Outline

Overview

MRTY1036 is a Junior level unit designed specifically for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science (MRS) Diagnostics Radiography. It provides a basic knowledge and understanding of concepts in radioactivity and ultrasound, laying the foundation for understanding ultrasonic transducers, cyclotrons and radiation detectors. It also explores the effects of ionising and non-ionising radiation on biological systems, including implications for radiological protection.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	John O'Byrne, john.obyrne@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Steven Meikle, steven.meikle@sydney.edu.au
	Sahand Hooshmand, sahand.hooshmand@sydney.edu.au
	Yaser Hadi Gholami, yaser.gholami@sydney.edu.au
	Zdenka Kuncic, zdenka.kuncic@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final examination Final examination	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 1 Written short answer assignment	10%	Week 06 Due date: 08 Sep 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Sep 2023	Typically 4-6 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 2 Written short answer assignment	10%	Week 12 Due date: 27 Oct 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 Nov 2023	Typically 4-6 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Pre-lecture quizzes Brief quizzes on lecture material	5%	Weekly	Typically ~5 MCQs
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Studio Lab Sessions Answers to questions on simulation and experimental work	25%	Weekly	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Below are brief assessment details. Further information can be found in the Canvas site for this unit.

Assignments

There are two assignments, each consisting of several questions. The assignments are designed to help you develop problem-solving skills, practice written answers and obtain some progressive feedback.

We encourage students to discuss assignments, but we will NOT accept assignments that are simply copied between students or from any other source. You should write your final answers independently, expressing the answers in your own words and with your own working. Allowing your work to be copied is unfair to other students and ultimately, does not help the student copying from your work.

AI systems like ChatGPT may seem to be an easy way of generating text that can be presented as your own in an Assignment. It is academically dishonest to use such AI systems and seek to present this as your own work. However, it may be useful to use AI to collect information about a topic as a first step towards writing your own answer, much as you might use Wikipedia .

The problem-based assignments typical of this unit are different to more essay-based assignments in other disciplines. References are generally NOT necessary unless you use a close or direct quote from a source. If you do reference a source, choose any style of referencing you normally use providing it is clear. Use of an AI system in preparing the assignment should be declared.

The Assignments contribute 20% directly to your final mark.

Pre-lecture Quizzes

Pre-lecture quizzes will consist of several questions delivered on-line using the Canvas system. They are intended to encourage you to prepare for lectures by reading the textbook and any notes we supply and to test your understanding of material to be covered in the lectures in the coming week. Answers will be apparent from the relevant sections of the reading. You do not need to get every answer right, but only a serious attempt at a quiz will be regarded as satisfactory completion of the quiz.

The Pre-lecture quizzes contribute 5% directly to your final mark.

Workshop Tutorials

Workshop Tutorials are an important part of success in this Unit of Study because they make you think through the material and provide experience in answering the style of questions that may appear in the Final Exam.

Workshop Tutorials are not assessed and do not contribute to your final mark.

Studio Lab Sessions

Assessment in the studio lab sessions is based on successful completion of experimental and simulation tasks and other activities conducted in the sessions. You are awarded marks for satisfactorily completing each activity and submitting the results.

The Studio Lab submissions contribute 25% directly to your final mark.

Final Examination

A two-hour examination covering the material included in the unit of study is held at the end of the semester. You will be asked to write descriptive answers to questions, to explain physical principles and to answer quantitative questions, all aimed at demonstrating your progress in achieving the goals of the unit. An ability to memorise formulae and manipulate them without understanding the associated concepts will not be rewarded. The final exam will cover material from the entire unit.

See the Sample Exam papers in the Canvas pages for this unit for an accurate indication of the exam structure.

The Final Examination contributes 50% directly to your final mark.

Note that attempting the final examination is required for a pass in this unit.

If you miss the final exam for any reason you should submit an application for Special Consideration to request a replacement exam in the same format.

If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

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	Representing complete or close to complete mastery of the material.
Distinction	75 - 84	Representing excellence, but less than complete mastery.
Credit	65 - 74	Representing a creditable performance that goes beyond routine knowledge and understanding, but less than excellence.
Pass	50 - 64	Representing at least routine knowledge and understanding over a spectrum of topics and important ideas and concepts in the course.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

Your final grade will be based principally on your performance in the one examination-style assessment where you are working by yourself:

final exam (50%)

Other contributions to your final mark are:

assignment 1 (10%)
assignment 2 (10%)
studio labs submissions (25%)
pre-lecture quizzes (5%)

For example:

If you were not fully engaged during semester, you might get only complete 7/11 of the pre-lecture quizzes and get a mark of 22/45 for the Studio labs. These might be added to better marks of 45/60 in the assignments and 44/70 in the final exam. Of course, if you have a valid reason for missing any assessment which is approved via the Special Consideration process, your marks will be adjusted to allow for this.

Your total mark is the sum of these individual marks, weighted according to the percentages give above – i.e. final exam (44/70 = 31.4/50%) + assignments (45/60 = 15/20%) + studio labs (22/45 = 12.2/25%) + prelecture quizzes (7/11 = 3.2/5%) = a final mark of 61.8 = a final grade of 62 PS.

Of course a poor mark in the final exam could easily turn this into a Fail! The way to succeed in this unit is to do well in each component of the unit (as always) during semester.

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.

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:

As an example, for an assessment given a mark of 7/10, the penalty would be 0.5 marks if submitted up to 24 hours late, resulting in a final mark of 6.5/10. If the assignment is submitted 6 days late, the penalty would be 3 marks and the final mark would be 4/10. If you have difficulty submitting an assessment on time, you should submit an application for Special Consideration. A Simple Extension of up to five working days on Assignments is also available through the special consideration portal, or for Quizzes and Studio Lab submissions may be negotiated with the unit coordinator. However, in this unit, negotiated Simple Extensions will only rarely be granted since justifiable reasons for extension should usually be eligible for Special Consideration.

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.

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

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Lecture 1: Ionising Radiation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Lecture 2: Radioactivity	Lecture (2 hr)
	Workshop 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Lab 1: Half life	Science laboratory (2 hr)
Week 03	Lecture 3: Semiconductors	Lecture (2 hr)
	Workshop 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Lab 2: Penetration of α, β, γ radiation	Science laboratory (2 hr)
Week 04	Lecture 4: Radiation Detectors	Lecture (2 hr)
	Workshop 3	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Lab 3: Counting statistics	Science laboratory (2 hr)
Week 05	Lecture 5: Radionuclide production and imaging	Lecture (2 hr)
	Workshop 4	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Lab 4: Radiation detectors	Science laboratory (2 hr)
Week 06	Lecture 6: Radionuclides in Medicine	Lecture (2 hr)
	Workshop 5	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Lab 5: NO LAB	Science laboratory (0.01 hr)
Week 07	Lecture 7: Dosimetry, Radiation protection, Safety - 1	Lecture (3 hr)
	Workshop 6	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Lab 6: Safety & dosimetry	Science laboratory (2 hr)
Week 08	Lecture 8: Dosimetry, Radiation protection, Safety - 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Lecture 9: Dosimetry, Radiation protection, Safety - 3	Lecture (3 hr)
	Workshop 7	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Lab 7: Ultrasound 1 - Waves & sound	Science laboratory (2 hr)
Week 10	Lecture 10: Radiation biology - 1	Lecture (2 hr)
	Workshop 8	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Lab 8: Ultrasound 2 - Impedance, reflection & imaging	Science laboratory (2 hr)
Week 11	Lecture 11: Radiation biology - 2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Workshop 9	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Lab 9: Ultrasound 3 - Doppler effect	Science laboratory (2 hr)
Week 12	Lecture 12: Radiation biology - 3	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Lecture 13: Legislation	Lecture (2 hr)

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 on the Library Reading List link available in the Canvas site for this unit.

Textbook: Essential Physics for Radiographers, 4th Edition (2008), John Ball, Adrian D. Moore and Steve Turner, Blackwell Publishing
Recommended Reference: Radiological Science for Technologists, 11th edn, S C Boshung, Elsevier 2016 (or earlier editions).
Recommended Reference: The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging, 4th edn, J T Bushberg et al., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins publishing 2020 (or earlier editions).

You may also find it useful to consult current HSC Physics textbooks or one of the current Junior Physics textbooks:

College Physics: A Strategic Approach , Knight, Jones and Field, Pearson Addison Wesley.
University Physics (with Modern Physics) , Hugh D Young and Roger A Freedman, Addison-Wesley.

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. understand the key physics concepts related to particle radiation - the nucleus, nuclear forces and radioactivity, nuclear reactions, nuclear radiation and radiation measurement, nuclear-based imaging
LO2. understand dosimetry, radiation monitoring and protection, safety legislation and the biological effects of radiation.
LO3. understand the key physical concepts related to ultrasound imaging - basic wave concepts, acoustic impedance, scattering and attenuation, Doppler shift and Doppler ultrasound.
LO4. apply key physical concepts to solve qualitative and quantitative problems in the radiographic context
LO5. demonstrate an understanding of the instruments used to measure particle radiation and ultrasound, together with basic experimental skills in their measurement and the analysis of resulting data.
LO6. find and analyse information and judge its reliability and significance
LO7. communicate scientific information appropriately, both orally and through written work
LO8. engage in team and group work for scientific investigations and for the process of learning
LO9. demonstrate a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour and independence as a learner and as a scientist

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 2.1.a. Understand and comply with legal responsibilities. 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.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates. 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.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.10.b. Apply knowledge of the principles of ultrasound physics to minimise the likelihood of biological effects and identification of artefacts.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.10.b. Apply knowledge of the principles of ultrasound physics to minimise the likelihood of biological effects and identification of artefacts.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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.b. Communicate effectively with the patient/client (and at times beyond the patient/client) to collect and convey information about the proposed examination/treatment. Domain 5.2.b. Review, communicate, record and manage patient/client information accurately, consistent with protocols, procedures and legislative requirements for maintaining patient/client records. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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.b. Communicate effectively with the patient/client (and at times beyond the patient/client) to collect and convey information about the proposed examination/treatment.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - Domain 4.1.d. Recognise opportunities to contribute to the development of new knowledge through research and enquiry.

National Safety and Quality Health Service -

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

Responding to student feedback

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

We welcome comments on all aspects of this unit. You should feel free to talk to your lecturers, tutors or the Unit Coordinator A/Prof. John O’Byrne at any time. There is also a formal opportunity for feedback via the USS questionnaire for this unit, available online towards the end of semester. As a result of student feedback and other initiatives there have been a number of changes in this unit in recent years. This year there has been a significant change, with the removal of an in-semester Test and a re-balancing of the marks from other components. Other Changes for this year are University-wide, the most important being: - All examinations returning to on campus, on paper, supervised exams.

Additional information

EQUITY, ACCESS AND DIVERSITY STATEMENT

The School of Physics recognises that biases and discrimination, including but not limited to those based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and age, continue to impact parts of our community disproportionately. Consequently, the School is strongly committed to taking effective steps to make our environment supportive and inclusive and one that provides equity of access and opportunity for everyone.

The School has Equity Officers as points of contact for students who may have a query or concern about any issues relating to equity, access and diversity. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, discriminated against, bullied or disadvantaged in any way, you are encouraged to talk to one of the Equity Officers or any member of the Physics staff.

More information can be found at https://sydney.edu.au/science/schools/school-of-physics/equity-access-diversity.html

Any student who feels they may need a special accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Inclusion and Disability Services: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/health-wellbeing/inclusion-and-disability.html who can help arrange support.

Sydney Science portal

Work, health and safety

Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual, posted in laboratories, and from staff.
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

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

MRTY1036: Health Physics and Radiation Biology

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

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