Outline

Overview

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

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Group Presentation Work submission in Week 7 and in-person Group Presentation in Week 8. Please see LMS.	40%	Week 08 Due date: 14 Apr 2026 at 23:59	10 minutes per group + 3 minutes Q&A.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Individual Critique of Group Presentations See Marking Rubric	20%	Week 10 Due date: 05 May 2026 at 23:59	500 words +/- 10%	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Written Assessment Marking Rubric supplied Question released on 5th May 2026	40%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59	1500 words +/- 10%	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment	Length/duration	Assessment type description	Weight	Week due	Due date & time	Learning outcomes
Group Presentation	10 minutes per group + 3 minutes Q&A.	Work submission in Week 7 and Presentation in Week 8.	40%	Week 08	14/04/26 23:59	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	Group
Individual Critique on Group Presentation.	500 words +/- 10%	See Marking Rubric	20%	Week 10	05/05/26 23:59	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	Ind
Written Assessment	1500 words +/- 10%	Marking Rubric supplied. Question released on 5th May 2026	40%	Week 13	29/05/26 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)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Basic physical concepts	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	X-ray production	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	X-Ray Production	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Exposure, dose quantities, and dose indicators	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	X-Ray Production	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Radiation interactions and biology 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	X-Ray Production	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Radiation interactions and biology 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	X-Ray Production	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Diagnostic reference levels	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Diagnostic Reference Levels	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Radioactivity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Diagnostic Reference Levels	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Assessment - Group Presentations	Lecture (5 hr)
Week 08	Diagnostic Reference Levels	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Digital imaging 1: fundamentals and introduction to spatial frequency	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Digital Imaging Fundamentals and VGA	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Digital imaging 2: MTF and sampling theorem	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Digital Imaging Fundamentals and VGA	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Physical image measurement (non-clinical)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Digital Imaging Fundamentals and VGA	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Clinical image measurement (ROC and VGA)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Digital Imaging Fundamentals and VGA	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Introduction to CT systems	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance to all Lectures is strongly advised to complete the Tutorial sessions and Assessments for this Unit of Study. All Tutorial sessions are compulsory and student attendance will be recorded. Specialists and experts within the field are invited to teach on the subject matter for the week.

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

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
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.

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 - 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 - 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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 - 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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 - 2. Partnering with Consumers Standard 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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 - 1. Clinical Governance Standard 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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.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. 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.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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.f. Identify radiation risks and implement effective and appropriate risk management systems and procedures. 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.c. Manage the environmental risks of manufactured radiation and radioactivity. 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 -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1		Clinical Governance Standard
6		Communicating for Safety Standard

Responding to student feedback

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

All GEM1 students in 2025 performed well in their assessments. Excellent attendance to lectures and tutorials. Feedback on the Assessment 3 question to be taken into account this year.

Additional information

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

Student Administration Manual on the Faculty of Health Sciences

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MRSC5045: Medical Radiation Science 1 Radiography

Semester 1, 2026 [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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links