Units
Physics of Medical Imaging
Unit code: PCN211
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
Most medical imaging modalities now produce images in digital form. These digital images frequently undergo processing such as enhancement, registration, fusion and 3D reconstruction. Digital image processing and 3D image visualisation techniques are also extensively used in nuclear medicine and radiotherapy planning. Consequently, computing, numerical methods and digital image processing are necessary skills of a practising medical physicist. This unit is designed to make the student familiar with image visualisation methods and imaging in nuclear medicine, and to develop skills in digital image processing.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Medical imaging is a fundamental component of the diagnostic process. Medical Physicists must have a clear understanding of the physical principles of the various imaging modalities to ensure their appropriate application and the reliability of the information.
Aims
This unit is designed to instruct students in medical radiography, ultrasonic imaging and magnetic resonance imaging, by describing the methods, equipment and testing procedures used, with particular emphasis on the role of a hospital physicist.
Objectives
On completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Understand the mechanisms of interaction of radiofrequency, ultrasonic and x-radiation with matter.
2. Describe the physical principles of image formation using these radiations.
3. Describe the technical features of medical imaging equipment.
4. Understand safety issues and quality control protocols of medical imaging equipment.
5. Undertake relevant compliance and quality assurance tests.
Content
Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Principles of nuclear magnetic resonance. Spatially localising magnetic fields. Relaxation times and pulse sequences. Magnet and coil design. Factors influencing signal-to-noise ratio in MRI. Safety considerations.
Ultrasound: Physics of ultrasound including types of ultrasonic transducers. Principles of grey-scale echography and production of real-time A, M and B mode displays. Image recording techniques. Artifacts. Doppler ultrasound and echocardiography. Measurement of beam parameters such as beam profile and output power. Quality control, test objects and phantoms. Bioeffects and safety.
Diagnostic Radiography: Production and properties of x-rays. The x-ray tube and generator. Compliance and quality assurance testing of x-ray tubes. Specialised equipment: mammography, fluoroscopy, computed radiography, computed tomography.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit combines lectures, tutorials, laboratory exercises and practical demonstrations of medical imaging equipment. In some practicals, students will be required to operate the equipment under supervision.
Assessment
General Assessment Information
You must achieve a satisfactory result in each item of assessment in order to be awarded a passing grade for this unit. To have a mark for an assessable item reviewed, your first approach should be to the relevant teaching staff member, then to the unit coordinator or course coordinator.Feedback to students
Marked assessment items will be available for students to view, and in some cases take. Students should approach the appropriate lecturer for each topic.
Assessment name:
Assignment
Description:
(Formative and summative) - Assignment on Magnetic Resonance Imaging component.
Relates to objectives:
1 and 2.
Weight:
15%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Ongoing
Assessment name:
Practicals
Description:
(Formative and summative) - Laboratory exercises on x-ray compliance testing.
Due date: The report for each individual practical is due no later than one week after the practical commencement.
Relates to objectives:
4 and 5.
Weight:
25%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
See above
Assessment name:
Examination
Description:
(Summative) - Final examination.
Relates to objectives:
1 to 4.
Weight:
60%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Central Exam Period
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
Texts:
1. Webb S (1988) The Physics of Medical Imaging, London: IOP Publishing
2. Bushberg JT, Seibert JA, Leidholdt EM & Boone JM (1994) The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging, Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins
3. Dowsett DJ, Kenny PA & Johnston RE (1998) The Physics of Diagnostic Imaging, London: Chapman and Hall
4. Johns HE & Cunningham J (1983) The Physics of Radiology, 5th edition, Thomas Books
Risk assessment statement
The only out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with the unit relates to the practical exercises on x-ray quality assurance and compliance testing. You will receive instruction on radiation safety issues and laboratory rules to ensure that exposure to ionising radiation will be negligible.
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
