Outline

Academic unit	Clinical Imaging
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	MRSC5038
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Coordinator	Dale Bailey, dale.bailey@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Essay Essay question	40%	STUVAC	2,500 words recommended	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	Mid semester Quiz 40 x MCQs under exam conditions	40%	Week 08 Due date: 23 Sep 2025 at 14:30	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Practical - Radiation Dosimetry Worksheets Online Submission of Practical Worksheets (10% each)	20%	Week 08	Individual (about 4 hrs work in total)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

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	Radiation Risk in Perspective	Lecture (2 hr)
Nuclear medicine – SPECT & PET I	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Nuclear Medicine - SPECT & PET II	Lecture (2 hr)
Hybrid Multimodality Imaging	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Radiation Dose in CT	Lecture (2 hr)
Storage and Data Security	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Introduction to Radiotherapy	Lecture (2 hr)
Justification and Optimisation of Imaging Examinations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Radiation dose in nuclear medicine	Practical (2 hr)
Radiation dose in radiology	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Advances in CT	Lecture (2 hr)
Bone Mineral Densitometry	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Introduction to Total Body PET Imaging	Lecture (2 hr)
RIS, PACS and Image Networks	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. critically evaluate the use of different tomographic imaging techniques and treatment modalities to achieve optimal diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes, drawing on your understanding of their technical features and challenges
LO2. lead discussion on the advantages and technical challenges of multi-modality imaging (positron emission tomography-computed tomography, single photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging) and their clinical applications in diagnosis and radiation therapy
LO3. understand other niche uses of ionising radiation in medical examinations such as bone mineral densitometry measurements, and use in radiotherapy treatment planning
LO4. draw on knowledge of current techniques and practice to make informed comments on the use of radiation treatment planning and dose verification, including the role of tomographic imaging techniques in external beam therapy, radionuclide therapy and brachytherapy
LO5. appreciate the use of ionising radiation in medical examinations, its comparison with other exposure to radiation and the relative risks associated with this radiation
LO6. draw on understanding of modern information systems to reflect on how optimal capture, storage and transmission of information can be used to improve diagnostic and treatment outcomes for patients
LO7. discuss recent advances in computed tomography technology
LO8. draw on knowledge gained in this unit and experience from clinical placements to reflect on the impact of digital imaging on quality improvements and radiation dose implications of the latest imaging techniques.

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 - 1.1.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. 1.10.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. 1.2.a. Understand and comply with legislative responsibilities about data privacy, the ownership, storage, retention and destruction of patient/client records and other practice documentation. 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. 1.2.e. Manage clinical information (information and images) appropriately and consider the workflow between the different clinical information management systems. 1.2.f. Respond appropriately to data errors and/or system failures. 1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice. 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. 1.4.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. 1.5.b. Identify patient/client preparation requirements. 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. 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. 1.6.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. 1.9.a. Operate MRI systems safely and effectively. 1.9.b. Apply knowledge of the principles of MRI physics and surrounding environment to ensure patient/client and others’ safety. 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. 1.9.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of MRI protocols. 1.9.e. Perform and evaluate MRI examinations where appropriate, modify the examination according to the MRI findings and clinical presentation. 1.9.f. Process image data sets. 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.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates. 1A.2.f. Perform image post-processing techniques. (1A.2) 1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively. 1A.3.b. Apply appropriate imaging parameters for the patient/client presentation. 1A.3.c. Adjust relative radiation dose levels based on the range of patient/client presentations. 1A.3.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of CT protocols. 1A.3.e. Perform and evaluate contrast and non-contrast CT examinations of the body and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation and clinical indications. 1A.3.f. Process data image sets, including multi-planar reformats and volume imaging. Domain 2.1.a. Understand and comply with legal responsibilities. Domain 2.1.g. Practice the basic principles underpinning bio-ethics in medical radiation practice and recognise and respond appropriately to ethical issues encountered in practice. 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. 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.c. Apply knowledge of radiobiology and medical radiation physics to examinations/treatment. Domain 5.1.d. Apply knowledge of radiobiology and radiation dose adjustment to deliver safe and effective patient/client outcomes. Domain 5.1.e. Review the referral and associated examinations/treatment prescription to ensure appropriate justification, limitation and optimisation. Domain 5.1.f. Identify radiation risks and implement effective and appropriate risk management systems and procedures. Domain 5.4.c. Manage the environmental risks of manufactured radiation and radioactivity.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.2.e. Manage clinical information (information and images) appropriately and consider the workflow between the different clinical information management systems. 1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice. 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. 1.4.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.d. Select appropriate equipment and triage patients/clients according to their clinical presentation, national standards and other factors. 1.5.e. Identify contraindications and limitations of medical radiation services, determine appropriate adjustments to procedures. 1.7.b. Apply quality criteria to assure image quality, evaluate medical images and identify any urgent and/or unexpected findings. 1.9.b. Apply knowledge of the principles of MRI physics and surrounding environment to ensure patient/client and others’ safety. 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. 1.9.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of MRI protocols. 1.9.e. Perform and evaluate MRI examinations where appropriate, modify the examination according to the MRI findings and clinical presentation. 1.9.f. Process image data sets. 1A.1.f. Critically evaluate images against radiographic criteria including assessment of exposure index, field of view and anatomical rotation. 1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates. 1A.3.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of CT protocols. 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. Domain 4.1.d. Recognise opportunities to contribute to the development of new knowledge through research and enquiry.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images. 1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice. 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. 1.4.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. 1.5.d. Select appropriate equipment and triage patients/clients according to their clinical presentation, national standards and other factors. 1.5.e. Identify contraindications and limitations of medical radiation services, determine appropriate adjustments to procedures. 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. 1.6.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. 1A.1.a. Operate projection radiography systems safely and effectively in a range of settings. 1A.1.b. Prepare the patient/client for the examination, including positioning the patient/client for the best diagnostic outcome. 1A.1.d. Select appropriate equipment, receptor type and set equipment geometry for the examination. 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.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates. 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. 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.e. Review the referral and associated examinations/treatment prescription to ensure appropriate justification, limitation and optimisation. Domain 5.3.a. Check and confirm that all equipment is in good order and operating within acceptable parameters.
	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. 1.2.c. Ensure that stored clinical information (information and images) is associated with the correct patient/client and examination/treatment. 1.2.e. Manage clinical information (information and images) appropriately and consider the workflow between the different clinical information management systems. 1.2.g. Ensure clinical information is made available to the appropriate persons involved in the care of the patient. 1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice. 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. 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 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 4.1.b. Find, critically appraise, interpret and apply best available research evidence to inform clinical reasoning and professional decision-making. 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.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. 1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice. 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. 1.4.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. 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. 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. 1.9.a. Operate MRI systems safely and effectively. 1.9.b. Apply knowledge of the principles of MRI physics and surrounding environment to ensure patient/client and others’ safety. 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. 1.9.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of MRI protocols. 1.9.e. Perform and evaluate MRI examinations where appropriate, modify the examination according to the MRI findings and clinical presentation. 1.9.f. Process image data sets. 1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively. 1A.3.b. Apply appropriate imaging parameters for the patient/client presentation. 1A.3.c. Adjust relative radiation dose levels based on the range of patient/client presentations. 1A.3.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of CT protocols. 1A.3.e. Perform and evaluate contrast and non-contrast CT examinations of the body and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation and clinical indications. 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. Domain 5.1.d. Apply knowledge of radiobiology and radiation dose adjustment to deliver safe and effective patient/client outcomes. Domain 5.1.f. Identify radiation risks and implement effective and appropriate risk management systems and procedures. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 5. Comprehensive Care Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.2.a. Understand and comply with legislative responsibilities about data privacy, the ownership, storage, retention and destruction of patient/client records and other practice documentation. 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. 1.2.e. Manage clinical information (information and images) appropriately and consider the workflow between the different clinical information management systems. 1.2.f. Respond appropriately to data errors and/or system failures. 1.2.g. Ensure clinical information is made available to the appropriate persons involved in the care of the patient. Domain 2.1.a. Understand and comply with legal responsibilities. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 5. Comprehensive Care Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively. 1A.3.b. Apply appropriate imaging parameters for the patient/client presentation. 1A.3.c. Adjust relative radiation dose levels based on the range of patient/client presentations. 1A.3.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of CT protocols. 1A.3.e. Perform and evaluate contrast and non-contrast CT examinations of the body and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation and clinical indications. 1A.3.f. Process data image sets, including multi-planar reformats and volume imaging.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice. 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. 1.6.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. 1.9.a. Operate MRI systems safely and effectively. 1.9.b. Apply knowledge of the principles of MRI physics and surrounding environment to ensure patient/client and others’ safety. 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. 1.9.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of MRI protocols. 1.9.e. Perform and evaluate MRI examinations where appropriate, modify the examination according to the MRI findings and clinical presentation. 1.9.f. Process image data sets. 1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively. 1A.3.b. Apply appropriate imaging parameters for the patient/client presentation. 1A.3.c. Adjust relative radiation dose levels based on the range of patient/client presentations. 1A.3.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of CT protocols. 1A.3.e. Perform and evaluate contrast and non-contrast CT examinations of the body and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation and clinical indications. 1A.3.f. Process data image sets, including multi-planar reformats and volume imaging. Domain 2.4.c. Recognise when an alternative patient/client pathway may be more appropriate and make recommendations to other practitioners. Domain 2.5.a. Participate in peer assessment, standard setting, mentorship and provide developmental support to other medical radiation practitioners and other members of the healthcare team. Domain 3.2.c. Follow accepted protocols and procedures to provide relevant and timely verbal and written communication. 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. Domain 4.1.a. Identify the challenge or question and the information that is needed to respond. Domain 4.1.b. Find, critically appraise, interpret and apply best available research evidence to inform clinical reasoning and professional decision-making. 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 4.1.d. Recognise opportunities to contribute to the development of new knowledge through research and enquiry. Domain 5.1.b. Practice in accordance with relevant radiation safety guidelines. Domain 5.1.c. Apply knowledge of radiobiology and medical radiation physics to examinations/treatment. Domain 5.1.d. Apply knowledge of radiobiology and radiation dose adjustment to deliver safe and effective patient/client outcomes. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 5. Comprehensive Care Standard

National Safety and Quality Health Service -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
5		Comprehensive Care 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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MRSC5039: Medical Radiation Science 3 Radiography

Semester 2, 2025 [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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links