Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Course

The course provides a professional education in general radiography, digital vascular imaging, computed tomography, general ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging to facilitate entry into the radiography profession. There is a strong emphasis upon the development of clinical competency in general radiography and computed tomography. Throughout the course, the biological sciences are closely integrated with radiologic science, and students develop a range of professional skills in relation to the assessment and management of patients. In final year, students complete either a research project in an aspect of medical imaging and radiation sciences of interest to them or extended study in sonography and an indepth literature review of a selected medical imaging topic.

A graduate with the award of Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging will have acquired a basic knowledge and understanding of:

• the scientific concepts underpinning modern radiologic physics
• the psycho-social basis of illness and disease
• professional ethics and communication
• patient care
• radiation protection, radiation biology and x-ray dosimetry
• radiographic equipment, imaging instrumentation and positioning methodology
• human biology, anatomy (with its cross-sectional representation by CT, ultrasound and MRI) and physiology
• the applications of informational technology in the field of medical imaging
• digital image processing
• the instrumentation and practical applications of sonography and MRI.

It is expected that graduates will have the skills to be able to:

• communicate an understanding of the wider applications and the biological consequences of ionising and non-ionising
• utilise radiation in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
• design and implement strategies to minimise the radiation dose to patients
• select the optimum system and implement projections
• critically evaluate radiographic and medical images
• effectively participate under close supervision in a range of digital vascular, abdominal ultrasound and MRI examinations
• apply research principles, methods and findings to professional practice while adhering to the codes of professional conduct as set out by the Australian Institute of Radiography (AIR).

Special requirements

Health requirements

For the protection of other students and themselves, students in the radiography course should comply with certain precautionary procedures. These consist of confidential tests for immune status (including blood tests and skin tests), receiving vaccines and having x-rays where the evidence indicates these are appropriate and there are not specific contraindications in individual cases.

Upon enrolment, students are provided with detailed written information and, as appropriate, counselling about the effect that HIV or hepatitis B infection may have on the ability of health care workers to practise their profession. It is recommended that students discuss any concerns with their doctor or the University Health Service.

Vaccinations

This policy is in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council advice that educational institutions training students in health sciences should ensure that such students are protected as far as possible by vaccination against risks of infection. The faculty recommends that all students accept responsibility for having up-to-date immunisations before commencing the radiography course.

Police checks and Working with Children checks

Organisations that host clinical and community placements require students to have current Police and Working with Children checks regarding their suitability to undertake such placements. All enrolled and prospective students are advised that they will be required to obtain Police and Working with Children checks prior to undertaking their course. Working with Children checks are valid for five years and are available free. Police checks must be applied and paid for annually. However, in some community partnered programs, there may be a requirement to have a police check renewed every six months.

Clinical practice

This course requires students to undertake off-campus clinical placements. In the clinical setting students will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision. Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit.

Where a student's skill or knowledge is found to be inadequate, access to the clinical component of the unit will be denied. A student may be withdrawn from a clinical practicum if required skills and knowledge are deemed inadequate, or on other grounds deemed appropriate by the head of school. This may impact on a student's course progression, however, students will be given the opportunity to repeat any relevant unit/s.

Clinical expenses

Students are responsible for all travel and accommodation expenses during clinical placement. Uniforms and accessories are required for clinical placements and students will be notified regarding purchase arrangements upon commencement.

The Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging has been accredited by the Australian Institute of Radiography (AIR). Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as radiographers with the Medical Radiation Practitioners Board of Victoria.

The course is designed to ensure that all imaging and methods, radiologic biology and professional skills units are closely related and integrated with the clinical studies. To broaden career opportunities, a range of selective research studies is available in year four of the course.

Clinical placements commence in first semester of first year and continue throughout all four years of the course.

Honours

A candidate is awarded a degree with honours for meritorious performance throughout the course. All units which have a numerical mark are considered in the determination of an honours result. Greater weight is given to units in the later years of the course than to those in the earlier years.

First year

First semester

• RAD1021 Radiologic physics
• RAD1031 Radiologic biology 1
• RAD1061 Radiographic science and practice 1

Second semester

• RAD1012 Radiographic science and practice 2
• RAD1082 Radiologic biology 2

Second year

First semester

• RAD2051 Radiographic science and practice 3
• RAD2061 Radiologic biology 3

Second semester

• RAD2012 Radiographic science and practice 4
• RAD2092 Radiologic biology 4 and sectional anatomy

Third year

First semester

• RAD3011 Medical imaging and methods 2 (CT) and digital image processing 2
• RAD3021 Sonographic imaging and methods 1
• RAD3031 Radiologic biology 5
• RAD3041 Clinical studies 5

Second semester

• RAD3022 Sonographic imaging and methods 2
• RAD3062 Breast imaging and professional skills 4
• RAD3082 Clinical studies 6
• RAD3092 Magnetic resonance imaging (physics and technology)

Fourth year

All students complete:

• RAD4000 Radiography and medical imaging work experience

In addition, all students complete two 24-credit point units:

• RAD4070 Research in medical imaging, or RAD4080 Selected topics in medical imaging
• RAD4160 Advanced medical imaging and clinical skills

Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging

Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (with Honours)

Where more than one award is listed the actual award conferred may depend on units/majors/streams/specialisations studied, the level of academic merit achieved, or other factors relevant to the individual student's program of study.