Leader: Associate Professor Marilyn Baird

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

The physical principles, associated instrumentation, safety and quality assurance issues in digital imaging with examples drawn from the specific diagnostic imaging modalities of radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, ultrasound and absorptiometry. Quality assurance issues related to the implementation of digital systems within radiographic practice including Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS).

Objectives

On completion of the unit students will be able to:

1. Describe the fundamental principles underpinning digital imaging in diagnostic medicine;
2. Understand the difference between an object and n image, and the sampling process;
3. Define the essential features of a digital image in terms of pixels and grey levels;
4. Describe the advantages and limitations of analog and discrete images;
5. Define the various forms of 2-D image processing, both pre and post-processing;
6. Explain in broad terms how digital images are acquired in the following diagnostic modalities: film digitization, computed radiography (CR), digital radiography (DR), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and ultrasound (US);
7. Distinguish between digitised film and CR and DR images in terms of contrast and resolution;
8. Describe how, in the various modalities, 3-D images may be formed from 2-D image slices;
9. Describe the display format and possible file formats of medical images, including DICOM;
10. Explain how medical imaging systems are calibrated with specific reference to some of the above modalities;
11. Explain how noise arises in digital images and ways image quality is defined;
12. Implement appropriate quality assurance measures in diagnostic image acquisition;
13. Demonstrate problem-solving and teamwork skills in relation to CR and DR systems in clinical use;
14. Communicate an understanding of the basic principles underpinning PACS;
15. Demonstrate information and technological literacy skills, written communication skills and the capacity to apply critical thought and analysis to digital image processing workplace issues.

Assessment

Four multiple choice and short answer tests via WebCT (40%)
Four technical case reports and accompanying comparative reports (40%)
Assignment of 1000 - 1500 words (20%).