RAD1022 · Medical radiation science: Physical principles

Overview

This unit introduces you to the physical principles underlying imaging modalities which are crucial for both diagnostic and treatment purposes in medical radiation practice. Imaging modalities discussed include radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine imaging. The content covered will include the methods by which each technology produces and enhances the relevant energy forms and how they are accurately measured, processed and recorded to produce a diagnostic image. You will also consider introductory information relating to the design, operation and safety implications of specified instrumentation.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Apply the laws of physics, units of measurement and dimensions to solve numerical problems relating to radiation science.
2. Describe how the interaction of x-rays, gamma rays, sound waves and magnetic fields with matter creates a detectable signal that can be captured to form a diagnostic image.
3. Explain the design and image formation of imaging modality instrumentation including radiography, CT, Nuclear Medicine, PET, MRI and Ultrasound modalities.
4. Discuss the safety considerations relating to imaging modality instrumentation and options for managing patient dose.
5. Reflect on the applications of imaging in the radiation therapy field.

Workload

1 hour weekly online lecture, 2 hour weekly contact session (7 weeks are 2-hour-tutorials, 5 weeks are 2-hour-labs across semester), and 2 hours of teacher - directed interaction with Moodle-based tasks per week. You will be expected to engage in additional self-directed activities to facilitate the development of knowledge and understanding of the physical concepts covered in the unit for 7 hours each week. You will be expected to engage in additional self-directed readings to facilitate the development of knowledge and understanding of the physical concepts covered in the unit.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.