Students

CHIR606 – Radiographic Science

2017 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convener
Hazel Jenkins
Contact via hazel.jenkins@mq.edu.au
C5C 347
Tuesday 9am-12pm, Wednesday 1-4pm
Lecturer
Rich Mildren
Contact via rich.mildren@mq.edu.au
Tutor
Adam Joyce
Contact via adam.joyce@mq.edu.au
Lecturer
Tony Buxton
Contact via anthony.buxton@mq.edu.au
Lecturer
Douglas Little
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MChiroprac
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
HLTH304
Unit description Unit description
This unit is conducted to develop students' knowledge in the underlying physical principles of medical radiation science. The unit is presented in three distinct modules: - module 1 is the study of radiation physics, its principles and current technology of imaging equipment, - module 2 is the study of the principles and practice of image production and image processing techniques, - module 3 describes the biological effects of radiation as well as current radiation protection techniques.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Summarise the working principles of x-ray tubes and how these influence their operation and performance
  • Identify the properties of x-rays and explain how they interact with matter, and influence image quality and patient safety
  • Critically appraise the principles of radiographic image production and processing
  • Contrast the generation and use of advanced imaging modalities
  • Explain the biological effects of radiation
  • Summarise radiation protection in relation to radiography
  • Be able to recognise and explain common variances to normal radiographic appearance of the spine

General Assessment Information

LABORATORY SESSIONS

You will be scheduled to attend 3 laboratory sessions throughout the semester.  Missed session must be made up prior to week 13.   A timetable will be released early in the semester to inform you which laboratory sessions you should attend.  Please email the lab manager, Adam Joyce adam.joyce@mq.edu.au if you have concerns regarding your laboratory session time or to arrange making-up missed sessions. 

ASSIGNMENTS

Submission of assignments will be through ilearn unless otherwise indicated.

It is expected that the academic honesty policy (http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html) be followed at all times.  Breaches of the academic honesty policy may result in disciplinary procedures for the involved student.  

References should be cited using the Harvard style of referencing (http://libguides.mq.edu.au/content.php?pid=459099&sid=3759396).  

Assignment word limits should be adhered to.  A deduction of 10% of the final grade will be applied for every 10% increase in word count above the set limit.  Word count does not include reference lists.

Late submission of assignments will result in a grade deduction of 10% per day late.  Submissions handed in more than 1 week after the due date will not be assessed.

Extensions to assessment due dates may be granted under extenuating circumstances. Application for extensions must be made under the disruption to studies policy (http://students.mq.edu.au/student_admin/exams/disruption_to_studies/), applied for through www.ask.mq.edu.au within 5 days of the disruption and prior to the submission date of the assignment.  Resubmission of assignments will not be considered under usual circumstances.

THEORY EXAMINATIONS

The University Examination period for Semester 1, 2017 is from June 12th to June 30th 2017.

You are expected to present yourself for examination at the time and place designated in the University Examination Timetable. The timetable will be available in Draft form approximately eight weeks before the commencement of the examinations and in Final form approximately four weeks before the commencement of the examinations.

You are advised that it is Macquarie University policy not to set early examinations for individuals or groups of students. You are expected to ensure that you are available until the end of the teaching semester that is the final day of the official examination period.

The only exception to not sitting an examination at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these circumstances you may wish to consider applying for disruption to studies. Information about unavoidable disruption and the disruption to studies process is available at http://students.mq.edu.au/student_admin/exams/disruption_to_studies/, applied for through www.ask.mq.edu.au within 5 days of the disruption

If you attend and complete an examination or assessment you are declaring that you are fit to sit that assessment and disruption from studies will not normally be granted. 

Serious and unavoidable disruption: The University classifies a disruption as serious and unavoidable if it:

  • could not have reasonably been anticipated, avoided or guarded against by the student; and
  • was beyond the student's control; and
  • caused substantial disruption to the student's capacity for effective study and/or completion of required work; and
  • occurred during an event critical study period and was at least three (3) consecutive days duration, and/or
  • prevented completion of a final examination.

Students with a pre-existing disability/health condition or prolonged adverse circumstances may be eligible for ongoing assistance and support.  Such support is governed by other policies and may be sought and coordinated through Campus Wellbeing and Support Services.

If you are granted a supplementary exam via the Disruption to Studies process, you will have to write a supplementary exam in the supplementary exam period.  The supplementary exam may be in a different format to the original exam and you will be notified of this when you are granted a supplementary exam.  Only your supplementary exam mark will be counted towards your final exam mark.

If you apply for Disruption to Study for your final examination, you must make yourself available for the week of July 24 – 28, 2017.  If you are not available at that time, there is no guarantee an additional examination time will be offered. Specific examination dates and times will be determined at a later date.

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Assignment 1 15% No Friday 31 March 5pm
Laboratory work 15% No Varies for each group
Assignment 2 20% No Friday 5 May 5pm
Final Examination 50% No University Exam period

Assignment 1

Due: Friday 31 March 5pm
Weighting: 15%

Assignment 1 will be a quiz available and submitted through ilearn.  It will cover material from module 1 (radiographic physics); The quiz will be released on ilearn on Friday 17/3/17


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Summarise the working principles of x-ray tubes and how these influence their operation and performance
  • Identify the properties of x-rays and explain how they interact with matter, and influence image quality and patient safety

Laboratory work

Due: Varies for each group
Weighting: 15%

3 experiments will be performed across the course of semester starting in week 3 or 4.  You will be allocated a group and the timetable of which weeks you are to attend will be posted on ilearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Summarise the working principles of x-ray tubes and how these influence their operation and performance
  • Identify the properties of x-rays and explain how they interact with matter, and influence image quality and patient safety

Assignment 2

Due: Friday 5 May 5pm
Weighting: 20%

Assignment 2 will be a quiz available and submitted through ilearn.  It will cover material from module 2 (radiographic image production) and module 4 (normal radiographic anatomy).  The quiz will be released on ilearn on Friday 7/4/17


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically appraise the principles of radiographic image production and processing
  • Be able to recognise and explain common variances to normal radiographic appearance of the spine

Final Examination

Due: University Exam period
Weighting: 50%

The exam will assess material from the whole semester.

A formula sheet will be provided.

Scientific calculators are allowed.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Summarise the working principles of x-ray tubes and how these influence their operation and performance
  • Identify the properties of x-rays and explain how they interact with matter, and influence image quality and patient safety
  • Critically appraise the principles of radiographic image production and processing
  • Contrast the generation and use of advanced imaging modalities
  • Explain the biological effects of radiation
  • Summarise radiation protection in relation to radiography
  • Be able to recognise and explain common variances to normal radiographic appearance of the spine

Delivery and Resources

LECTURES

2-hour lectures each week on Friday 10am-12pm in E7BT3 for modules 1-3.  These lectures are also available on ilearn.

Module 4 will be a series of online only recordings available on the ilearn page.  These will be available from the first week of semester and should be undertaken over the course of the semester.  Knowledge from these lectures will be needed for assignment 2 and the final exam.

LABORATORY SESSIONS

 3 x 3-hour practical laboratory's per student as scheduled.  You will be divided into separate groups and wlll attend the appropriate weeks as indicated on the laboratory schedule, available on the unit ilearn page.  

iLEARN PAGE

The web page for this unit can be found at: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au and following the links for either Postgraduate or Undergraduate students.  There is a combined ilearn page for HLTH304 and CHIR606 students.

 

REQUIRED TEXTS/MANUALS

Radiological Science For Technologists - Physics, Biology and Protection. - Stewart C Bushong 10th Edition, Elsevier, 2013.

HLTH304/CHIR606 Laboratory Notebook 2017 – available from Co-op book store.

REFERENCES

Essentials of Radiologic Science. - Robert A. Fosbinder & Denise Orth; Philadelphia : Wolters Kluwer Health/​Lippincott Williams &​ Wilkins. 2010

Principles of Radiological Physics. - Robin Wilks, (2nd Edition), Churchill Livingstone Edinburgh. 1987

Introduction to Radiologic Technology. - LaVerne Tolley Gurley & William J. Callaway (7th Edition); Mosby  St Louis 2011

Unit Schedule

WEEK 1   Rich Mildren

Electricity and magnetism/Explanation of syllabus. 

WEEK 2  Rich Mildren

Electric currents. Electromagnetic radiation. X-ray circuits. X-ray tubes. 

WEEK 3  Rich Mildren

What are X-rays and how are they produced. X-ray interactions.

WEEK 4 Hazel Jenkins 

Historical background and the current use of radiography. Image formation. Optical Density and Contrast as related to exposure parameters: milliamperes (mA),time (s), milliampere seconds (mAs), Kilovoltage (kVp), distance (SID or FFD). 

WEEK 5 Hazel Jenkins

Scatter radiation. Grids. Image sharpness. Assessing the image.

WEEK 6  Anthony Buxton  

Radiographic film. Film processing. Sensitometry & densitometry. Characteristic curve. Intensifying screens – Construction; Spectral matching; Screen speed; Quantum mottle Film/screen cassettes; 

WEEK 7   NO LECTURE: PUBLIC HOLIDAY

WEEK 8   Anthony Buxton

Direct Radiography, Computed Radiography, Radiological Information Systems (RIS) and Picture Archival and Communication Systems (PACS). Digital Image manipulation – Window and Level (Density and Contrast). Exposure Indices.

WEEK 9  Anthony Buxton 

 Variable kVp techniques. Automatic Exposure Control (AEC). Image artifacts. 

WEEK 10 Anthony Buxton         

Special radiographic equipment (Fluoroscopy, CT, MRI).

WEEK 11 Anthony Buxton

Biological effects of radiation. The Law of Bergonne & Tribondeau. Linear energy transfer. Types of cell damage. 

WEEK 12 Anthony Buxton

Direct & indirect effects. High-dose radiation effects. Radiation & pregnancy. Genetic effects.

WEEK 13 Anthony Buxton

Radiation protection. Reduction of radiation dose to the patient. Reduction of radiation exposure to the staff. Effective dose. Regulations. Radiation detectors. Natural background radiation.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Critically appraise the principles of radiographic image production and processing
  • Contrast the generation and use of advanced imaging modalities
  • Explain the biological effects of radiation
  • Summarise radiation protection in relation to radiography

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 2
  • Final Examination

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Critically appraise the principles of radiographic image production and processing
  • Summarise radiation protection in relation to radiography

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 2
  • Final Examination

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Summarise the working principles of x-ray tubes and how these influence their operation and performance
  • Identify the properties of x-rays and explain how they interact with matter, and influence image quality and patient safety
  • Critically appraise the principles of radiographic image production and processing
  • Contrast the generation and use of advanced imaging modalities
  • Explain the biological effects of radiation
  • Summarise radiation protection in relation to radiography
  • Be able to recognise and explain common variances to normal radiographic appearance of the spine

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Laboratory work
  • Assignment 2
  • Final Examination

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Summarise the working principles of x-ray tubes and how these influence their operation and performance
  • Identify the properties of x-rays and explain how they interact with matter, and influence image quality and patient safety
  • Critically appraise the principles of radiographic image production and processing
  • Contrast the generation and use of advanced imaging modalities
  • Explain the biological effects of radiation
  • Summarise radiation protection in relation to radiography
  • Be able to recognise and explain common variances to normal radiographic appearance of the spine

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Laboratory work
  • Assignment 2
  • Final Examination

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Critically appraise the principles of radiographic image production and processing
  • Summarise radiation protection in relation to radiography

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 2
  • Final Examination

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Contrast the generation and use of advanced imaging modalities
  • Explain the biological effects of radiation
  • Summarise radiation protection in relation to radiography

Assessment task

  • Final Examination

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Contrast the generation and use of advanced imaging modalities
  • Explain the biological effects of radiation
  • Summarise radiation protection in relation to radiography

Assessment task

  • Final Examination

Changes from Previous Offering

New material related to normal radiographic anatomy of the spine has been integrated into the unit.  This material will be covered in an online module (module 4) and will be assessed in assignment 2 and the final examination.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
24/02/2017 Lecturer name added Lecture theatre location updated to E7BT3