RAD3051 - Medical imaging science and practice 1 - 2018

Computed tomography: scientific principles and operational modes. System components and image characteristics. Image reconstruction techniques, summation convolution back-projection. Fourier reconstruction and algebraic and iterative reconstruction methods. Helical/spiral and multislice CT systems. CT artefacts and quality assurance. Principles of CT dosimetry and radiation protection. Clinical CT examinations for the head, chest, abdomen and spine; CT sectional anatomy and imaging pathology. General radiography including contrast, trauma, paediatric and mobile imaging. Digital image processing, computer interfaces, medical image formats, the Dicom standard, image compression and the hospital Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).

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

1. Explain the scientific principles underpinning computed tomography;
2. Describe and represent the physical configuration of axial, helical and multislice CT systems;
3. Explain and distinguish between the various data acquisition and image reconstruction processes used in CT and their characteristics;
4. Identify common CT artefacts, explain their cause and suggest methods to correct for them;
5. Apply radiation protection and dosimetry principles to the practice of CT;
6. Describe the principles underpinning advanced digital image processing, image distribution, data transfer and storage options used in medical imaging (including the DICOM standard and PACS and RIS infrastructure).
7. Explain the clinical rationale for the selection of CT scanning protocols, image display and reconstruction methods for CT examinations of the head, chest, abdomen and spine;
8. Implement and evaluate positioning methods, scanning protocols, image display and reconstruction routines for CT examinations of the head, chest, abdomen and spine;
9. Identify the CT appearances of the anatomical structures comprising the head, chest, abdomen and spine and distinguish between normal and abnormal structures as shown on CT;
10. Distinguish between normal and abnormal anatomical and pathological structures as shown on CT images displayed in a variety of relevant formats including MPRs, MIPs, SSDs and volume renderings.
11. Reach the level of competent student radiographer in general radiography including contrast, trauma, paediatric and mobile imaging;
12. Apply evidence based inquiry principles developed in second year to an advanced radiographic practice clinical issue.
13. Apply radiographic techniques and radiation protection strategies within an ethical and appropriate medico-legal framework in professional practice.
14. Perform a range of CT scans at the level of Advanced Beginner.

• Written examination (3 hours) (35%)
• CT post-clinical on-line test (1 hour) (5%)
• CT image evaluation on-line test (1 hour) (5%)
• CT Physics iSAP with calculations (1000 words)(5%)
• CT Methods iSAP (2000 words)(10%)
• Clinical Learning Portfolio (PebblePad)(25%)
• Evidence based assignment (2000 words)(10%)
• Law and ethics on-line test (1 hour)(5%)

Additional pre-clinical Hurdle assessment:

• CT pre-clinical on-line test (1 hour)

A PASS IN ALL ELEMENTS OF ASSESSMENT IS REQUIRED. Students must obtain at least 50% of the available marks for each element of assessment to pass the unit.

5 x 1 hour Lectures, 2 x 1 hour Tutorials, 5 hours Online (Moodle) study periods, 5 academic hours per week spent in clinical practice.

Please note: The teaching dates for this unit vary from the standard teaching datesstandard teaching dates (http://www.monash.edu/enrolments/dates/census) for this teaching period.

Unit discontinuation and penalty dates for these units are different to other units taught in the same teaching period.

Please refer to the information available on the Faculty's non-standard teaching datesFaculty's non-standard teaching dates (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/enrolments/non-standard-dates.html) page to avoid academic and financial penaltiesacademic and financial penalties (http://www.monash.edu/enrolments/processes/change/add-or-discontinue-units#penalties).

See also Unit timetable information

Radiography and medical imaging

Radiation science