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Unit of study_

MRSC5038: Medical Radiation Science 2 Radiography

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Cumberland, Sydney

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. .

Unit details and rules

Unit code MRSC5038
Academic unit Clinical Imaging
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
MRSC5045
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Steven Meikle, steven.meikle@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small test Mid Semester Quiz
This assessment is a closed book quiz comprising multiple choice questions.
35% Week 06
Due date: 02 Apr 2020 at 15:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment CT Image Quality Assignment
An assignment requiring students to analyse previously acquired CT images.
30% Week 08
Due date: 26 Apr 2020 at 23:59
200 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5
Small test End of Semester Quiz
This assessment is a closed book quiz comprising multiple choice questions.
35% Week 10
Due date: 07 May 2020 at 15:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO7 LO6

Assessment summary

  • Mid semester quiz: Students will be required to complete a closed book online quiz comprising multiple choice questions.
  • CT image quality assignment: Students will be required to analyse a set of CT images acquired previously and evaluate and comment on the effect of varying acquisition parameters on image quality.
  • End of semester quiz: Students will be required to complete a closed book online quiz comprising multiple choice questions.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

To be awarded to students who, in their submitted assessment, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Distinction

75 - 84

To be awarded to students who, in their submitted assessment, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Credit

65 - 74

To be awarded to students who, in their submitted assessment, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Pass

50 - 64

To be awarded to students who, in their submitted assessment, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a satisfactory standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction & digital image fundamentals Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1
Week 02 Computed Radiography (CR) Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 03 Digital Radiography (DR) Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 04 Digital breast imaging Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO4
Week 05 Digital fluoroscopy Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO4
Week 06 CT: principles and instrumentation 1 Lecture (2 hr) LO5
Week 07 CT: principles and instrumentation 2 Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO5
Week 08 CT: image reconstruction Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO6
Week 09 MRI fundamentals Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO7
Week 10 Tutorial and course review Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend all scheduled seminars and tutorials and participate in discussions and activities. Attendance for less than 80% of the scheduled seminar classes must be supported by written documentation submitted to the unit Coordinator.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

  • Bushberg, J. T. (2012). The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging. 3rd edition, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

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. describe, use, and critically evaluate image processing algorithms, and explain how they can be used to improve image quality
  • LO2. explain the key principles of CR and DR
  • LO3. discuss dosimetry and quality assurance of CR and DR systems
  • LO4. discuss the instrumentation and quality control of digital mammography and fluoroscopy systems
  • LO5. explain the fundamental principles and instrumentation for X-ray CT
  • LO6. explain the concepts associated with tomographic image reconstruction, including the relationship between an object and its projections (Radon transform), filtered back projection and derivation of the ramp filter, iterative reconstruction methods, and the trade-offs between reconstruction speed, image quality, and dose
  • LO7. explain the fundamental principles of MRI.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.7.b. Apply quality criteria to assure image quality, evaluate medical images and identify any urgent and/or unexpected findings.
1.9.f. Process image data sets.
1A.1.e. Perform image post-processing techniques.
1A.2.f. Perform image post-processing techniques. (1A.2)
1A.3.f. Process data image sets, including multi-planar reformats and volume imaging.
LO2
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.10.d. Use standard techniques/images and equipment for the body area being examined and, where appropriate, modify them to consider the patient/client presentation and clinical indications.
1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
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.d. Select appropriate equipment, receptor type and set equipment geometry for the examination.
1A.2.d. Apply knowledge of equipment geometry for procedures.
LO3
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.7.b. Apply quality criteria to assure image quality, evaluate medical images and identify any urgent and/or unexpected findings.
1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates.
1A.3.c. Adjust relative radiation dose levels based on the range of patient/client presentations.
Domain 5.1.d. Apply knowledge of radiobiology and radiation dose adjustment to deliver safe and effective patient/client outcomes.
LO4
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1A.2.a. Operate fluoroscopy and angiography systems safety and effectively in a range of settings.
1A.2.h. Apply knowledge of medical equipment and prostheses used in the angiography and operating theatre setting.
1A.2.i. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of fluoroscopy and angiography protocols.
LO5
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.10.d. Use standard techniques/images and equipment for the body area being examined and, where appropriate, modify them to consider the patient/client presentation and clinical indications.
1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
1.3.c. Understand use of CT, MRI and PET in the localisation of a range of cancer sites, patient/client presentations and related planning procedures.
1.3.d. Operate equipment and apply knowledge of laboratory procedures to practice when necessary.
1.5.d. Select appropriate equipment and triage patients/clients according to their clinical presentation, national standards and other factors.
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.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively.
1A.3.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of CT protocols.
LO6
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.7.b. Apply quality criteria to assure image quality, evaluate medical images and identify any urgent and/or unexpected findings.
1A.1.e. Perform image post-processing techniques.
1A.1.f. Critically evaluate images against radiographic criteria including assessment of exposure index, field of view and anatomical rotation.
1A.2.f. Perform image post-processing techniques. (1A.2)
1A.3.f. Process data image sets, including multi-planar reformats and volume imaging.
LO7
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.3.c. Understand use of CT, MRI and PET in the localisation of a range of cancer sites, patient/client presentations and related planning procedures.
1.9.b. Apply knowledge of the principles of MRI physics and surrounding environment to ensure patient/client and others’ safety.
1.9.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of MRI protocols.
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.3.b T A Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
1.3.c T A Understand use of CT, MRI and PET in the localisation of a range of cancer sites, patient/client presentations and related planning procedures.
1.9.b T A Apply knowledge of the principles of MRI physics and surrounding environment to ensure patient/client and others’ safety.
1.9.c T A Select equipment and imaging parameters relevant to the patient/client presentation and where appropriate, modify imaging parameters to achieve optimal diagnostic outcomes.
1.9.f T P A Process image data sets.
1A.1.e T A P Perform image post-processing techniques.
1A.2.e T A Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We wish to thank our 2019 cohort of students for their valuable feedback. The changes we made in 2019 in response to previous student feedback were well received, as reflected in the very positive feedback from the 2019 cohort. However, the 2019 students also gave us some good ideas to further improve things for 2020. For example, we will focus on providing more practice questions, additional online resources to support your learning and more breaks in the lectures. We will also review the exam questions to make sure they are clear and unambiguous. Thanks again to the 2019 students and we look forward to working with the 2020 group. Steve, Will and Roger.

Disclaimer

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