Outline

Overview

This unit of study will investigate the equipment, tomographic reconstruction, image display and analysis used in current clinical molecular and computed tomography (CT) morphological hybrid systems, e.g., SPECT/CT and PET/CT. Techniques used to improve image quality, quantification of radiopharmaceutical biodistribution and the reduction of radiation dose to the patient will also be included. Best practice utilisation for typical clinical presentations will be explored. Students will be introduced to imaging procedures and protocols for a range of equipment and radiopharmaceuticals. Future trends in the application of hybrid medical imaging will be investigated through a review of the current literature.

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	Dale Bailey, dale.bailey@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Essay The topic of the review essay will be made available in the 2nd half of S1	50%	STUVAC Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Jun 2026	Approx. 2500 words(not incl. references)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Online Discussions Online Discussions initially seeded by the UoS coordinator	30%	STUVAC Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Jun 2026	All semester	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Mid-semester Quiz Multiple-choice quiz	20%	Week 07 Due date: 15 Apr 2026 at 17:00 Closing date: 15 Apr 2026	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

3 tasks are required. Pass mark is 50% overall.

Assessment criteria

A rubric is available on the LMS under the Turnitin assignment submission portal. Click on graphic under the text ‘info’

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 per University Handbook.

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	History of NM/CT	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 02	Current SPECT/CT equipment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 03	Current PET/CT equipment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 04	Image reconstruction techniques	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 05	Quantification in PET	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 06	Image registration & display	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 07	Dose optimisation	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 08	Quantification in SPECT	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 09	Image optimisation	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 10	Impact on patient management of PET/CT	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 11	Impact on patient management SPECT/CT	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 12	Limitations of hybrid NM/CT	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 13	New developments & applications of NM/CT	Self-directed learning (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.

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. A thorough understanding of the motivation behind combining multiple imaging modalities into a single “hybrid imaging” platform
LO2. Articulate the theoretical and practical bases of the use of multimodality hybrid technology in state-of-the-art medical imaging
LO3. Ability to clearly describe the individual roles of each modality in a hybrid imaging device and their unique individual and combined contributions to improving diagnostic performance
LO4. Implement necessary QA in multimodality imaging
LO5. Ability to articulate how CT imaging has been instrumental in increasing the quantification accuracy of SPECT and PET functional images
LO6. Appraise the cost/benefits of multimodality imaging against any increased exposure to ionising radiation and in which situations these parameters may need to be reassessed

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. Understand and apply the different methods of imaging and treatment. 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.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3. Understand and apply the different methods of imaging and treatment. 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. 1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively. 1A.3.b. Apply appropriate imaging parameters for the patient/client presentation. 1A.3.c. Adjust relative radiation dose levels based on the range of patient/client presentations. 1A.3.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of CT protocols. 1A.3.e. Perform and evaluate contrast and non-contrast CT examinations of the body and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation and clinical indications. 1A.3.f. Process data image sets, including multi-planar reformats and volume imaging.
	Professional capabilities for 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.d. Recognise opportunities to contribute to the development of new knowledge through research and enquiry. Domain 5.1.f. Identify radiation risks and implement effective and appropriate risk management systems and procedures.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.d. Operate equipment and apply knowledge of laboratory procedures to practice when necessary. 1.7.b. Apply quality criteria to assure image quality, evaluate medical images and identify any urgent and/or unexpected findings. 1A.1.a. Operate projection radiography systems safely and effectively in a range of settings.
	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. 1A.3. Perform computed tomography (CT) imaging. 1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively. Domain 5.1. Perform and provide safe radiation practice. Domain 5.3.c. Identify and take appropriate action to correct unacceptable condition or operation of all equipment. Domain 5.3.d. Follow protocols to record and report non-conformance of all equipment.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.d. Operate equipment and apply knowledge of laboratory procedures to practice when necessary. 1.7.b. Apply quality criteria to assure image quality, evaluate medical images and identify any urgent and/or unexpected findings.

Responding to student feedback

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

Students will be asked to complete an online evaluation towards the end of S1.

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

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

MRTY5135: Hybrid Imaging A

Semester 1, 2026 [Online] - 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

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