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Unit of study_
MRSC5045: Medical Radiation Science 1 Radiography
2025 unit information
This unit of study equips students with a comprehensive understanding of foundational physics with the atomic structure, the production of x-rays and the interaction between ionising radiation and matter. The factors influencing energy and intensity will be examined to justify their clinical applications in Diagnostic Radiography. Principles of radioactivity, nuclear instability and radiobiological effects of ionising radiation will be explored. Students will assess radiation dose units and evaluate image quality parameters to optimise patient dose and outcomes. The medical radiation physics of computed Tomography (CT) will also be introduced.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Medicine and Health
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Clinical Imaging |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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MRSC5002 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Contextualise the foundational physics relating to atomic structure in relation to clinical imaging
- LO2. Describe the production of X-rays and explain the factors that impact upon X-ray energy and intensity, in order to justify clinical applications of radiation
- LO3. Communicate an understanding of the interactions of ionising radiation with matter, for both scientific purposes (concepts of range, energy, specific ionisation, hazards, radiation protection) and for patients / clients
- LO4. Critically review the radiation dose units relevant to diagnostic radiology and evaluate the options for correctly measuring radiation dose
- LO5. Evaluate image quality parameters and methods for assessing diagnostic efficacy to optimise patient outcomes
- LO6. Appraise the function, construction and operation of x-ray equipment, including CT
- LO7. Evaluate the fundamental principles of atomic structure, radioactivity, and the interaction of ionising radiation with matter, including energy level diagrams and nuclear transition equations, emphasising excitation and ionisation effects.
- LO8. Explain nuclear instability, half-life, and radioactive decay, and calculate mass defect with changes in binding energy and the statistical effects of radioactive decay.
Unit availability
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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