Outline

Overview

This unit of study extends students' knowledge of direct and computed digital radiography systems. Imaging principles of fluoroscopy, computed tomography, dental imaging and magnetic resonance imaging will be investigated with particular reference to equipment, safety, dosimetry and artefacts. Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of image processing techniques commonly applied in sectional imaging modalities. Projection radiography will be evaluated from a historical perspective, including changes in exposure factors resulting from newer technologies.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Clinical Imaging
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	MRTY1037 and MRTY2103
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Roger Fulton, roger.fulton@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
In-semester test (Record+)	In-semester exam MCQ	25%	Week 07 Due date: 22 Sep 2021 at 09:00	50 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Written Practical Assignment Online quiz and written report from PACS practical done online.	35%	Week 10 Due date: 22 Oct 2021 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Oct 2021	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Final exam (Take-home short release)	End of semester exam 5 x Essay type questions.	40%	Week 12 Due date: 05 Nov 2021 at 09:00	3 hours
Outcomes assessed:
= Type B in-semester exam ? = Type D final exam ?

Assessment summary

In-semester exam: 30 Multiple choice questions on the material covered in weeks 1 to 5.
Practical assignment: Completion of a worksheet on tasks carried out using a PACS system.
Final exam: Five essay-type questions on the material covered in weeks 1 to 10, focusing on weeks 6 to 10.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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 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:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties may apply when written work is submitted after 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.

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.

Learning support

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction and Fluoroscopy 1	Online class (2 hr)
Week 02	Fluoroscopy 2	Online class (2 hr)
Week 03	CT 1	Online class (2 hr)
Week 04	CT 2	Online class (2 hr)
Week 05	CT (Demonstration)	Tutorial (0.33 hr)
Week 05	CT 3	Online class (2 hr)
Week 06	MRI Basics 1	Online class (2 hr)
Week 07	MRI Basics 2	Online class (2 hr)
Week 08	MRI Basics 3	Online class (2 hr)
Week 09	Mammography 1	Online class (2 hr)
Week 10	Mammography 2	Online class (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance:

Attendance at online lectures and close attention to the practical is recommended. Discussions in and during class are often useful and are not well recorded by the automated recording systems online, so attendance is a fuller learning experience and I strongly recommend you attend as many live online presentations as possible. The review lecture is particularly important as it puts the whole unit into context.

The unit takes an active learning approach; there will be activities in class, pre-reading before class and discussion during it. The practical demonstration is designed to integrate with and complement lectures, so the learning experience comes from the combination of these activities. As this is a 6 Credit Point course it is generally assumed to require about 6 hours of work on the unit per week.

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 on the Library eReserve link available in the Canvas site for this unit.

The essential physics of medical imaging by Bushberg, Jerrold T et al. 2011, 3rd ed., ISBN 9780781780575
Physics of radiology by Wolbarst, Anthony B 2005, 2nd ed., ISBN 1930524226, xv, 647
Radiologic science for technologists: physics, biology and
protection Bushong, Stewart C 2013, 10th ed., ISBN 9780323081375, xii, 654

Learning outcomes

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. describe the basic principles of nuclear magnetic resonance
LO2. describe the significance of the Larmor relationship in MRI
LO3. describe the significance of magnetic field homogeneity in MRI
LO4. provide a vector description of spin-echo generation
LO5. define transverse and longitudinal relaxation processes and their significance in MRI
LO6. describe how magnetic field gradients are used for signal localization in MRI
LO7. draw and interpret basic spin-echo MRI sequence diagrams
LO8. list and describe the various generations of computed tomography (CT) imaging systems
LO9. relate the CT imaging system components to their functions
LO10. discuss image reconstruction via interpolation, back projection, and iteration
LO11. describe CT image characteristics of image matrix, Hounsfield unit, and sensitivity profile
LO12. describe technique selection in CT
LO13. explain the helical imaging relationships among pitch, index, dose profile, and patient dose
LO14. discuss image quality as it relates to spatial resolution, contrast resolution, noise, linearity, and uniformity
LO15. describe the components of mammography equipment
LO16. understand the function of all parts of a mammography imaging system
LO17. discuss the development, advantages and disadvantages of tomosynthesis as a breast imaging modality
LO18. explain the differences between conventional radiography and mammography equipment
LO19. discuss patients’ radiation dose considerations in mammography and tomosynthesis
LO20. describe the X-ray tube design used in mammography and tomosynthesis
LO21. discuss the development of fluoroscopy
LO22. explain visual physiology and its relationship to fluoroscopy
LO23. describe the components of an image intensifier
LO24. calculate brightness gain and identify its units
LO25. list the approximate kilovolt peak levels for common fluoroscopic examinations
LO26. discuss the role of the display monitor and the image display in fluoroscopic imaging
LO27. describe the parts of a digital fluoroscopy imaging system and explain their functions
LO28. describe the properties and use of a charge-coupled device instead of a TV camera tube
LO29. understand the advantages to using a flat panel image receptor
LO30. understand the application of fluoroscopy in the context of the Hybrid Theatre
LO31. outline the procedures for temporal subtraction and energy subtraction.

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
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1.9.a. Operate MRI systems safely and effectively. 1.9.b. Apply knowledge of the principles of MRI physics and surrounding environment to ensure patient/client and others’ safety.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1.9.a. Operate MRI systems safely and effectively. 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.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1.9.a. Operate MRI systems safely and effectively. 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.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1.9.a. Operate MRI systems safely and effectively. 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.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1.9.a. Operate MRI systems safely and effectively. 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.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1.9.a. Operate MRI systems safely and effectively. 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.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1.9.a. Operate MRI systems safely and effectively. 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.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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.f. Process image data sets. 1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively. 1A.3.f. Process data image sets, including multi-planar reformats and volume imaging.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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. 1.7.b. Apply quality criteria to assure image quality, evaluate medical images and identify any urgent and/or unexpected findings. 1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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. 1.4.a. Understand the patient’s/client’s clinical history, referral and current medical information to confirm the requested or prescribed procedure is appropriate, drawing on knowledge of other imaging and treatment pathways. 1.4.c. Adapt the requested examination/treatment to an individual patient/client considering available clinical information. 1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively. 1A.3.b. Apply appropriate imaging parameters for the patient/client presentation. 1A.3.c. Adjust relative radiation dose levels based on the range of patient/client presentations. 1A.3.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of CT protocols.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively. 1A.3.b. Apply appropriate imaging parameters for the patient/client presentation. 1A.3.c. Adjust relative radiation dose levels based on the range of patient/client presentations. 1A.3.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of CT protocols.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1.7.b. Apply quality criteria to assure image quality, evaluate medical images and identify any urgent and/or unexpected findings. 1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively. 1A.3.b. Apply appropriate imaging parameters for the patient/client presentation. 1A.3.c. Adjust relative radiation dose levels based on the range of patient/client presentations.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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.c. Identify patients/clients most at risk, including pregnant women and the foetus, breastfeeding mothers and their children. 1.5.e. Identify contraindications and limitations of medical radiation services, determine appropriate adjustments to procedures.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1A.2.a. Operate fluoroscopy and angiography systems safety and effectively in a range of settings.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1A.2.a. Operate fluoroscopy and angiography systems safety and effectively in a range of settings.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1.7.c. If the practitioner identifies any urgent or unexpected findings, take appropriate and timely action to ensure the immediate management of the patient/client. 1A.2.a. Operate fluoroscopy and angiography systems safety and effectively in a range of settings. 1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1A.2.a. Operate fluoroscopy and angiography systems safety and effectively in a range of settings. 1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1A.2.a. Operate fluoroscopy and angiography systems safety and effectively in a range of settings.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1A.2.a. Operate fluoroscopy and angiography systems safety and effectively in a range of settings. 1A.2.d. Apply knowledge of equipment geometry for procedures.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1A.2.a. Operate fluoroscopy and angiography systems safety and effectively in a range of settings.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1A.2.a. Operate fluoroscopy and angiography systems safety and effectively in a range of settings. 1A.2.d. Apply knowledge of equipment geometry for procedures.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice. 1A.2.a. Operate fluoroscopy and angiography systems safety and effectively in a range of settings. 1A.2.d. Apply knowledge of equipment geometry for procedures.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 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. 1A.2.a. Operate fluoroscopy and angiography systems safety and effectively in a range of settings. 1A.2.f. Perform image post-processing techniques. (1A.2)

Responding to student feedback

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

Thank you for your feedback. Your constructive and positive comments are much appreciated. A report showing the response rate and distribution of responses for each item is available below. The feedback was reviewed and discussed at several meetings with colleagues. There were a few themes which were identified as requiring change. It seems that some students did not understand the aims and objectives of this Unit of Study. A clearer motivation for the delivery of the various topics covered in the Unit of Study will be done to ensure that students fully understand the need to integrate knowledge acquired during the course overall. A three prong approach was developed to address some of the suggested changes. Firstly: The number of lecturers will be reduced so that a more consistent style and presentation coherence should be achieved. Secondly: The number of tutorials will be increased so as to ensure engagement with the study material. Finally: The assessment of the students will be done more regularly during the semester to ensure that there is less pressure on the students at the end of the semester. Thank you again for your positive participation, and I wish you all well in the future. Will

Additional information

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.

Student Administration Manual on the Faculty of Health Sciences

Site visit guidelines

Groups of 4 will attend the short site visit to the CT unit in M018. Please do not attend if you are not scheduled to be present as the space is limited and social distancing is required.

Work, health and safety

COVID 19 Safety precautions will be required in all contact sessions. The Practical demos may require wearing of masks. Attendance is not copulsory. Please keep updated on the University arrangements in place at the time.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

MRTY2107: Imaging Technology 2

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect