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Unit outline_

MRTY5134: Computed Tomography Theory

Semester 1, 2024 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study will provide a theoretical understanding of the science of computed tomography (CT). It will cover the basic physics of radiation attenuation, data acquisition, image reconstruction methods, and image display and recording. It will also include an overview of relevant post processing operations. Quality Assurance (QA) of CT scanners will be explored. Finally, CT radiation dose considerations, such as the measurement of Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI), the Dose Length Product (DLP), and the Effective Dose (ED), will be reviewed. The factors affecting dose will also be covered, along with approaches to reduce patient doses in the clinical setting.

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 Roger Fulton, roger.fulton@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Jacky Chen, jacky.chen1@sydney.edu.au
Roger Fulton, roger.fulton@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Laboratory report
A practical exercise to assess understanding of fundamental concepts.
34% Week 09
Due date: 28 Apr 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 05 May 2024
Approximately 8 hours to complete task.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment CT Presentation Assignment
Submission of a 12 minute slide presentation. Details on the Canvas site
30% Week 13
Due date: 26 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 02 Jun 2024
12 min recorded power point presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Small continuous assessment Weekly MCQ quizzes
Multiple choice questions done individually online. This is open book test.
36% Weekly 1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

  • Weekly MCQ quizzes: The quizzes will be held weekly online and will cover the content of the readings and lectures of the learning modules during semester. A range of question types may be used, e.g. multiple choice, fill in the blank, matching text, true or false, etc.
  • Laboratory report: Students will perform set CT image manipulation and analysis tasks using the ImageJ software package and submit a written report.
  • Online Presentation: The presentation will be 12 minutes long, comprise no more than 15 slides, and cover a self-selected topic on an aspect of CT technology. Marks will be awarded for knowledge of the topic and presentation skills. A marking rubric will be provided.
  • Detailed information for each assessment will be available via the Canvas site for the unit.

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.

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 CT scanner instrumentation Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Week 02 CT image reconstruction Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Digital imaging and image processing in CT Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 04 CT image quality Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 CT image artifacts Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Radiation dose in CT Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Specialised CT Acquisition Modes Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 CT dose optimisation Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 3D display techniques in CT Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Week 10 Dual energy CT Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Week 11 Photon counting spectral CT Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Week 12 Quality control in CT Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Hybrid CT imaging: SPECT/CT and PET/CT Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Required materials: desktop computer or laptop (not tablet), webcam and microphone (built-in or external), and connection to network with sufficient internet speed: at least 3 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload. 

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

Recommended texts:

Seeram, E. Computed Tomography: Physical principles, clinical applications and Quality control. Fourth edition (Elsevier, 2016).

Bushberg, J. T., et al. (2021).  The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging.  (4th ed) Wolters Kluwer. Available as an e-Book via the University Library at https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma991032236266605106&context=U&vid=61USYD_INST:sydney〈=en

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. demonstrate a thorough theoretical and practical understanding of CT instrumentation, and the fundamental concepts underpinning data acquisition, image reconstruction, image processing, and display
  • LO2. demonstrate a thorough theoretical and practical understanding of common CT image quality and dose metrics, and the ability to measure them
  • LO3. apply a thorough theoretical understanding of the effects of CT acquisition parameters on image quality and radiation dose
  • LO4. identify and differentiate common image artifacts in CT, their causes, and how they may be mitigated
  • LO5. critically evaluate the potential clinical impact of recent advances in CT technology
  • LO6. demonstrate a theoretical and practical understanding of CT QA and QC procedures

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
1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively.
1A.3.f. Process data image sets, including multi-planar reformats and volume imaging.
LO2
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates.
1A.2.f. Perform image post-processing techniques. (1A.2)
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.
LO3
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates.
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.
LO4
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in 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.
LO5
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates.
1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively.
1A.3.b. Apply appropriate imaging parameters for the patient/client presentation.
1A.3.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of CT protocols.
LO6
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.7.b. Apply quality criteria to assure image quality, evaluate medical images and identify any urgent and/or unexpected findings.
1A.2.f. Perform image post-processing techniques. (1A.2)
1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively.
1A.3.c. Adjust relative radiation dose levels based on the range of patient/client presentations.
1A.3.f. Process data image sets, including multi-planar reformats and volume imaging.

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

Students found the weekly quizzes useful in guiding their study, and these will be retained. A new lecture on Specialised Acquisition Techniques is being introduced in 2024 to replace a lecture on Paediatric CT, and four other lectures are being updated. A couple of students questioned the relevance of lectures on CT Quality Control and Hybrid CT (SPECT/CT and PET/CT) but it was considered that the unit would be incomplete with the inclusion of these topics.

One of the recommended textbooks for this unit (Seeram, E. Computed Tomography: Physical principles, clinical applications and Quality control. Fourth edition (Elsevier, 2016)) is unavailable for purchase by the University as an eBook for student use. It is recommended that students consider purchasing their own copy of this text, or the just-released 5th edition, as it will be helpful to them in the course.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

Work, health and safety

There are no specific work, health and safety (WHS) requirements for this unit.

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.