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Unit of study_

MRSC5045: Medical Radiation Science 1 Radiography

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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.

Unit details and rules

Unit code MRSC5045
Academic unit Clinical Imaging
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
MRSC5002
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jillian Clarke, jillian.clarke@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Amir Tavakoli Taba, amir.tavakoli@sydney.edu.au
Sahand Hooshmand, sahand.hooshmand@sydney.edu.au
Ernest Ekpo, ernest.ekpo@sydney.edu.au
Don Nocum, don.nocum@sydney.edu.au
Steven Meikle, steven.meikle@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation group assignment Mid-semester presentation
Work submission in week 7 and Presentation in week 8. Please see LMS.
30% Week 08
Due date: 18 Apr 2023 at 15:00

Closing date: 18 Apr 2023
10 minutes per group + 3 minutes QA.
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Individual critique of the group presentations.
See rubric.
20% Week 10
Due date: 02 May 2023 at 15:00

Closing date: 27 Jun 2023
500 words +/- 5%
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Written Assignment
Rubric supplied Question released on 19th May 2023 at 5:00 pm.
50% Week 13
Due date: 26 May 2023 at 17:00

Closing date: 06 Jun 2023
1500 words +/- 5%
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment

Length/duration

Assessment type description

Weight

Week due

Due date & time

Learning outcomes

 

Mid-semester presentation

10 minutes per group + 3 minutes QA.

Work submission in week 7 and Presentation in week 8. Please see LMS.

30%

Week 08

18/04/23 15:00

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Group

Individual critique on a group presentation.

500 words +/- 5%

See rubric.

20%

Week 10

02/05/23 15:00

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Ind

Written Assignment

1500 words +/- 5%

Rubric supplied Question released on 23rd May 2023 at 3:00 pm

50%

Week 14

30/05/23 17:00

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Ind

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

 

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.

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 Basic physical concepts Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Week 02 X-ray production Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Exposure and dose quantities Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Exposure indicator Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Radiation interactions and biology 1 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Radiation interactions and biology 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Diagnostic reference levels Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Assessment presentations Presentation (2 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 09 Digital imaging 1: fundamentals and introduction to spatial frequency Lecture (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 10 Digital imaging 2: MTF and sampling theorem Lecture (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 11 Physical image measurement (non-clinical) Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 12 Clinical image measurement (ROC and VGA) Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Introduction to CT systems Lecture (2 hr) LO6

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.

  • Seeram, E & Brennan, PC (2016). Radiation Protection in Diagnostic X-Ray Imaging. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  • Bushberg, J. T., Seibert, J. A., Leidholdt, E. M., Boone, J. M., & Abbey, C. K. (2021). The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging (Fourth ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
  • Bushong, S. C. (2017). Radiologic Science for Technologists: Physics, Biology, and Protection (Eleventh ed.). Saint Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.

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. 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

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
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         
LO6         

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
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 5.1.g. Recognise and report on near misses and their consequences, in addition to adverse events and relevant contributing factors.
Domain 5.4.e. Use safe and legal methods for managing manufactured radiation sources, including using appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment and complying with shielding requirements.
Domain 5.4.f. Use safe and legal methods for storing and disposing radioactive material and identify and minimise occupancy risks about proximity of radiation and radioactive storage.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
6. Communicating for Safety Standard
LO2
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
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 5.1.g. Recognise and report on near misses and their consequences, in addition to adverse events and relevant contributing factors.
Domain 5.4.e. Use safe and legal methods for managing manufactured radiation sources, including using appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment and complying with shielding requirements.
Domain 5.4.f. Use safe and legal methods for storing and disposing radioactive material and identify and minimise occupancy risks about proximity of radiation and radioactive storage.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
6. Communicating for Safety Standard
LO3
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
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 5.1.g. Recognise and report on near misses and their consequences, in addition to adverse events and relevant contributing factors.
Domain 5.4.a. Identify safety hazards in the workplace and respond to incidents (including radiation and radioactivity incidents) in a timely and appropriate manner, in accordance with protocols and procedures.
Domain 5.4.b. Report on all incidents (including radiation and radioactivity incidents) as needed.
Domain 5.4.c. Manage the environmental risks of manufactured radiation and radioactivity.
Domain 5.4.d. Identify, confirm and implement methods of radiation management.
Domain 5.4.e. Use safe and legal methods for managing manufactured radiation sources, including using appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment and complying with shielding requirements.
Domain 5.4.f. Use safe and legal methods for storing and disposing radioactive material and identify and minimise occupancy risks about proximity of radiation and radioactive storage.
Domain 5.4.g. Provide information on radiation-related hazards and control measures to others in the workplace.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
2. Partnering with Consumers Standard
6. Communicating for Safety Standard
LO4
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
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.
Domain 5.1.g. Recognise and report on near misses and their consequences, in addition to adverse events and relevant contributing factors.
Domain 5.4.a. Identify safety hazards in the workplace and respond to incidents (including radiation and radioactivity incidents) in a timely and appropriate manner, in accordance with protocols and procedures.
Domain 5.4.b. Report on all incidents (including radiation and radioactivity incidents) as needed.
Domain 5.4.c. Manage the environmental risks of manufactured radiation and radioactivity.
Domain 5.4.d. Identify, confirm and implement methods of radiation management.
Domain 5.4.e. Use safe and legal methods for managing manufactured radiation sources, including using appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment and complying with shielding requirements.
Domain 5.4.f. Use safe and legal methods for storing and disposing radioactive material and identify and minimise occupancy risks about proximity of radiation and radioactive storage.
Domain 5.4.g. Provide information on radiation-related hazards and control measures to others in the workplace.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
1. Clinical Governance Standard
6. Communicating for Safety Standard
LO5
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.f. Critically evaluate images against radiographic criteria including assessment of exposure index, field of view and anatomical rotation.
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.g. Recognise and report on near misses and their consequences, in addition to adverse events and relevant contributing factors.
LO6
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
Domain 5.1.a. Comply with relevant radiation safety legislation.
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 5.1.g. Recognise and report on near misses and their consequences, in addition to adverse events and relevant contributing factors.
National Safety and Quality Health Service -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1 A Clinical Governance Standard
6 A Communicating for Safety Standard

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

In 2022, 10 students (11% of the class) took the trouble to complete the Unit of Study Survey, and 16 students (17%) filled in the ‘Online Learning’ survey; both provided us with excellent feedback. It had to run quite differently to normal, due to the uncertainties of the pandemic. While the response rate was a little bit disappointing, it was understandable given the difficulties of live attendance vs zoom. In addition to these two surveys, I had called for, and received, a number of feedback emails as well, and a huge thanks to those students too. The mean satisfaction score for ‘quality of teaching by the teacher(s)’ was 4.29 (out of 5.0), which is very pleasing but must be taken in the context of low numbers of responses. The scores for the 5 other questions varied from 3.90 to 5.00. Put another way, for each question, approx. 70-100% of students agreed, or strongly agreed, positively with statements such as having good access to valuable learning resources, and the unit improving your confidence for your future professional work. The lowest scoring item at 3.9 / 5.00 was ‘I have felt supported to learn in the online environment’. Interestingly, this differed from the Online Learning survey, in which the question ‘Teacher presence and interactions in the online environment helped my learning’ scored 4.6 out of 5, and there were comments such as ‘all the pre-readings and extra resources on canvas were super helpful’, so students seemed satisfied. Most students enjoyed the lectures and the group work assignment; typical responses being: ‘The best aspects of learning online in this unit of study [was] being able to replay the videos as many times as we want…’ and ‘The group presentation forced you to completely understand the topic. The reflection pushed you to deeply reflect on the group and the topic’ There were two things respondents felt most needed improvement: 1. ‘The assignment on medical imaging was a little boring to listen to because everyone did the same topic. Maybe a little more variability in the topic.’ and 2. ‘The lecture slides were sparse and hard to follow…’. These things have both been addressed for 2023. Some students took the time to give detailed comments, which I really appreciate. We had some great compliments, thank you, and some very useful constructive criticism. One student responded to the question ‘What have been the best aspects of this unit of study?’ with: ‘The links between theoretical radiation physics concepts and how these affect practice in radiography made it easier to follow and more relevant to other subjects which was helpful!’. Thank you to that person!

A list of key texts and recommended journals will be placed on the Learning Management System (LMS) (Canvas) site.

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