Outline

Overview

This core unit of study delves into complex, cross-sectional and functional imaging techniques used for diagnosis, staging, monitoring and treatment. Students will analyse best practices for imaging patients with pathologies, such as cardiac, neuro-vascular, breast and prostate conditions. They will participate in a comparative imaging learning activity involving 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

Academic unit	Clinical Imaging
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	MRTY3120
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	MRTY2102 and MRTY2106 and MRTY4039
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Peter Kench, peter.kench@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 October 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam MCQ, Short answer and essay questions	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	ePoster ePoster.	40%	Week 06 Due date: 30 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 13 Nov 2026	10 slides	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Presentation: work in groups; students will prepare and deliver an ePoster presentation on an allocated topic. Peers and the UoS coordinator will assess the quality of individual contributions to the task.
Final Exam: this assessment will include content covered in lectures and tutorials.

You can find detailed information for each assessment 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.

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:

As stated by the Faculty of Medicine and Health.

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	UoS introduction	Tutorial (1 hr)
	magnetic resonance - protocols	Lecture (1 hr)
	magnetic resonance - breast	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	magnetic resonance - protocols	Tutorial (1 hr)
	magnetic resonance - prostate	Lecture (1 hr)
	magnetic resonance - cardiac	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	e-Poster	Tutorial (1 hr)
	X-ray - breast	Lecture (1 hr)
	X-ray - breast	Lecture (1 hr)
	nuclear medicine - prostate	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Breast	Tutorial (1 hr)
	nuclear medicine - neurological	Lecture (1 hr)
	nuclear medicine - therapy	Lecture (1 hr)
	magnetic resonance - neurological	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	magnetic resonance - neurological	Tutorial (1 hr)
	ultrasound - cardiac	Lecture (1 hr)
	ultrasound - cardiac	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	ultrasound - cardiac	Tutorial (1 hr)
	computed tomography - radiation therapy	Lecture (1 hr)
	magnetic resonance - radiation therapy	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	group oral presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
	group oral presentations	Lecture (1 hr)
	group oral presentations	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at lectures is encouraged, as it offers a valuable opportunity to engage with the teaching staff and ask questions. Attendance at tutorials is mandatory and will be monitored for each session. Please make sure to attend the tutorial to which you have been assigned. If you are unable to attend a tutorial, please contact the UoS coordinator before the class begins. Most lectures and tutorials are scheduled on the same day to promote lecture attendance.

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

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 neurological, breast and prostate tumours.

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 - 1.3.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.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation 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. 1.3.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 - 5. Comprehensive Care Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation 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. 1.10.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 - 5. Comprehensive Care Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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 - 4. Medication Safety Standard 5. Comprehensive Care Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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		Medication Safety Standard
5		Comprehensive Care Standard

Responding to student feedback

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

What Previous Students Said About MRTY4041 (Comparative Imaging) Students who completed this unit in 2025 were overwhelmingly positive about their experience, with 92% overall satisfaction and 94% agreement across the core survey questions. They particularly valued the quality of teaching, the unit’s organisation, engaging tutorials, and exposure to a wide range of imaging modalities and emerging technologies. Many students noted that the tutorials were interactive and reinforced learning, while the diverse expertise of guest lecturers provided valuable insights into imaging beyond diagnostic radiography. Students also appreciated the clear communication, learning resources, practice questions, lecture transcripts, and support provided throughout the semester. Students reported that the unit broadened their understanding of medical imaging and helped prepare them for clinical practice by introducing modalities such as MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, and advanced imaging applications. The main area identified for improvement was the volume and complexity of content delivered within the intensive eight-week format. Some students felt that topics were covered in considerable depth and at a rapid pace, making it challenging to keep up with the workload. Others suggested spreading content over a longer period, providing more foundational explanations for complex concepts, and reducing the pressure associated with assessment timing and the heavily weighted final examination. To address these concerns, we reduced the number of lectures and added new foundational content. We adjusted the end-of-semester exam design to focus on key modalities in the short-answer section. In summary: Previous students found MRTY4041 to be a highly rewarding and well-organised unit that offers a unique opportunity to explore imaging modalities beyond their core discipline. While the workload can be demanding, students consistently reported that the knowledge gained, engaging teaching approach, and supportive learning environment made the experience worthwhile.

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MRTY4041: Comparative Imaging

Semester 2b, 2026 [Block mode] - 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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links