinical challenges
LO9. reflect critically on personal strengths and limitations to identify learning required to improve and adapt professional practice
LO10. Reflect and evaluate upon your professional development and implement steps to address professional development needs
LO11. apply principles of risk management relevant to radiation
LO12. Critically review radiation safety and then demonstrate safe radiation practice
LO13. Review and comprehend patients identification procedures to confirm the correct match of patient with intended procedure
LO14. identify, confirm, and implement methods of radiation management
LO15. Demonstrate Excellent understanding of radiographic anatomy and physiology of the human body
LO16. Master knowledge of anatomical structures, injuries, and diseases of the human body in planar images
LO17. evaluate with critical thinking patient clinical history, referral, and current medical information to confirm the requested procedure as required
LO18. adapt the requested examination to an individual patient's needs, considering available clinic information
LO19. Investigate and implement knowledge of patient preparation requirements
LO20. Investigate knowledge of radiation biology and radiation dose adjustment then apply to deliver safe and effective patient outcomes
LO21. Demonstrate positioning and pathology knowledge which is required to evaluate general radiography examinations for a range of patient presentations and complexities.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.4.a. Understand the patient’s/client’s clinical history, referral and current medical information to confirm the requested or prescribed procedure is appropriate, drawing on knowledge of other imaging and treatment pathways. Domain 2.1.e. Provide relevant information to the patient/client and implement appropriate methods to obtain informed consent. Domain 3.1. Communicate clearly, sensitively and effectively with the patient/client and their family or carers. Domain 3.1.a. Establish rapport with the patient/client to understand their issues and perspectives. Domain 3.1.b. Communicate effectively with the patient/client (and at times beyond the patient/client) to collect and convey information about the proposed examination/treatment. Domain 3.1.g. Make provisions to engage third parties to facilitate effective communication when needed. Domain 3.1.h. Obtain informed consent, explaining the purpose, risks and benefits of the proposed examination/treatment. Domain 5.2.a. Follow patient/client identification procedures to confirm the correct match of the patient/client with the intended examination/treatment and the correct anatomical site. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 2. Partnering with Consumers Standard 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice. 1.4.b. Determine the appropriate imaging and/or treatment protocols and priorities, which consider the information collected during the interaction with the patient/client and knowledge of imaging and/or treatment options. Domain 2.1.h. Exercise appropriate levels of autonomy and professional judgement in a variety of medical radiation practice settings. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.5.a. Identify factors or conditions that may affect the patient’s/client’s behaviour and/or capacity to provide informed consent and undergo the procedure and triage patients/clients when needed. Domain 2.1.b. Manage personal, mental and physical health to ensure fitness to practise. Domain 2.1.c. Understand mandatory reporting obligations and the grounds for a voluntary notification. Domain 2.1.d. Apply the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia’s Code of conduct to practice. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 2. Partnering with Consumers Standard 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.2.g. Ensure clinical information is made available to the appropriate persons involved in the care of the patient. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.4.b. Determine the appropriate imaging and/or treatment protocols and priorities, which consider the information collected during the interaction with the patient/client and knowledge of imaging and/or treatment options. 1.5.c. Identify patients/clients most at risk, including pregnant women and the foetus, breastfeeding mothers and their children. 1.5.e. Identify contraindications and limitations of medical radiation services, determine appropriate adjustments to procedures. Domain 2.1.c. Understand mandatory reporting obligations and the grounds for a voluntary notification. Domain 2.3.b. Recognise and respond appropriately to unsafe or unprofessional practice. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1A.2.b. Effectively communicate with the multidisciplinary team as the imaging request, patient history and previous medical images are reviewed, the patient is assessed to receive care and the procedure is planned. Domain 2.2.d. Identify and respect appropriate boundaries between patients/clients and health professionals. Domain 3.2.a. Establish and maintain effective and respectful working relationships with health practitioners. Domain 3.2.b. Understand, acknowledge and respect the roles and responsibilities of healthcare team members and other service providers, and work effectively and collaboratively with them. Domain 3.2.d. Make recommendations to other members of the healthcare team about the suitability and application of the proposed medical radiation examination/treatment, when appropriate. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 2. Partnering with Consumers Standard 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.2.g. Ensure clinical information is made available to the appropriate persons involved in the care of the patient. Domain 2.2.a. Recognise and evaluate the socio-cultural factors that may influence patient/client attitudes and responses to medical radiation services. Domain 2.2.b. Apply the principles of cultural competence and culturally safe care to practice. Domain 2.2.c. Display appropriate professional behaviour in patient/client interactions. Domain 3.1. Communicate clearly, sensitively and effectively with the patient/client and their family or carers. Domain 3.1.a. Establish rapport with the patient/client to understand their issues and perspectives. Domain 3.1.b. Communicate effectively with the patient/client (and at times beyond the patient/client) to collect and convey information about the proposed examination/treatment. Domain 3.1.c. Convey knowledge and procedural information in ways that create trust and confidence and respects the patient/client’s confidentiality, privacy and dignity. Domain 3.1.d. Provide an opportunity for the patient/client to explore the purpose of the proposed examination/treatment, the methods used and the usual patient/client experience. Domain 3.1.e. Identify likely communication barriers specific to individual patients/clients and/or family/carers and implement strategies to avoid or overcome them. Domain 3.1.f. Make appropriate adjustments to communication style to suit the particular needs of the patient/client including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Domain 3.1.g. Make provisions to engage third parties to facilitate effective communication when needed. Domain 3.1.h. Obtain informed consent, explaining the purpose, risks and benefits of the proposed examination/treatment. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 2. Partnering with Consumers Standard 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment. 1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice. 1.4.c. Adapt the requested examination/treatment to an individual patient/client considering available clinical information. 1.5.e. Identify contraindications and limitations of medical radiation services, determine appropriate adjustments to procedures. Domain 2.3.a. Make appropriate professional decisions about the care of patients. Domain 4.1.b. Find, critically appraise, interpret and apply best available research evidence to inform clinical reasoning and professional decision-making. Domain 4.2.b. Critically reflect on own strengths and limitations to identify learning needed to improve and adapt professional practice.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.5.d. Select appropriate equipment and triage patients/clients according to their clinical presentation, national standards and other factors. Domain 2.2.c. Display appropriate professional behaviour in patient/client interactions. Domain 2.3.a. Make appropriate professional decisions about the care of patients. Domain 2.3.b. Recognise and respond appropriately to unsafe or unprofessional practice. Domain 4.2. Identify ongoing professional learning needs and opportunities Domain 4.2.b. Critically reflect on own strengths and limitations to identify learning needed to improve and adapt professional practice.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.5.d. Select appropriate equipment and triage patients/clients according to their clinical presentation, national standards and other factors.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.5.c. Identify patients/clients most at risk, including pregnant women and the foetus, breastfeeding mothers and their children. 1A.1.a. Operate projection radiography systems safely and effectively in a range of settings. 1A.1.c. Use standard radiographic projections and exposure factors for the patient’s/client’s body area being examined and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation, clinical indications and mechanisms of injury. 1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates. Domain 5.1.f. Identify radiation risks and implement effective and appropriate risk management systems and procedures.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1.4.a. Understand the patient’s/client’s clinical history, referral and current medical information to confirm the requested or prescribed procedure is appropriate, drawing on knowledge of other imaging and treatment pathways. 1.5.c. Identify patients/clients most at risk, including pregnant women and the foetus, breastfeeding mothers and their children. 1.5.f. Perform patient/client assessment and medical radiation examination/treatment in accordance with the patient/client need and choice, legislation, registration standards, codes and guidelines. 1.9.c. Select equipment and imaging parameters relevant to the patient/client presentation and where appropriate, modify imaging parameters to achieve optimal diagnostic outcomes. 1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates. Domain 5.1.a. Comply with relevant radiation safety legislation. Domain 5.1.b. Practice in accordance with relevant radiation safety guidelines. Domain 5.1.f. Identify radiation risks and implement effective and appropriate risk management systems and procedures.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.2.b. Use clinical information management systems to accurately record patient/client history and any examination/treatment provided to the patient/client, ensuring that the correct examination/treatment is associated with the correct patient. 1.2.c. Ensure that stored clinical information (information and images) is associated with the correct patient/client and examination/treatment. 1.2.d. Identify and respond appropriately when clinical information is incorrectly associated with the identity of a patient/client and/or examination/treatment. 1.4.a. Understand the patient’s/client’s clinical history, referral and current medical information to confirm the requested or prescribed procedure is appropriate, drawing on knowledge of other imaging and treatment pathways. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 2. Partnering with Consumers Standard 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice. 1.5.c. Identify patients/clients most at risk, including pregnant women and the foetus, breastfeeding mothers and their children. 1.5.f. Perform patient/client assessment and medical radiation examination/treatment in accordance with the patient/client need and choice, legislation, registration standards, codes and guidelines. 1A.1.a. Operate projection radiography systems safely and effectively in a range of settings. 1A.1.c. Use standard radiographic projections and exposure factors for the patient’s/client’s body area being examined and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation, clinical indications and mechanisms of injury. Domain 5.1.e. Review the referral and associated examinations/treatment prescription to ensure appropriate justification, limitation and optimisation.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1. Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology to practice. 1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice. 1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images. 1.4.a. Understand the patient’s/client’s clinical history, referral and current medical information to confirm the requested or prescribed procedure is appropriate, drawing on knowledge of other imaging and treatment pathways.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice. 1.4.a. Understand the patient’s/client’s clinical history, referral and current medical information to confirm the requested or prescribed procedure is appropriate, drawing on knowledge of other imaging and treatment pathways. 1.6.a. Consider the limitations/restrictions in the use of techniques and devices for reproducibility of procedures concerning the patient’s/client’s condition and presentation. 1.7.b. Apply quality criteria to assure image quality, evaluate medical images and identify any urgent and/or unexpected findings. 1.7.d. Provide appropriate patient/client care before, during and after the examination/treatment. 1.9.c. Select equipment and imaging parameters relevant to the patient/client presentation and where appropriate, modify imaging parameters to achieve optimal diagnostic outcomes. 1A.1.b. Prepare the patient/client for the examination, including positioning the patient/client for the best diagnostic outcome.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.2.d. Identify and respond appropriately when clinical information is incorrectly associated with the identity of a patient/client and/or examination/treatment. 1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice. 1.4.a. Understand the patient’s/client’s clinical history, referral and current medical information to confirm the requested or prescribed procedure is appropriate, drawing on knowledge of other imaging and treatment pathways. 1.4.c. Adapt the requested examination/treatment to an individual patient/client considering available clinical information. Domain 2.4.c. Recognise when an alternative patient/client pathway may be more appropriate and make recommendations to other practitioners. Domain 4.1.c. Provide evidence-informed patient/client-centred care by carefully considering the purpose of the proposed examination/treatment, reviewing existing protocols and methods, reflecting on clinical challenges or experiences and integrating knowledge and findings into practice. Domain 5.1.e. Review the referral and associated examinations/treatment prescription to ensure appropriate justification, limitation and optimisation. Domain 5.2.a. Follow patient/client identification procedures to confirm the correct match of the patient/client with the intended examination/treatment and the correct anatomical site. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice. 1.4.a. Understand the patient’s/client’s clinical history, referral and current medical information to confirm the requested or prescribed procedure is appropriate, drawing on knowledge of other imaging and treatment pathways. 1.4.b. Determine the appropriate imaging and/or treatment protocols and priorities, which consider the information collected during the interaction with the patient/client and knowledge of imaging and/or treatment options. 1.4.c. Adapt the requested examination/treatment to an individual patient/client considering available clinical information. 1A.1.c. Use standard radiographic projections and exposure factors for the patient’s/client’s body area being examined and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation, clinical indications and mechanisms of injury. Domain 4.1.c. Provide evidence-informed patient/client-centred care by carefully considering the purpose of the proposed examination/treatment, reviewing existing protocols and methods, reflecting on clinical challenges or experiences and integrating knowledge and findings into practice. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 2. Partnering with Consumers Standard 5. Comprehensive Care Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment. 1.5.b. Identify patient/client preparation requirements. 1A.1.b. Prepare the patient/client for the examination, including positioning the patient/client for the best diagnostic outcome. 1A.2.c. Prepare the patient/client for the examination, including positioning the patient/client for the best diagnostic outcome. (1A.2) National Safety and Quality Health Service - 2. Partnering with Consumers Standard 5. Comprehensive Care Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.5.f. Perform patient/client assessment and medical radiation examination/treatment in accordance with the patient/client need and choice, legislation, registration standards, codes and guidelines. 1.9.c. Select equipment and imaging parameters relevant to the patient/client presentation and where appropriate, modify imaging parameters to achieve optimal diagnostic outcomes. 1A.1.a. Operate projection radiography systems safely and effectively in a range of settings. Domain 5.1. Perform and provide safe radiation practice. Domain 5.1.b. Practice in accordance with relevant radiation safety guidelines. Domain 5.1.f. Identify radiation risks and implement effective and appropriate risk management systems and procedures.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice. 1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment. 1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images. 1.7.b. Apply quality criteria to assure image quality, evaluate medical images and identify any urgent and/or unexpected findings. 1.7.c. If the practitioner identifies any urgent or unexpected findings, take appropriate and timely action to ensure the immediate management of the patient/client. 1A.1.f. Critically evaluate images against radiographic criteria including assessment of exposure index, field of view and anatomical rotation.

National Safety and Quality Health Service -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
2		Partnering with Consumers Standard
5		Comprehensive Care Standard
6		Communicating for Safety Standard

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MRSC5001: Professional Practice Radiography 1

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links