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Unit outline_

MRTY1037: Imaging Technology 1

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This UOS is a foundation unit introducing the student to the diagnostic imaging equipment that is commonly employed in the Medical Imaging Department. Students will be expected to demonstrate a knowledge of the theory and application of fixed and mobile x-ray equipment, including Computed Radiography and Digital Radiography. Students will be expected to demonstrate ability to evaluate image quality, including exposure factor selection and AEC. The "digital image" will be investigated in terms of spatial and brightness resolution, image manipulation, spatial frequency and storage and display.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Clinical Imaging
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Sahand Hooshmand, sahand.hooshmand@sydney.edu.au
Guest lecturer(s) Peyman Obeidy, peyman.obeidy@sydney.edu.au
Amir Tavakoli Taba, amir.tavakoli@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Sahand Hooshmand, sahand.hooshmand@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Thomas Readford, thomas.readford@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
End of Semester Exam
MCQs and LAQs
55% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Online task #Early Feedback Task (EFT)
MCQs
5% Week 03
Due date: 16 Aug 2024 at 17:00
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Supervised test
? 
Mid-Semester Exam
MCQs + Labelling Exercise
40% Week 08
Due date: 17 Sep 2024 at 14:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task (ETF) (5%): Questions will examine your understanding of the content covered in both lectures and practical classes in weeks 1 to 3. Format: MCQs.

Mid-semester exam (40%): Questions will examine your understanding of the content covered in weeks 1 to 7. Format: MCQs and Labelling Exercise.

End of semester exam (55%): Questions will examine your understanding of the content covered all weeks (1 to 13). Format: MCQs and LAQs.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

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 Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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 2023 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 2023. 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Unit of Study and the X-Ray Room Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Introduction to the X-Ray Room Practical (1 hr) LO1
Week 02 The X-Ray Tube Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Examining Digital Radiography Equipment Practical (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Digital Radiography (DR) Lecture (2 hr) LO2
Taking an X-Ray Practical (1 hr) LO2
Week 04 Exposure Factors Lecture (2 hr) LO3
Understanding Exposures Factors Practical (1 hr) LO3
Week 05 Radiographic Grids Lecture (2 hr) LO3
Understanding Grids Practical (1 hr) LO3
Week 06 X-Ray Equipment Faults Lecture (2 hr) LO3
Inverse Square Law Practical (1 hr) LO3
Week 07 Evaluating Chest Image Quality Lecture (2 hr) LO4
Chest Image Quality Tutorial (1 hr) LO4
Week 09 Spatial Frequency 1D Lecture (2 hr) LO7
1D Fourier Transforms Tutorial (1 hr) LO7
Week 10 Spatial Frequency 2D Lecture (2 hr) LO7
2D Fourier Transforms Tutorial (1 hr) LO7
Week 11 Workflow and PACS Lecture (2 hr) LO5
Week 12 The Digital Image Lecture (2 hr) LO6
Digital Image Tutorial (1 hr) LO6
Week 13 Digital Image Manipulation Lecture (2 hr) LO6 LO7
Digital Image Post Processing Tutorial (1 hr) LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance at lectures and practicals is required. There will be activities in class, pre-reading before class and discussion during class. Practical sessions are designed to integrate with and complement lectures, so the learning experience comes from the combination of these activities.

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

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.

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

  • LO1. Identify and describe the x-ray machine, instrumentation, equipment, and the various accessories within an x-ray room.
  • LO2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) and how they are used to produce diagnostic radiographs.
  • LO3. Understand the radiation risk from different x-ray modalities and best clinical practice to optimise patient safety.
  • LO4. Evaluate radiographic images using radiographic criteria and apply learning to practice.
  • LO5. Relate the workflow in radiology information systems and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) to the patient pathway.
  • LO6. Understand digital image concepts and manipulation techniques including spatial resolution, intensity/contrast resolution, histogram of exposures, and look-up tables (LUT).
  • LO7. Demonstrate basic understanding of digital image processing and the concept of spatial frequency.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.10.d. Use standard techniques/images and equipment for the body area being examined and, where appropriate, modify them to consider the patient/client presentation and clinical indications.
1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
1.3.d. Operate equipment and apply knowledge of laboratory procedures to practice when necessary.
1.6.b. Identify the type and method of stabilisation needed for the type and purpose of the procedure and the patient/client condition and presentation.
1.6.c. Use or adapt suitable stabilisation and ancillary equipment.
1.9.c. Select equipment and imaging parameters relevant to the patient/client presentation and where appropriate, modify imaging parameters to achieve optimal diagnostic outcomes.
1A.1.c. Use standard radiographic projections and exposure factors for the patient’s/client’s body area being examined and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation, clinical indications and mechanisms of injury.
1A.1.d. Select appropriate equipment, receptor type and set equipment geometry for the examination.
LO2
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.10.d. Use standard techniques/images and equipment for the body area being examined and, where appropriate, modify them to consider the patient/client presentation and clinical indications.
1.2.c. Ensure that stored clinical information (information and images) is associated with the correct patient/client and examination/treatment.
1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
1.3.d. Operate equipment and apply knowledge of laboratory procedures to practice when necessary.
1.5.e. Identify contraindications and limitations of medical radiation services, determine appropriate adjustments to procedures.
1.9.c. Select equipment and imaging parameters relevant to the patient/client presentation and where appropriate, modify imaging parameters to achieve optimal diagnostic outcomes.
1A.1.c. Use standard radiographic projections and exposure factors for the patient’s/client’s body area being examined and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation, clinical indications and mechanisms of injury.
1A.1.d. Select appropriate equipment, receptor type and set equipment geometry for the examination.
1A.2.d. Apply knowledge of equipment geometry for procedures.
1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates.
LO3
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.2.a. Understand and comply with legislative responsibilities about data privacy, the ownership, storage, retention and destruction of patient/client records and other practice documentation.
1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
1.3.d. Operate equipment and apply knowledge of laboratory procedures to practice when necessary.
1.9.c. Select equipment and imaging parameters relevant to the patient/client presentation and where appropriate, modify imaging parameters to achieve optimal diagnostic outcomes.
1A.1.c. Use standard radiographic projections and exposure factors for the patient’s/client’s body area being examined and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation, clinical indications and mechanisms of injury.
1A.1.d. Select appropriate equipment, receptor type and set equipment geometry for the examination.
1A.1.f. Critically evaluate images against radiographic criteria including assessment of exposure index, field of view and anatomical rotation.
1A.2.d. Apply knowledge of equipment geometry for procedures.
1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates.
1A.3.b. Apply appropriate imaging parameters for the patient/client presentation.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
6. Communicating for Safety Standard
LO4
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images.
1.10.d. Use standard techniques/images and equipment for the body area being examined and, where appropriate, modify them to consider the patient/client presentation and clinical indications.
1.3.d. Operate equipment and apply knowledge of laboratory procedures to practice when necessary.
1.6.a. Consider the limitations/restrictions in the use of techniques and devices for reproducibility of procedures concerning the patient’s/client’s condition and presentation.
1.9.c. Select equipment and imaging parameters relevant to the patient/client presentation and where appropriate, modify imaging parameters to achieve optimal diagnostic outcomes.
Domain 2.3.a. Make appropriate professional decisions about the care of patients.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
5. Comprehensive Care Standard
6. Communicating for Safety Standard
LO5
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice.
1.5.e. Identify contraindications and limitations of medical radiation services, determine appropriate adjustments to procedures.
1.5.f. Perform patient/client assessment and medical radiation examination/treatment in accordance with the patient/client need and choice, legislation, registration standards, codes and guidelines.
1.6.a. Consider the limitations/restrictions in the use of techniques and devices for reproducibility of procedures concerning the patient’s/client’s condition and presentation.
1A.1.a. Operate projection radiography systems safely and effectively in a range of settings.
Domain 2.1.a. Understand and comply with legal responsibilities.
Domain 2.3.a. Make appropriate professional decisions about the care of patients.
Domain 5.1.b. Practice in accordance with relevant radiation safety guidelines.
Domain 5.1.c. Apply knowledge of radiobiology and medical radiation physics to examinations/treatment.
Domain 5.1.d. Apply knowledge of radiobiology and radiation dose adjustment to deliver safe and effective patient/client outcomes.
Domain 5.4.e. Use safe and legal methods for managing manufactured radiation sources, including using appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment and complying with shielding requirements.
Domain 5.4.g. Provide information on radiation-related hazards and control measures to others in the workplace.
LO6
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice.
1A.1.a. Operate projection radiography systems safely and effectively in a range of settings.
Domain 2.1.a. Understand and comply with legal responsibilities.
Domain 2.3.a. Make appropriate professional decisions about the care of patients.
Domain 5.1.b. Practice in accordance with relevant radiation safety guidelines.
Domain 5.1.c. Apply knowledge of radiobiology and medical radiation physics to examinations/treatment.
Domain 5.1.d. Apply knowledge of radiobiology and radiation dose adjustment to deliver safe and effective patient/client outcomes.
Domain 5.4.e. Use safe and legal methods for managing manufactured radiation sources, including using appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment and complying with shielding requirements.
Domain 5.4.g. Provide information on radiation-related hazards and control measures to others in the workplace.
LO7
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice.
1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment.
1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images.
1.7.b. Apply quality criteria to assure image quality, evaluate medical images and identify any urgent and/or unexpected findings.
1A.1.f. Critically evaluate images against radiographic criteria including assessment of exposure index, field of view and anatomical rotation.
1A.1.g. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of projection radiography protocols.
1A.2.d. Apply knowledge of equipment geometry for procedures.
1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates.
1A.3.b. Apply appropriate imaging parameters for the patient/client presentation.
Domain 2.3.a. Make appropriate professional decisions about the care of patients.

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

Changes have been made to the assessments' word limits and weighting. Also some changes were applied to the order of the lectures and practicals.

This unit of study may require you to attend a teaching activity timetabled in teaching venues installed with the University’s Clinical Recording and Observation System (CROS) in the Susan Wakil Health Building. Students should be aware of the privacy and information management implications of this system. For more information, please refer to the University’s Privacy Statement.

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