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Unit of study_

MRTY4041: Comparative Imaging

Semester 2b, 2021 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This is a core unit of study in which investigates complex, cross-sectional and functional imaging used in diagnosis and treatment. Students will be expected to analyse best practice strategies for imaging patients with pathologies, including breast, cardiac and neuro-vascular conditions. Students will develop a comparative imaging activity patients and/or inter-professional practitioners. The imaging focus is on alternative, complimentary, comparative and hybrid image acquisition. Students must demonstrate an understanding of their role in recognising, informing and undertaking clinically appropriate imaging, including teamwork and patient advocacy.

Unit details and rules

Unit code MRTY4041
Academic unit Clinical Imaging
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

MRTY2102, MRTY2106, MRTY3120

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Peter Kench, peter.kench@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam Final exam
Short answer questions
45% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Online task Online In-semester quiz
MCQ
15% Week 04
Due date: 11 Oct 2021 at 13:00

Closing date: 11 Oct 2021
50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Presentation group assignment ePoster
ePoster.
40% Week 07
Due date: 05 Nov 2021 at 10:00

Closing date: 19 Nov 2020
10 slides
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • In-semester exam: this assessment will include content covered prior to the exam.
  • Presentation: work in groups, students will prepare and deliver an ePoster presentation on an allocated topic.
  • Final Exam: this assessment will include content covered in lectures and tutorials.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

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 stated by the Faculty of Medicine and Health.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week -01 Neurological - nuclear medicine Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Cardiac - magnetic resonance Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Assessment - group work Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week -02 Introduction Lecture (1 hr)  
Cardiac - nuclear medicine Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 01 Neurological - magnetic resonance Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Cardiac - ultrasound Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Cardiac Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Breast - Mammography Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Breast - digital breast tomosynthesis Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Neurological Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Assessment - individual mid-sem quiz Lecture (1 hr)  
Breast - magnetic resonance Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Assessment - group work Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Breast - radiation therapy & RT principles Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Neurological & Prostate- radiation therapy Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Breast Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Prostate - nuclear medicine Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Prostate - magnetic resonance Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Prostate Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Neurological - theranostics Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Prostate - theranostics Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assessment - group work Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Revision Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Group oral presentations Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Group oral presentations Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

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.

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. demonstrate an in-depth understanding of image acquisition for a range of new technologies in medical imaging
  • LO2. provide an explanation on clinical history, referrals and current medical information to confirm appropriate advanced imaging is appropriate
  • LO3. determine a patient’s suitability for advanced, comparative imaging and/or treatment through medical radiation, using current evidence as justification
  • LO4. apply knowledge of radiation biology, dose optimisation and pharmacology to ensure patient safety
  • LO5. briefly describe the role of medical imaging modalities used in radiation therapy, including CT, CBCT and MRI, giving examples for breast and neurological tumors.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
1.3.c. Understand use of CT, MRI and PET in the localisation of a range of cancer sites, patient/client presentations and related planning procedures.
Domain 4.1.c. Provide evidence-informed patient/client-centred care by carefully considering the purpose of the proposed examination/treatment, reviewing existing protocols and methods, reflecting on clinical challenges or experiences and integrating knowledge and findings into practice.
LO2
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
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.
1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice.
1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
1.3.c. Understand use of CT, MRI and PET in the localisation of a range of cancer sites, patient/client presentations and related planning procedures.
1.4.a. Understand the patient’s/client’s clinical history, referral and current medical information to confirm the requested or prescribed procedure is appropriate, drawing on knowledge of other imaging and treatment pathways.
1.4.b. Determine the appropriate imaging and/or treatment protocols and priorities, which consider the information collected during the interaction with the patient/client and knowledge of imaging and/or treatment options.
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.
Domain 2.1.f. Apply knowledge of the Australian healthcare system to practice.
Domain 2.4.c. Recognise when an alternative patient/client pathway may be more appropriate and make recommendations to other practitioners.
Domain 4.1.c. Provide evidence-informed patient/client-centred care by carefully considering the purpose of the proposed examination/treatment, reviewing existing protocols and methods, reflecting on clinical challenges or experiences and integrating knowledge and findings into practice.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
5. Comprehensive Care Standard
LO3
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
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.
1.10.e. Perform and evaluate ultrasound imaging and where appropriate, extend or modify the examination according to the sonographic findings and clinical presentation.
1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice.
1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
1.3.c. Understand use of CT, MRI and PET in the localisation of a range of cancer sites, patient/client presentations and related planning procedures.
1.4.a. Understand the patient’s/client’s clinical history, referral and current medical information to confirm the requested or prescribed procedure is appropriate, drawing on knowledge of other imaging and treatment pathways.
1.4.b. Determine the appropriate imaging and/or treatment protocols and priorities, which consider the information collected during the interaction with the patient/client and knowledge of imaging and/or treatment options.
1.4.c. Adapt the requested examination/treatment to an individual patient/client considering available clinical information.
1.5.b. Identify patient/client preparation requirements.
1.5.d. Select appropriate equipment and triage patients/clients according to their clinical presentation, national standards and other factors.
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.
1.9.e. Perform and evaluate MRI examinations where appropriate, modify the examination according to the MRI findings and clinical presentation.
Domain 2.1.f. Apply knowledge of the Australian healthcare system to practice.
Domain 2.4.c. Recognise when an alternative patient/client pathway may be more appropriate and make recommendations to other practitioners.
Domain 3.2.d. Make recommendations to other members of the healthcare team about the suitability and application of the proposed medical radiation examination/treatment, when appropriate.
Domain 4.1.b. Find, critically appraise, interpret and apply best available research evidence to inform clinical reasoning and professional decision-making.
Domain 5.1.e. Review the referral and associated examinations/treatment prescription to ensure appropriate justification, limitation and optimisation.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
5. Comprehensive Care Standard
LO4
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice.
1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
1.3.c. Understand use of CT, MRI and PET in the localisation of a range of cancer sites, patient/client presentations and related planning procedures.
1.4.b. Determine the appropriate imaging and/or treatment protocols and priorities, which consider the information collected during the interaction with the patient/client and knowledge of imaging and/or treatment options.
1.4.c. Adapt the requested examination/treatment to an individual patient/client considering available clinical information.
1.5.b. Identify patient/client preparation requirements.
1.5.e. Identify contraindications and limitations of medical radiation services, determine appropriate adjustments to procedures.
1.8.a. Apply the principles of safe and effective use of medicines to practice.
1.8.b. Recognise the risks, precautions and contraindications of the use of medicines, informed by the patient’s/client’s current pathology status.
1.8.c. Apply knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and the potential range of reactions to medicines.
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.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
4. Medication Safety Standard
5. Comprehensive Care Standard
LO5
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice.
1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
1.3.c. Understand use of CT, MRI and PET in the localisation of a range of cancer sites, patient/client presentations and related planning procedures.
1.4.a. Understand the patient’s/client’s clinical history, referral and current medical information to confirm the requested or prescribed procedure is appropriate, drawing on knowledge of other imaging and treatment pathways.
1.4.b. Determine the appropriate imaging and/or treatment protocols and priorities, which consider the information collected during the interaction with the patient/client and knowledge of imaging and/or treatment options.
1.4.c. Adapt the requested examination/treatment to an individual patient/client considering available clinical information.
1.5.e. Identify contraindications and limitations of medical radiation services, determine appropriate adjustments to procedures.
Domain 2.1.f. Apply knowledge of the Australian healthcare system to practice.
Domain 4.1.b. Find, critically appraise, interpret and apply best available research evidence to inform clinical reasoning and professional decision-making.
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
4 A Medication Safety Standard
5 A Comprehensive Care Standard

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

Students found having experts presenting on topics in a diverse range of medical imaging topics of great interest. Students stated that some of the lectures were too focused on research in the field rather than clinical applications. The tutorials and the UoS Coordinator supported the learning well. Having the lecture notes earlier would help students better prepare for the lectures. I have moved the lectures and tutorials on a topic to the same week whenever possible. I will allow students to form their own groups within the tutorial groups to work on the ePoster assessment. Finally, the oral presentation of the ePoster will not be part of the UoS grade.

Disclaimer

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