Outline

Overview

This unit of study is a foundation unit introducing students to diagnostic imaging equipment that is commonly employed in Medical Imaging Departments. Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the theory and application of fixed and mobile X-ray equipment, including Computed Radiography (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR). Students will be gain knowledge relating to X-ray equipment components, exposure factors, automatic exposure control (AEC), radiographic grids, and to demonstrate their ability to evaluate image quality, with a focus on optimising exposure factors, contrast, and brightness. The ‘digital image’ will be explored in terms of spatial and intensity resolution, bit depth, matrix size, spatial frequency, and image manipulation techniques such as window leveling and the use of look-up tables (LUTs). Additionally, the unit will cover PACS workflows, DICOM standards, and image storage and communication protocols. By the end of the unit, students will demonstrate proficiency in evaluating image quality and applying radiographic techniques to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sahand Hooshmand, sahand.hooshmand@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	End of semester exam MCQs and LAQs	55%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	#Early Feedback Task (EFT) MCQs	5%	Week 03 Due date: 24 Aug 2025 at 11:59	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	Mid-semester exam MCQs + Labelling Exercise	40%	Week 08 Due date: 23 Sep 2025 at 14:00	1 hour	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task (ETF) (5%): Questions will examine your understanding of the content covered in both lectures and practical classes in weeks 1 to 3. Format: MCQs.

Mid-semester exam (40%): Questions will examine your understanding of the content covered in weeks 1 to 7. Format: MCQs and Labelling Exercise.

End of semester exam (55%): Questions will examine your understanding of the content covered all weeks (1 to 13). Format: MCQs and LAQs.

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.

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:

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	Introduction to Unit of Study and the X-Ray Room	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to the X-Ray Room	Practical (1 hr)
Week 02	The X-Ray Tube	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Examining Digital Radiography Equipment	Practical (1 hr)
Week 03	Digital Radiography (DR)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Taking an X-Ray	Practical (1 hr)
Week 04	Exposure Factors	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Understanding Exposures Factors	Practical (1 hr)
Week 05	Radiographic Grids	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Understanding Grids	Practical (1 hr)
Week 06	X-Ray Equipment Faults	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Inverse Square Law	Practical (1 hr)
Week 07	Evaluating Chest Image Quality	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Chest Image Quality	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Spatial Frequency 1D	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	1D Fourier Transforms	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Spatial Frequency 2D	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	2D Fourier Transforms	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Workflow and PACS	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	The Digital Image	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Digital Image	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Digital Image Manipulation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Digital Image Post Processing	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance at lectures and practicals is required. There will be activities in class, pre-reading before class and discussion during class. Practical sessions are designed to integrate with and complement lectures, so the learning experience comes from the combination of these activities.

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.

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. Identify and describe the x-ray machine, instrumentation, equipment, and the various accessories within an x-ray room.
LO2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) and how they are used to produce diagnostic radiographs.
LO3. Understand the radiation risk from different x-ray modalities and best clinical practice to optimise patient safety.
LO4. Evaluate radiographic images using radiographic criteria and apply learning to practice.
LO5. Relate the workflow in radiology information systems and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) to the patient pathway.
LO6. Understand digital image concepts and manipulation techniques including spatial resolution, intensity/contrast resolution, histogram of exposures, and look-up tables (LUT).
LO7. Demonstrate basic understanding of digital image processing and the concept of spatial frequency.

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 - 1.10.d. Use standard techniques/images and equipment for the body area being examined and, where appropriate, modify them to consider the patient/client presentation and clinical indications. 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1.3.d. Operate equipment and apply knowledge of laboratory procedures to practice when necessary. 1.6.b. Identify the type and method of stabilisation needed for the type and purpose of the procedure and the patient/client condition and presentation. 1.6.c. Use or adapt suitable stabilisation and ancillary equipment. 1.9.c. Select equipment and imaging parameters relevant to the patient/client presentation and where appropriate, modify imaging parameters to achieve optimal diagnostic outcomes. 1A.1.c. Use standard radiographic projections and exposure factors for the patient’s/client’s body area being examined and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation, clinical indications and mechanisms of injury. 1A.1.d. Select appropriate equipment, receptor type and set equipment geometry for the examination.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.10.d. Use standard techniques/images and equipment for the body area being examined and, where appropriate, modify them to consider the patient/client presentation and clinical indications. 1.2.c. Ensure that stored clinical information (information and images) is associated with the correct patient/client and examination/treatment. 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1.3.d. Operate equipment and apply knowledge of laboratory procedures to practice when necessary. 1.5.e. Identify contraindications and limitations of medical radiation services, determine appropriate adjustments to procedures. 1.9.c. Select equipment and imaging parameters relevant to the patient/client presentation and where appropriate, modify imaging parameters to achieve optimal diagnostic outcomes. 1A.1.c. Use standard radiographic projections and exposure factors for the patient’s/client’s body area being examined and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation, clinical indications and mechanisms of injury. 1A.1.d. Select appropriate equipment, receptor type and set equipment geometry for the examination. 1A.2.d. Apply knowledge of equipment geometry for procedures. 1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.2.a. Understand and comply with legislative responsibilities about data privacy, the ownership, storage, retention and destruction of patient/client records and other practice documentation. 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1.3.d. Operate equipment and apply knowledge of laboratory procedures to practice when necessary. 1.9.c. Select equipment and imaging parameters relevant to the patient/client presentation and where appropriate, modify imaging parameters to achieve optimal diagnostic outcomes. 1A.1.c. Use standard radiographic projections and exposure factors for the patient’s/client’s body area being examined and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation, clinical indications and mechanisms of injury. 1A.1.d. Select appropriate equipment, receptor type and set equipment geometry for the examination. 1A.1.f. Critically evaluate images against radiographic criteria including assessment of exposure index, field of view and anatomical rotation. 1A.2.d. Apply knowledge of equipment geometry for procedures. 1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates. 1A.3.b. Apply appropriate imaging parameters for the patient/client presentation. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images. 1.10.d. Use standard techniques/images and equipment for the body area being examined and, where appropriate, modify them to consider the patient/client presentation and clinical indications. 1.3.d. Operate equipment and apply knowledge of laboratory procedures to practice when necessary. 1.6.a. Consider the limitations/restrictions in the use of techniques and devices for reproducibility of procedures concerning the patient’s/client’s condition and presentation. 1.9.c. Select equipment and imaging parameters relevant to the patient/client presentation and where appropriate, modify imaging parameters to achieve optimal diagnostic outcomes. Domain 2.3.a. Make appropriate professional decisions about the care of patients. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 5. Comprehensive Care Standard 6. Communicating for Safety Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice. 1.5.e. Identify contraindications and limitations of medical radiation services, determine appropriate adjustments to procedures. 1.5.f. Perform patient/client assessment and medical radiation examination/treatment in accordance with the patient/client need and choice, legislation, registration standards, codes and guidelines. 1.6.a. Consider the limitations/restrictions in the use of techniques and devices for reproducibility of procedures concerning the patient’s/client’s condition and presentation. 1A.1.a. Operate projection radiography systems safely and effectively in a range of settings. Domain 2.1.a. Understand and comply with legal responsibilities. Domain 2.3.a. Make appropriate professional decisions about the care of patients. 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 5.4.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.g. Provide information on radiation-related hazards and control measures to others in the workplace.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice. 1A.1.a. Operate projection radiography systems safely and effectively in a range of settings. Domain 2.1.a. Understand and comply with legal responsibilities. Domain 2.3.a. Make appropriate professional decisions about the care of patients. 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 5.4.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.g. Provide information on radiation-related hazards and control measures to others in the workplace.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice. 1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment. 1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images. 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. 1A.1.g. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of projection radiography protocols. 1A.2.d. Apply knowledge of equipment geometry for procedures. 1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates. 1A.3.b. Apply appropriate imaging parameters for the patient/client presentation. Domain 2.3.a. Make appropriate professional decisions about the care of patients.

Responding to student feedback

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

Changes have been made to the assessments' word limits and weighting. Also some changes were applied to the order of the lectures and practicals.

Additional information

This unit of study may require you to attend a teaching activity timetabled in teaching venues installed with the University’s Clinical Recording and Observation System (CROS) in the Susan Wakil Health Building. Students should be aware of the privacy and information management implications of this system. For more information, please refer to the University’s Privacy Statement.

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

Early feedback task

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

MRTY1037: Imaging Technology 1

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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