Students

CHIR8401 – Diagnostic Imaging 1

2023 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convener
Hazel Jenkins
Contact via Email
75 Talavera Rd, Level 2, Room 2232
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MChiroprac and (CHIR3106 or CHIR316) or (CHIR6110 or CHIR602) and (CHIR6111 or CHIR603) and (CHIR6302 or CHIR604) and (CHIR6303 or CHIR605) and (CHIR6410 or CHIR606) and (CHIR6510 or CHIR608)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit develops radiographic interpretation skills of the musculoskeletal system, including the spine and extremities using a categorical approach. You will build on knowledge of the pathophysiology of disease to recognise related changes on radiographs and use this knowledge to formulate a differential diagnosis. Routine radiographic positioning of the spine and extremities is also taught. This unit forms part of a suite of units in radiographic science in the chiropractic degree programs that leads to eligibility for licensure to own and operate x-ray equipment.

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:

  • ULO1: Accurately use radiographic terms and recognise and explain possible reasons for variance in image appearance and imaging faults.
  • ULO2: Using a categorical approach, describe how disease pathophysiology results in specific radiographic findings.
  • ULO3: Execute a thorough assessment of radiographic images of the spine and extremities and differentiate and describe abnormal radiographic appearances.
  • ULO4: Implement and explain principles of radiography as applicable to chiropractic practice.
  • ULO5: Synthesise radiographic and clinical findings to determine a differential diagnosis for a radiographic image using a categorical approach.
  • ULO6: Identify normal anatomy on sagittal, coronal, and axial CT and MRI images of the spine.

General Assessment Information

General assessment Information

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.

All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, and are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenor.

Students will be awarded a final grade and a mark which must correspond to the grade descriptors specified in the Assessment Procedure (clause 128).

To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.

Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn.

Late Submissions

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (OF THE TOTAL POSSIBLE MARK) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern. 

 For example:

Number of days (hours) late

Total Possible Marks

Deduction

Raw mark

Final mark

1 day (1-24 hours)

100

5

75

70

2 days (24-48 hours)

100

10

75

65

3 days (48-72 hours)

100

15

75

60

7 days (144-168 hours)

100

35

75

40

>7 days (>168 hours)

100

-

75

0

 

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Radiographic interpretation portfolio 20% No Weekly, Tuesday 11.55pm, starting week 2
Radiographic positioning competency assessments 10% No In tutorial time, weeks 4, 9, 13
Slide exam 20% No Week 12, Friday 26th May 10am-12pm
Final theory exam 50% No Formal exam period
Weekly quizzes 0% No Weekly

Radiographic interpretation portfolio

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Weekly, Tuesday 11.55pm, starting week 2
Weighting: 20%

 

A collection of radiographic images with related description of pathology and radiographic and clinical findings. Images and descriptions will be submitted weekly with a random selection marked to a standardised rubric and provided with feedback for future submissions.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Accurately use radiographic terms and recognise and explain possible reasons for variance in image appearance and imaging faults.
  • Using a categorical approach, describe how disease pathophysiology results in specific radiographic findings.
  • Execute a thorough assessment of radiographic images of the spine and extremities and differentiate and describe abnormal radiographic appearances.
  • Synthesise radiographic and clinical findings to determine a differential diagnosis for a radiographic image using a categorical approach.

Radiographic positioning competency assessments

Assessment Type 1: Clinical performance evaluation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: In tutorial time, weeks 4, 9, 13
Weighting: 10%

 

Three radiographic positioning competency assessments will be performed during the semester. Competently demonstrated procedures will also be included in the radiographic portfolio.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Implement and explain principles of radiography as applicable to chiropractic practice.

Slide exam

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 12, Friday 26th May 10am-12pm
Weighting: 20%

 

Radiographic interpretation slide exam 2. The exam format and examination schedule will be released during the semester.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Accurately use radiographic terms and recognise and explain possible reasons for variance in image appearance and imaging faults.
  • Execute a thorough assessment of radiographic images of the spine and extremities and differentiate and describe abnormal radiographic appearances.
  • Synthesise radiographic and clinical findings to determine a differential diagnosis for a radiographic image using a categorical approach.

Final theory exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Formal exam period
Weighting: 50%

 

Exam period final theory exam

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Accurately use radiographic terms and recognise and explain possible reasons for variance in image appearance and imaging faults.
  • Using a categorical approach, describe how disease pathophysiology results in specific radiographic findings.
  • Execute a thorough assessment of radiographic images of the spine and extremities and differentiate and describe abnormal radiographic appearances.
  • Implement and explain principles of radiography as applicable to chiropractic practice.
  • Synthesise radiographic and clinical findings to determine a differential diagnosis for a radiographic image using a categorical approach.
  • Identify normal anatomy on sagittal, coronal, and axial CT and MRI images of the spine.

Weekly quizzes

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 0%

 

On-line quiz questions as formative feedback to complement material delivered in online modules, to be completed prior to skills tutorials

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Accurately use radiographic terms and recognise and explain possible reasons for variance in image appearance and imaging faults.
  • Using a categorical approach, describe how disease pathophysiology results in specific radiographic findings.
  • Execute a thorough assessment of radiographic images of the spine and extremities and differentiate and describe abnormal radiographic appearances.
  • Implement and explain principles of radiography as applicable to chiropractic practice.
  • Synthesise radiographic and clinical findings to determine a differential diagnosis for a radiographic image using a categorical approach.
  • Identify normal anatomy on sagittal, coronal, and axial CT and MRI images of the spine.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of online and face-to-face learning activities, including weekly online modules (including readings and videos) and tutorials. Details can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.

Recommended Text:

Yochum, T & Rowe, L; 2005; Essentials of Skeletal Radiology Vol I & II (3rd Ed); Lippincott, William & Wilkins; Baltimore

Required Manuals/Notes/Materials:

Set of left and right radiographic markers. Radiographic markers are available from a number of online sites. It is required that you have markers for use in radiographic positioning tutorials and competencies.

Online Module notes (available electronically on ilearn)

Radiographic Interpretation Discussion Tutorial notes (available electronically on ilearn)

Radiographic Interpretation Skills Tutorial notes (available electronically on ilearn)

Radiographic Positioning Manual, 2023 (available electronically on ilearn)

Radiographic Library:

The radiographic library (RADLAB) houses over 1000 xray and digital access will be provided through ilearn for revision purposes.

Internet:

Google images is a great resource for sourcing conditon-specific radiographic images.  There are many websites available with extensive radiographic image libraries and this is also a valuable revision tool. Some useful websites are:

Radiopaedia: https://radiopaedia.org/

Learning Radiology: http://www.learningradiology.com/

Technology Used:

Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop or similar device. Students who do not own their own laptop computer may borrow one from the university library.

Unit Schedule

Topics covered in this unit are outlined below. Please see the unit ilearn page for the weekly schedule.

Topic Radiographic Interpretation Radiographic Positioning
1 Image assessment and radiographic critique Image production introduction
2 Alignment disorders Thoracic spine positioning
3 Congenital anomalies and dysplasias Cervical spine positioning
4 Trauma Lumbopelvic spine positioning
5 Arthritis Hip and Femur positioning
6 Infection Knee and Lower leg positioning
7 Tumours Foot and Ankle positioning
8 Endocrine and Metabolic disorders Shoulder girdle and Humerus positioning
9 Vascular and Growth disorders Elbow, Forearm, and Wrist positioning
10 Spinal CT and MRI assessment and normal anatomy Hand and Thumb positioning

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

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

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Inclusion and Diversity

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.

Professionalism

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses.

As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded (e.g., face-to-face lectures), however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
13/02/2023 Updated assessment due dates
31/01/2023 Spelling correction

Unit information based on version 2023.03 of the Handbook