Unit outline_

MRTY5139: Medical Imaging Science Capstone

Semester 2, 2025 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The aim of this unit of study is for students to develop research skills for creating evidence for best practice within the discipline of Medical Imaging Science (MIS). The capstone is also an opportunity to apply the learning from core and elective UoS within the Master of Medical Imaging Science to propose and design a research project to address a problem faced in everyday clinical practice. The selected area of investigation will ordinarily be within the student's area of specialisation in the MIS course. The topic should arouse intellectual curiosity and be achievable within the timeframe of one semester. Developed research skills will include demonstrating the capacity to identify a question based on published evidence, proposing appropriate research methodology to investigate the problem, and recognizing ethical issues. Students will work independently to develop a literature review and an ethics application incorporating a proposal for a qualitative or quantitative research investigation. If the capstone is completed as part of an MIS research specialisation then the output will be a manuscript suitable for publication in a peer reviewed journal based on experimental work performed as part of previous MIS electives.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Clinical Imaging
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
60 credit points from the Master of Medical Imaging Science including (MRTY5131 and MRTY5133)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Laura Di Michele, laura.dimichele@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written work Proposed implementation strategy based on an understanding of implementation science principles, methods, and published research
In this exercise you need to describe your implementation strategy based on an understanding of implementation science principles, methods, and published research.
30% STUVAC
Due date: 16 Nov 2025 at 23:59
1000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Written work Presentation of evidence base for the proposed practice improvement
In this exercise you need to collect, critically assess, and summarise the evidence that supports your implementation proposal.
30% Week 04
Due date: 31 Aug 2025 at 23:59
1000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Written work Proposal outline
In this assignment you will use you professional experience, your knowledge from MRTY5139 and your own research to outline your proposed practice improvement.
20% Week 08
Due date: 28 Sep 2025 at 23:59
500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO1
Written work Participation
Participation in online activities and group discussions
20% Weekly Throughout semester AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Assessment summary

Small continuous assessment - Students are required to actively participate in online discussion with their peers across a range of topics.

Proposal outline - Students utilise their professional experience to identify an opportunity for practice impeovement within their clinical setting. 

Presentation of evidence base for the proposed practice improvement - Students must collect, critically analyse and present relevant literature for their proposed practice impeovement.

Proposed implementation strategy based on an understanding of implementation science principles, methods, and published research - Students utilise the consolidated framework for implementation research to outline a plan for the implementation of their practice improvement in their individual clinical setting. 

 

 

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.

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to MRTY5139 Independent study (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Introduction to implementation science Independent study (4 hr) LO1
Week 03 Implementation and the EBP cycle Independent study (4 hr) LO1
Week 04 CFIR - Innovation domain Independent study (5 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 05 CFIR - Individuals domain Independent study (5 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 06 CFIR - Innovation domain Independent study (5 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 07 CRIF - Outer setting Independent study (5 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 08 CFIR - Implementation process domain Independent study (5 hr) LO3
Week 09 Expert recommendations on implementing change Independent study (5 hr) LO3
Week 10 Basic Health Economic Principles in Implementation Independent study (5 hr) LO3
Week 11 Evaluating implementation Independent study (5 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 12 Bringing it all together Independent study (5 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 13 Revision and reflection Independent study (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: This unit is offered on-line and no on-campus attendance is required.
  • Required materials: Online/distance education units of study have the following computer requirements: 1. desktop computer or laptop (not tablet); 2. webcam and microphone (built-in or external); 3. connection to network with sufficient internet speed: at least 3Mbps download speed and 3Mbps upload.

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. Identify a problem in medical imaging science practice where there may be opportunity for evidence-based practice improvement. The problem should be related to the student’s area of specialisation in the MIS course.
  • LO2. Articulate a case for practice improvement in a specific application of medical imaging based on a critical analysis of published research.
  • LO3. Propose an implementation strategy based on an understanding of implementation science principles, methods, and published research.
  • LO4. Based on the investigations above, identify and articulate gaps in research and implementation science that require future development to advance healthcare practice.

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

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

This unit was substantially redesigned in 2023 and has been undergoing iterative change since that point. In 2025, we are introducing a more clearly defined weekly schedule with additional learning resources to supplement students own research and learning. We're also introducing additional content on economic evaluation as this was identified as lacking in previous semesters.

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.