Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

To extend the description, initiated in PCB272 Radiation Physics, of x-ray generators and ancillary equipment and to introduce specialised x-ray equipment, digital imaging, image quality and quality control.

Aims

The aims of the unit are to develop an understanding of how different types of x-ray imaging equipment work and to develop an understanding of how to assess the quality of the images produced by this equipment, and assess the quality of the equipment. To build a theoretical knowledge of digital radiography as applied to clinical practice, in particular digital imaging devices and medical imaging informatics.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should:

1. Apply your knowledge of radiation physics to specialised x-ray equipment, and be able to appreciate and have knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of x-ray equipment which you will operate. Including the ability to differentiate between normal and abnormal operation of radiographic equipment.


2. Have an appreciation of the applications, benefits, advantages and limitations of digital imaging systems including how digital imaging systems operate, and be able to compare analogue and digital x-ray equipment in terms of image quality, image evaluation, image transmission and information content.

Content

Production and control of scattered radiation

Dedicated x-ray equipment (Mammography, Tomography, Fluoroscopy[conventional, digital and DSA])

Quality assurance and control of radiographic units

Digital imaging - incl. CR [analogue-to-digital conversion, sampling & quantisation], DR [CCDs and flat panel detectors], storage and transmission [PACS and Teleradiology]

Image quality and evaluation: concepts of contrast, resolution and noise, contrast-detail diagram and receiver operating characteristic

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

A range of learning and teaching strategies will be employed in this unit; a mixed delivery encompassing formal lectures, self-directed and collaborative learning. This unit requires you to engage with the Blackboard learning environment regularly. Specific learning materials including suggested reading, links to relevant internet sites and other electronic resources will be located on Blackboard. You will be required to complete regular practical exercises via Blackboard and where possible use Blackboard to submit your written assessment(s).

The unit is presented as formal lectures. Each lecture will be supported by lecture notes and practical exercises. The lectures will introduce you to the theoretical background information. Problem-based practical exercises will challenge you to apply your knowledge and understanding to practical situations on image processing can be completed either at home using freely available image processing software or on campus in timetabled laboratory sessions. A group assignment allows the development of a collaborative team approach to quality assurance. A key aspect of the Course is fostering a thriving learning community and for this unit, the building blocks for this will utilise the Blackboard discussion board tools. You will be expected to engage regularly with your peers and tutor and key learning will take place culminating in a group assessment.

As you progress through the Course you are expected to become increasingly active in your learning and the teaching and learning strategies will reflect this approach, allowing you to progress to autonomous learning. For this unit, you will be provided with the essential information and opportunity to practice but you will need to supplement this with further reading and self-directed study.

The final approach to teaching and learning relates to assessment for learning. The assessments for this unit are designed to ensure maximum understanding of the content and it is important that you recognise the role of assessment in your learning. You should view the assessments as part of your learning and ensure that you utilise the feedback to progress your learning and personal development.

Assessment

All assessment contributes to your grade. You will receive feedback on the practical components of your assessments. Ongoing feedback is provided on completion of the practical exercises.
Assessment submission criteria is per Faculty of Health Policy B18: Late Submission of Assessments and Requests for extensions.

Assessment name: Practical Exercises
Description: Practical exercise(s)
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout Semester1

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Problem Solving Task: QC protocols.
Relates to objectives: 1.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester 1

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Examination: Theory examination
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester 1

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:

Bushong, S. C. 2008. Radiologic Science for Technologists: Physics, Biology and Protection. 9th ed. St Louis: Mosby.

Carter, C. E. and Veale, B. L. 2010. Digital Radiography and PACS. St Louis: Mosby.

Papp. J. 2006. Quality Management in the Imaging Sciences. St Louis: Mosby.

Seeram, Euclid. 2011. Digital Radiography: An introduction. New York:Delmar.

Risk assessment statement

There are no 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: 11-Feb-2013