Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Medical radiations procedures are the principal cause of non background radiation exposure. It is therefore important that you understand potential hazards of exposure to ionising radiation and techniques of protection. An understanding of relevant codes of practice is also required.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with a basic understanding of aspects of radiation biology and radiation safety relevant to your future employment as a Medical radiation technologist.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you should:

1. Understand and demonstrate knowledge of the effects of exposure to ionising at the cellular, whole animal and population levels.
2. Demonstrate comprehension and appreciation of the potential hazards associated with exposure to ionising radiation.
3. Understand the principles of radiation protection and be able to apply those principles to your work situation.
4. Have a basic understanding of the recommendations concerning exposure of persons to ionising radiation and be able to demonstrate that understanding.

Content

This unit will provide the student with fundamental knowledge of hazards of ionizing radiation in a medical environment, to the patient, the staff and the general public. Units of radiation exposure and dose will be covered, including absorbed dose, equivalent dose and effective dose, along with committed dose for lifetime exposure to radiation. Legislative requirements and codes of practice will be applied and scenarios relating to incidents and action levels will be discussed. Strategies for reduction of radiation dose will be examined in detail, including distance, shielding and time. Personal protective equipment and personnel monitoring will also be covered.

The biological effects of radiation on the human body will be covered in detail. This includes the effects of radiation effects on the basis of molecular, cellular, organ, whole body and population. Stochastic and deterministic effects will be examined as well as genetic, embryonic, epidemiological, and life shortening. Case studies from past accidents and incidents will be used to illustrate the content of the unit.

All content covered will be synthesized to put radiation hazards in perspective, to the patient, the worker, and the general public.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectures will be augmented by a practical session in which students will experience laboratory based radiation measurements and analysis.

Assessment

Assessment will comprise weekly online problem solving tasks relating to the online lectures, and a final examination.Students will be made aware of their marks via Blackboard and through face to face meeting with the lecturer if desired.

Assessment name: Report
Description: A report on your practial work (Formative & Summative).
Relates to objectives: 2, 3 & 4.
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: (Summative). Written Theory Examination.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 & 4.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: A series of online problem solving tasks in which students retrieve, apply and analyse knowledge.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 4.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weekly

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

References:
1. Noz ME & McGuire GO (1979) Radiation Protection in the Radiologic and Health Sciences, Lea & Febiger.
2. Bushong SC (2009) Radiologic Science for Technologists, 9th edition, Mosby.
3. Coggle JE (1983) Biological Effects of Radiation, 2nd edition, Taylor and Francis.
4. Hall EJ (2000) Radiobiology for the Radiologist, 5th edition, JB Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.

Risk assessment statement

Practical sessions will involve sources of ionising radiation. You will be advised of appropriate procedures at the commencement of each session and supervised by experienced staff during these sessions.

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: 06-Jun-2012