RAD3042 - Medical imaging science and practice 2 - 2019

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.

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

1. Perform and evaluate correct patient preparation and sonographic imaging methods employed in examinations of the upper abdomen.
2. Identify and interpret normal structures, function and common pathological appearances in abdominal ultrasound images.
3. Evaluate the function, application and potential pitfalls of ultrasound instrumentation used in abdominal ultrasound scanning.
4. Analyse clinical best practice with respect to the safe operation of MRI imaging systems and patient preparation with respect to MRI.
5. Justify the appropriate introductory MRI imaging sequences for given clinical indications across key body areas.
6. Appraise advanced radiographic techniques and radiation protection strategies in professional practice.
7. Analyse the biological effects of ultrasound and ionising radiation, radio-sensitivity of specific organ systems and describe the relevant theories of radiation damage and repair mechanisms.
8. Evaluate data collection methodologies, perform basic statistical analyses, report on accuracy and precision of outcomes using p-value, t-tests, Pearson correlations and other appropriate quantifiers.
9. Evaluate advances in instrumentation, quality assurance techniques, relevant protocols and methods employed in breast imaging including medical ultrasound.
10. Apply the concepts of Monte-Carlo calculations, depth-dose curves, interaction cross-sections, tissue conversion tables and beam quality parameterisations to perform numerical dose calculations for a variety of radiographic imaging protocols.
11. Evaluate mammographic technique and the psycho-social elements of breast imaging. Correlate each of these elements to comprehend best practice mammography.
12. Identify personal learning goals with patient-focussed clinical decision making in general radiography including contrast, trauma, fluoroscopic, paediatric and mobile imaging with various patients, encompassing the broader healthcare team.
13. Perform general radiographic examinations of adult patients at the level of competent student radiographer.
14. Perform general radiographic examinations of paediatric and complex adult patients at the level of advanced beginner student radiographer.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 120 minutes and 10 minutes and 60 minutes and 5 minutes.

• Ultrasound written examination (120 mins) (20%)
• Mammography & dosimetry physics written examination (60 mins) (10%)
• MRI online examination (45 mins) (5%)
• MRI clinical case assignment delivered via the online iSAP program (integrating + Science with Practice) (1500 words) (10%)
• Ultrasound skills assessment (20 mins) (5%)
• Statistical analysis and reporting on-line test (60 mins) (10%)
• Clinical learning portfolio (4000 words) (20%)
• Clinical professionalism OSCE (60 mins) (10%)
• Mammography methods case study assessment (60 mins) (10%)

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 one hour lectures, 2 x one hour tutorials, 1 x one and a half hour laboratory practical session, 4 hours directed study using Moodle.

See also Unit timetable information

Radiography and medical imaging

Radiation sciences