Units / RAD1021
RAD1021 · Radiologic physics and radiation protection
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 1Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit covers the fundamental physics concepts relevant to radiographic imaging. Topics include: Scientific measurement; Mechanics and heat; Atomic structure and electromagnetic radiation; Electricity, magnetism and electromagnetism; X-rays and their production; X-ray emission and interactions between x-rays and matter; Attenuation of x-rays and filters; Detection of X-rays; X-ray image formation; an introduction to computer-based imaging in medicine; and Foundational principles of radiation protection together with statutory requirements.
Areas of study: Radiography and medical imaging
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mid-semester test (1 hour) | Examination | 20% | — |
| 2 | End-semester exam (2 hours and 10 minutes) | Examination | 50% | Competency |
| 3 | Laboratory experiments | Artefact | 20% | — |
| 4 | Weekly quizzes (Between 7 and 10 questions-15-20 mins per quiz) | Quiz / Test | 5% | — |
| 5 | Assignment | Written | 5% | — |
Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the physical properties of atomic structure
- Discuss the fundamental principles of mechanics, electromagnetism and thermal physics relevant to the production and absorption of energy
- Explain the physical laws of interaction of particles and waves, including the mechanisms for absorption and scattering of energy at the atomic level
- Explain in quantitative terms the production of x-rays and the use of exposure factors that control x-ray intensity, penetration and dose
- Use quantitative measures for the absorption of x-rays and discuss why and how x-ray absorption coefficients vary with energy and atomic number and relate these ideas to the sharp depiction of contrast changes in x-ray images of patients;
- Explain the effects of ionizing radiation on cellular matter and the basic principles underlying radiation dose and radiation safety
Workload
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Practical activities | 17.5 hours |
| Lectures | 20 hours |
| Workshops | 23 hours |
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