This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2016 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

RAD3042 - Medical imaging science and practice 2

18 points, SCA Band 2, 0.375 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Matthew Dimmock, Ms Ruth Druva

Offered

Clayton

Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This 3rd year Unit expands upon the knowledge, skills and judgment acquired in year's one and two of the Course through more in-depth study of five themes that are relevant to radiographic practice.

Theme 1: Sonographic Practice and Science
Sonographic anatomy and pathology of abdominal organs and related structures. Scanning techniques including Doppler ultrasound for the sonographic visualisation of abdominal organs and related structures. Ultrasound artefacts and the bio-effects and bio-hazards of diagnostic ultrasound.

Theme 2: Radiographic Practice
Ongoing development in general radiography examinations and professional communication to the level of competent practice. The application and impact of ethics, registration and legal principles to radiographic practice.

Theme 3: Breast Imaging
The scientific principles of breast imaging, instrumentation, positioning methods and radiation protection. Principles of breast ultrasound and localisation techniques.

Theme 4: Research and Dosimetric Techniques
Scientific principles of radiation dosimetry. Calculating the biological effects of ionising radiation. Applications of dosimetry in radiographic practice. Handling quantitative and qualitative data. Using statistical analyses to understand the relevance of data handling and research to radiographic practice.

Theme 5: MRI Practice
Contraindications for MRI, emergency situations and screening methods. MRI imaging sequences and methods for MRI examinations of the upper abdomen, pelvis and breast.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

Perform and evaluate correct patient preparation and sonographic imaging methods employed in examinations of the upper abdomen;
Identify and interpret normal structures, function and common pathological appearances in abdominal ultrasound images;
Describe the function, application and potential pitfalls of ultrasound instrumentation used in abdominal ultrasound scanning;
Explain the role of the radiographer in respect to the safe application of MRI imaging techniques to patients presenting for examination of the upper abdomen, pelvis and breast;
Correlate the appropriate MRI imaging sequence with the clinical indications for the upper abdomen, pelvis and breast;
Apply advanced radiographic techniques and radiation protection strategies within an ethical and appropriate medico-legal framework in professional practice;
Critically evaluate the biological effects of ultrasound and ionising radiation, radiosensitivity of specific organ systems, and describe the relevant theories of radiation damage and repair mechanisms;
Collect data using quantitative and qualitative methodologies, perform basic statistical or thematic analyses, and evaluate results in the context of radiographic practice including radiation dosimetry calculations;
Synthesize and apply information regarding the instrumentation, quality assurance techniques, relevant protocols and methods employed in breast imaging including medical ultrasound;
Identify personal learning goals for the ongoing development at the level of competent student radiographer in general radiography including contrast, trauma, fluoroscopic, paediatric and mobile imaging with various patients.

Assessment

Ultrasound written examination (2 hours) (20%)
Mammography & dosimetry physics written examination (1 hour) (10%)
MRI image analysis online examination (30 minutes) (5%)
MRI clinical case assignment delivered via the online iSAP program (1500 words) (10%)
Ultrasound skills assessment (20 minutes) (5%)
Statistics and dosimetry analysis report (1000 words) (10%)
Clinical learning portfolio (4,000 words) (20%)
Medico-legal and professionalism OSCE (1 hour) (10%)
Mammography methods case study assessment (1 hour) (10%)