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Unit outline_

MRSC5045: Medical Radiation Science 1 Radiography

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

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

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Don Nocum, don.nocum@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Steven Meikle, steven.meikle@sydney.edu.au
Peter Kench, peter.kench@sydney.edu.au
Roger Fulton, roger.fulton@sydney.edu.au
Jillian Clarke, jillian.clarke@sydney.edu.au
Patrick Brennan, patrick.brennan@sydney.edu.au
Don Nocum, don.nocum@sydney.edu.au
Sahand Hooshmand, sahand.hooshmand@sydney.edu.au
Peyman Obeidy, peyman.obeidy@sydney.edu.au
Jacky Chen, jacky.chen1@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation group assignment AI Allowed Mid-semester presentation
Work submission in week 7 and Presentation in week 8. Please see LMS.
30% Week 08
Due date: 15 Apr 2025 at 11:00

Closing date: 15 Apr 2025
10 minutes per group + 3 minutes QA.
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment AI Allowed Individual critique of the group presentations.
See rubric.
20% Week 10
Due date: 06 May 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 30 May 2025
500 words +/- 5%
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment AI Allowed Written Assignment
Rubric supplied Question released on 6th May 2025.
50% Week 13
Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 13 Jun 2025
1500 words +/- 5%
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
group assignment = group assignment ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

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.

30%

Week 08

15/04/25 11:00

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Group

Individual critique on a group presentation.

500 words +/- 5%

See rubric.

20%

Week 10

06/05/25 23:59

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Ind

Written Assignment

1500 words +/- 5%

Rubric supplied Question released on 6th May 2025

50%

Week 13

30/05/25 23:59

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 guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

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.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks X-Ray Production Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Diagnostic Reference Levels Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4
Digital Imaging Fundamentals and VGA Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 01 Basic physical concepts Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Week 02 X-ray production Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Exposure, dose quantities, and dose indicators Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Radioactivity Lecture (2 hr) 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

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at all lectures is compulsory. Specialists within the field are invited to teach on the subject matter for the week. The content covered will be relevant to the tutorial sessions. The tutorials are compulsory, and student attendance will be recorded.

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

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.

For the GEM1 MRSC5045 students in 2023, we achieved a q1-6 mean agreement of 74% and overall score of 75% from 35 completed surveys. The USS scores for 2024 improved on the previous year, up to a q1-6 mean agreement of 84% and overall score of 83%.

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

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.