Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Radiographers require a basic knowledge of general physics and more detailed theoretical background to the physical basis behind the equipment design, construction and materials and the increasing technological support for developing modalities.

Aims

To provide students with an understanding of radiation physics related to x-ray production and radiographic practice and how radiation interacts with matter.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:-

1. Explain the physical basis for the production of ionising radiation, and to describe the properties of ionising radiation which affect its behaviour in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic uses.

2. Discuss how x-rays are generated, the design construction and materials used in the x-ray tube and high voltage generators.

3. Describe the operation of radiotherapy x-ray tubes

4. Manipulate equations and apply formulae to solve physics problems.

Content

Atomic structure, radioactivity, interaction of x-rays with matter.

Radiation dosimetry, radiation units, radiation detection.

X-rays - properties and nature.

X-ray tube construction and design. Diagnostic and therapy tubes.

High voltage generation, transformers, rectifiers, linear accelerators.

Ratings of x-ray tube, tube failure.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectures will provide the knowledge base required for this unit and will be supported by tutorial exercises enabling you to apply the theory described in lectures.

Practical classes. Students perform experiments and take measurements of radioactive decay, transformer behaviour and electrical properties of x-ray tubes.

Lectures: 3 hours per week
Practical: 6 x 2 hour laboratory sessions.

Assessment

You will be expected to undertake a number of assessments related to the learning outcomes of this unit (see below).Feedback will be provided to students verbally and in written form, Further consultation is available on request.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: (Formative and summative) - Practical exercises conducted in the laboratory.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 4.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Progressive

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: (Formative and summative) - Supervised Assignment Tasks.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 4.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: See Blackboard Site

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: (Summative) - Theory examination.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 4.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Text:
1. Bushong SJ (2009) Radiological Science for Technologists, 9th Edition, Mosby

Reference:

1. Bushberg JT et al (2002) The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging, 2nd edition, Williams and Wilkins

Risk assessment statement

Attention will be drawn to relevant workplace health and safety issues in lectures and practicals. Laboratory safety rules will be published on the first year physics laboratory website. There are no other out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Oct-2012