Outline

Overview

This unit of study examines novel methods and technologies for breast cancer detection and breast disease evaluation, e.g. tomosynthesis, phase contrast imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and molecular imaging. Factors affecting the diagnostic accuracy of readers will also be investigated such as image quality and breast density. Students will also be introduced to advanced practice in image interpretation and continuous reader assessment programs such as BREAST and PERFORMS.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Clinical Imaging
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	MRTY5106
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Amanda Punch, amanda.punch@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Discussion Board Discussion Board on a topic from learning modules and research articles.	10%	Week 05 Due date: 05 Sep 2026 at 22:00 Closing date: 12 Sep 2026	Minimum 2 posts	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Discussion Board Two Contributions and discussion on a topic from learning modules and research articles	20%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Sep 2026 at 22:00 Closing date: 03 Oct 2026	Three Contributions minimum	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Discussion Board Three Contribution and responses enhance peers knowledge and peers shared learning experience	25%	Week 11 Due date: 24 Oct 2026 at 22:00 Closing date: 31 Oct 2026	Three Contributions Minimum	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Topic Analysis Presentation and Q&A Presentation of the written submission PowerPoint with a Q & A at the end.	45%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2026 at 17:00 Closing date: 06 Nov 2026	20 minutes 2000 words maximum	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Discussion Board

Assessment criteria

Result code	Result name	Mark range	Description
HD	High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
DI	Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
CR	Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
PS	Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
FA	Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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.

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; Ultrasound Advances in Breast Evaluation	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 02	Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Contrast Mammography	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 03	Phase Contrast Imaging of the Breast	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 04	Molecular Imaging in Breast Diagnosis	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 05	Breast MRI	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 06	Computed Tomography in Breast Imaging	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 07	Advanced Quality Issues in Breast Imaging	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 08	Radiation Dose Optimisation and Dose Reference Levels	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 09	Mammographic Artifacts and their significance	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 10	Reader Characteristics and their assessment including BREAST update	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 11	Advanced Issues in Breast Density	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 12	Breast Density Assessment by Radiographers	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 13	Mammographer Image Interpretation – AI developments.	Self-directed learning (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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

Students will receive weekly required readings for each module.

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Develop and enhance an interest in research into mammography through increasing awareness of emerging research and critical analysis of journal articles
LO2. Demonstrate awareness of the theory and practice of digital breast tomosynthesis and its future impact on diagnosis and screening
LO3. Investigate the role of phase contrast imaging in clinical imaging
LO4. Gain an understanding of how theory and practice are integrated in mammography and breast imaging at an advanced level
LO5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the modalities of ultrasound, nuclear medicine, CT and MRI as applied to breast imaging and their current and potential roles in diagnostic and screening settings
LO6. Discover novel breast imaging techniques and their applications in research and clinical environments
LO7. Develop an understanding of advanced concepts of quality, artifacts and dose in screening and diagnostic mammography
LO8. Examine the significance of reader programs and their evaluation in research and clinical practice, including advanced roles for radiographer image interpretation

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

Responding to student feedback

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

Students commented on their positive learning experience, especially the discussion boards where they interacted with their peers.

Additional information

Please reach out to your UOS coordinator by email for guidance and support in your learning experience when needed.

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MRTY5140: Breast Imaging B

Semester 2, 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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links