Overview
This unit prepares you for the safe and effective use of ionising radiation for radiographic imaging in the simulated and clinical environment. The unit covers production and control of the radiation beam, radiation interactions in matter and risk of detriment to the human body from exposure to radiation. Radiation safety and dose minimisation practices are examined in light of current findings on detriment from low level radiation.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: MEDI11001 Fundamentals of the Imaging Professions; and MEDI11002 Physics for Health Science; and ESSC11004 Study and Research Skills for Health Sciences (replacing SCIE11023)
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2018
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Have your say Unit Coordinator reflection
Due to public holidays and coordinator traveling for other uni business, there was no face-to-face lectures in 5 weeks out of the 12. There were video recordings provided instead.
If the scheduled lecture falls on a public holiday and if the unit coordinator is required to be away from campus for other uni business, this needs to be factored into timetabling.
Feedback from Have your say Unit Coordinator reflection
Some students felt that assessment feedback was not provided in a timely manner although a global feedback was provided within one week of the assessment date.
Review the time-frame stipulated in the unit profile for feedback. It may be beneficial to specify that a global feedback will be provided two weeks after the assessment date and individual feedback three weeks later. This approach will ensure that timely feedback is provided.
Feedback from Have your say Unit Coordinator reflection
The weekly learning goals helped students to focus their reading and independent study.
Maintain the use of weekly learning goals as they help students focus on key concepts.
- Outline the design, structure and operation of the x-ray tube in the production of x-radiation.
- Discuss the use of devices and technical parameters to control the production, filtration and emission of the x-ray beam.
- Apply knowledge of x-ray interactive processes, probabilities of interactions and exponential attenuation concepts to the control of absorption and scatter in radiographic imaging and radiation protection.
- Discuss the long and short term effects of ionising radiation on the human body, embryo and foetus.
- Apply the ALARA principle to the operation of x-ray equipment and the practice of radiography.
Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia Professional Capabilities for Medical Radiation Practice:
Domain 4: 1. Implement safe radiation practice appropriate to their division of registration. 2. Confirm and operate equipment safely and appropriate to their division of registration. 3. Maintain safety of self and others in the work environment appropriate to their division of registration. 4. Safely manage radiation and radioactivity in the environment.
Domain 5: 2. Apply principles of medical radiation physics and instrumentation.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - In-class Test(s) - 40% | |||||
| 2 - In-class Test(s) - 60% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - In-class Test(s) - 40% | ||||||||||
| 2 - In-class Test(s) - 60% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Essentials of Radiographic Physics & Imaging
Edition: 2nd (2016)
Authors: James Johnston and Terri Fauber
Elsevier
St. Louis St. Louis , Missouri , USA
ISBN: ISBN 978-0-323-33966-7
Binding: Other
Additional Textbook Information
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
r.d.kumar@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
- Review of Physics foundation concepts associated with medical imaging
- Internal and external structure of the x-ray tube
-
Contribution of the internal structures towards x-ray tube operation
Chapter
Essentials of Radiographic Physics & Imaging 2nd edn
- Chapter 4 (pages 45-47)
- Chapter 5
Radiologic Science for Technologists Physics, Biology and Protection 10th edn (online access - CQU Library
- Chapters 1, 3, 4 & 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
X-ray production
- Heat production at anode
- Characteristic radiation process
- Bremsstrahlung radiation process
Chapter
Essentials of Radiographic Physics & Imaging 2nd edn
- Chapter 6
Radiologic Science for Technologists Physics, Biology and Protection 10th edn (online access - CQU Library)
-
Chapters 6 (pages 116-118) & 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
X-ray spectrum
- Expressions of radiation quantity (Exposure, exposure rate, radioactivity, KERMA, entrance surface dose, dose area product, absorbed dose, equivalent dose, effective dose, tissue weighting)
- X-ray emission spectrum
- Impact of exposure time, mAs and kVp on beam spectrum
Chapter
Essentials of Radiographic Physics & Imaging 2nd edn
- Chapter 6
Radiologic Science for Technologists Physics, Biology and Protection 10th edn (online access - CQU Library)
- Chapters 7 (pages 128 -132) & 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Interaction of x-rays with matter
- Compton scattering
- Photoelectric effect
- Factors affecting probability of interactions of x-ray with matter
Chapter
Essentials of Radiographic Physics & Imaging 2nd edn
- Chapter 7
Radiologic Science for Technologists Physics, Biology and Protection 10th edn (online access - CQU Library)
-
Chapter 9 (pages 148-151)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
X-ray beam attenuation
- Exponential attenuation
- Added and inherent filtration
- HVL
- Impact of filtration on beam spectrum
Chapter
Essentials of Radiographic Physics & Imaging 2nd edn
- Chapter 6
Radiologic Science for Technologists Physics, Biology and Protection 10th edn (online access - CQU Library)
- Chapters 7 (page 132), 8 & 9 (pages 154-159)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Break
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Radiosensitivity and Radiation risk
- Radiosensitivity classification of cell and tissue type
- Physical and biological factors affecting radiation response
- Stochastic versus Deterministic effects
- Radiation dose-response relationships
- Epidemiological studies to assess risk of radiation detriment
- Risk models
Chapter
- Chapters 30, 33 & 34
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
In-class Test 1
Module/Topic
Hereditary effects of radiation
- Review of meiosis and gamete production
- Radiation effect on different developmental stages of pregnancy
- Target theory
- Models of cell survival
- Cell recovery
Chapter
- Chapters 29, 32 & 34 (pages 530-536)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Radiation effects at the cellular level, on the body systems and the body
- Review of mitosis process
- In-vitro irradiation of macromolecules (main-chain scission, cross-linking and point lesions)
- Effects of radiation on DNA
- Radiolysis of water
- Direct and indirect effects of radiation
Chapter
- Chapters 29 (pages 472- 477) & 31
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Radiation protection
- Cardinal principles of radiation protection
- ALARA principle
- Leakage radiation
- Radiographic features in modern x-ray imaging systems
- Design of primary and secondary radiation barriers
Chapter
Chapters 35 (pages 539-543) & 36 (pages 549-556)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Radiation dose management
- Radiation detection and management
- Occupational versus public radiation exposure
- Managing occupational exposure
- Reducing unnecessary patient radiation dose
- Pregnant patients
Chapter
Chapters 36 (pages 556-564), 37 & 38
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Consolidation and revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
In-class Test 2
This unit is designed to be taken concurrently with MEDI12002 Science and Instrumentation 1 and MEDI12003 Imaging Procedures 1. Content from both of those units will be referred to and applied in this unit in both learning activities and assessments. Each week normally includes two hours of lectures and a tutorial. Students are expected to spend on average 10 - 12 hours of time each week in their study activities for this unit. A suggested time budget for weekly study is:
- 2 hours for lectures and taking notes
- 1.5 - 2 hours for completing assigned reading
- 0.5 - 1 hour for completing other posted learning activities
- 2 - 2.5 hours for creating study notes to meet weekly learning goals using lectures and readings
- 1 - 1.5 hours for working on posted tutorial questions in preparation for tutorial
- 1 hour for participation in tutorial
- 1 - 2 hours for preparation and/or revision for in-class tests
Tutorials are interactive sessions where your participation enables you to check your understanding of and your ability to apply the week's concepts and for you to build your skills in responding to test questions. Your regular and active participation strongly supports your success in the unit.
1 In-class Test(s)
This in-class test will be held in Week 7 and you will write the in-class test to demonstrate your ability to apply the concepts and use the terminology from Weeks 1 - 5 of the unit. All questions will be based on the posted weekly learning goals. Question tasks will be of the same types that you will practice in weekly tutorials. These tasks may include analysis of projected diagrams, photographs and/or radiographs, creation of line diagrams to illustrate concepts, explanations and discussions.
This test is a closed-book assessment of 90 minutes duration and will be delivered at computer workstations so that you may view both text and visuals. You may choose to provide your test responses either in traditional pen-and-paper format or electronically at the workstation. You will have a five minute perusal time prior to the allotted writing time.
This test must be written at the timetabled date and time. As per the Assessment Procedures, this task is to be completed during a defined period. There is no opportunity to apply a late penalty. If you arrive late, you may enter the test room up to 30 minutes after the start of the test; however, you will still be required to submit your test at the standard test end time. You will not be allowed entry more than 30 minutes after the test starts. In the absence of an approved extension, you cannot complete this assessment at a later time, and you will receive a mark of zero for the assessment if you have not completed it by the scheduled date and time.
The test is to be written during the designated timetabled session in Week 7.
General feedback will be provided within 2 weeks. Individualised feedback will be provided within 3 weeks.
Question responses will be scored on the following criteria:
- correct use of terminology
- correct selection and application of core concepts to the specific content of the question
- clarity, correctness, relevance and completeness of the response in addressing the question that was asked
The number of marks for each question are allocated based on the depth and breadth of the required response, and will be indicated on the test paper.
- Outline the design, structure and operation of the x-ray tube in the production of x-radiation.
- Discuss the use of devices and technical parameters to control the production, filtration and emission of the x-ray beam.
- Apply knowledge of x-ray interactive processes, probabilities of interactions and exponential attenuation concepts to the control of absorption and scatter in radiographic imaging and radiation protection.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Information Literacy
2 In-class Test(s)
This in-class test will be held in Week 14 and you will write the in-class test to demonstrate your ability to apply the concepts and use the terminology from all weeks of study, with emphasis on Weeks 6 - 11 of the unit. All questions will be based on the posted weekly learning goals. Question tasks will be of the same types that you will practice in weekly tutorials. These tasks may include analysis of projected diagrams, photographs and/or radiographs, creation of line diagrams to illustrate concepts, explanations and discussions.
This test is a closed-book assessment of 90 minutes duration and will be delivered at computer workstations so that you may view both text and visuals. You may choose to provide your test responses either in traditional pen-and-paper format or electronically at the workstation. You will have a five minute perusal time prior to the allotted writing time.
This test must be written at the timetabled date and time. As per the Assessment Procedures, this task is to be completed during a defined period. There is no opportunity to apply a late penalty. If you arrive late, you may enter the test room up to 30 minutes after the start of the test; however, you will still be required to submit your test at the standard test end time. You will not be allowed entry more than 30 minutes after the test starts. In the absence of an approved extension, you cannot complete this assessment at a later time, and you will receive a mark of zero for the assessment if you have not completed it by the scheduled date and time.
The test is to be written during the designated timetabled session in Week 14.
Two weeks after the test due date.
Question responses will be scored on the following criteria:
- correct use of terminology
- correct selection and application of core concepts to the specific content of the question
- clarity, correctness, relevance and completeness of the response in addressing the question that was asked
The number of marks for each question are allocated based on the depth and breadth of the required response, and will be indicated on the test paper.
- Outline the design, structure and operation of the x-ray tube in the production of x-radiation.
- Discuss the use of devices and technical parameters to control the production, filtration and emission of the x-ray beam.
- Apply knowledge of x-ray interactive processes, probabilities of interactions and exponential attenuation concepts to the control of absorption and scatter in radiographic imaging and radiation protection.
- Discuss the long and short term effects of ionising radiation on the human body, embryo and foetus.
- Apply the ALARA principle to the operation of x-ray equipment and the practice of radiography.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Information Literacy
- Ethical practice
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
