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 MEDI11002 Physics for Health Science ESSC11004 Study and Research Skills for Health Sciences
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 - 2022
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 Unit coordinator self-reflection
Students appreciated the adaptation of multiple small groups during the tutorials to support their engagement and learning in the unit.
Continue utilising the multiple small group approach in the tutorials so that the students have the opportunity to engage, participate, discuss and answer the tutorial questions with other group members.
Feedback from Have your say Unit coordinator reflection
Students found the weekly tutorials supported them in reviewing and consolidating the concepts covered in the unit.
Continue with the weekly tutorials to support student learning.
Feedback from Have your say
There is an expectation among some students that they can study the unit by reading through the lecture slides only and not watching the pre-recorded lecture videos.
Emphasise the importance of watching the lecture video in conjunction with the lecture slides in the future iteration of the unit.
Feedback from Have your say Unit coordinator reflection
Some students found the first four weeks of the unit, which was physics-content heavy, challenging and they struggled with these topics in their first assessment held in Week 5.
Investigate the option of having the first assessment in Week 6 instead of Week 5 to give students more time to engage with the content and complete the review and consolidation of the topics in preparation for their assessment.
- Discuss the design, structure and operation of the x-ray tube in the production of x-radiation
- Discuss the use of technical parameters, filters and collimation to control the useful x-ray beam's contents and dimensions
- Apply underlying physical concepts in discussing the processes of x-ray photon production, x-ray interactions with matter and differential attenuation, in explaining the factors that affect each and in explaining the various metrics of radiation quantity and risk
- Discuss current scientific understanding of the bioeffects and associated risks of radiation at the levels used in diagnostic radiology to body cells, tissues and systems across the lifespan
- Discuss radiation safety regulations, legislation and associated best practice standards as they apply to occupational exposure and safe use of ionising radiation in diagnostic imaging.
This unit links to the following Professional Capabilities for Medical Radiation Practitioners as detailed by the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (effective 1 March 2020):
- Domain 1A:1 Perform projection radiography examinations in a range of settings (parts a,d)
- Domain 5:1 Perform and provide safe radiation practice (parts a,b,c,d,f)
- Domain 5:4 Maintain safety of the workplace and associated environments (a,c,d,e,f,g)
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Online Test - 40% | |||||
| 2 - Online Test - 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 - Online Test - 40% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Online Test - 60% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Essentials of Radiographic Physics & Imaging
Edition: 3 (2019)
Authors: James Johnston and Terri Fauber
Elsevier
St. Louis St. Louis , Missouri , USA
ISBN: 9780323566681
Binding: Hardcover
Additional Textbook Information
This textbook is required for multiple second year units: MEDI12001 Radiation Science, MEDI12002 Science & Instrumentation 1 and MEDI12005 Science & Instrumentation 2. Students may use either the hard copy or e-book version of this text. The e-book version of the text allows both online (web-based) and offline (downloaded copy) access to the book and has no expiry date. It is usable on both computers and tablets (specifically iPads and Android OS). The hardcopy textbook is available through the University Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code). The e-book version of this text can be purchased at the Bookshop as well, just press the "Check for eBook link" in the item.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
r.d.kumar@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
X-ray production: Part 1
- Review of Physics foundation concepts associated with x-ray production
- Overview of key internal and external structures (anode and cathode) of the x-ray tube involved in the x-ray production process
Chapter
Essentials of Radiographic Physics & Imaging 3rd edn Chapter 4, Chapter 5 & Chapter 6
- Refer to Moodle for specific pages and any additional readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
X-ray production: Part 2
- Heat production at the anode
- Characteristic radiation production
- Bremsstrahlung radiation process
Chapter
Essentials of Radiographic Physics & Imaging 3rd edn Chapter 4, Chapter 5 & Chapter 6
- Refer to Moodle for specific pages and any additional readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial 2
Module/Topic
X-ray spectrum
Expression of radiation quantity
- Exposure, exposure rate, radioactivity, KERMA, entrance surface dose, dose area product, absorbed dose, equivalent dose, effective dose and tissue weighting
X-ray emission spectrum
- Impact of exposure time, mAs and kVp on beam spectrum
Chapter
Essentials of Radiographic Physics & Imaging 3rd edn Chapter 6
- Refer to Moodle for specific pages and any additional readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial 3
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 3rd edn Chapter 7
- Refer to Moodle for specific pages and any additional readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial 4
Module/Topic
X-ray beam attenuation
- Exponential attenuation
- Anode heel effect (self-filtration)
- HVL and compensating filters
- Impact of target material and filtration on beam spectrum
Chapter
Essentials of Radiographic Physics & Imaging 3rd edn Chapter 6
- Refer to Moodle for specific pages and any additional readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial 5
Module/Topic
Break week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Assessment week
Chapter
No new content taught
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 tissue reactions
- Radiation dose-response relationships
- Epidemiological studies to assess risk of radiation detriment
- Risk models
Chapter
Refer to the unit Moodle site for assigned readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial 6
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
Refer to the unit Moodle site for assigned readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial 7
Module/Topic
Radiation effects at 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
Refer to the unit Moodle site for assigned readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial 8
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
Refer to the unit Moodle site for assigned readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial 9
Module/Topic
Radiation dose management
- Radiation detection and management
- Occupational versus public radiation exposure
- Managing occupational exposure
- Dose comparisons for imaging procedures and modalities
- Regulation and legislation on radiation protection
- Recent developments in clinical radiation protection practices
- Reducing unnecessary patient dose, including pregnant patients.
Chapter
Refer to the unit Moodle site for assigned readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial 10
Module/Topic
Consolidation and revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial 11
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
You are expected to spend on average 10 -12 hours of time each week in your study activities for this unit. A suggested budget for weekly study is:
- 2 hours for watching lecture recordings and taking notes
- 1.5 - 2 hours for completing assigned readings
- 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 online 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 Online Test
You will complete an online test on Tuesday 19 April 2022 in Week 6. This test will be available from 3:20pm to 5:00pm AEST. The test is a timed test that will begin once you've opened it, and will be for a duration of 90 minutes, closing automatically when the 90 minutes is up. The aim of the test is for you to demonstrate your ability to apply concepts and terminology from Weeks 1-5 of the unit. All questions will be based on the posted weekly learning goals. The question tasks will be of similar type to those discussed in weekly tutorials and will require you to apply your knowledge and understanding to a given scenario. These tasks may include analysis of diagrams and photographs to explain and discuss concepts. There will be a mixture of problem solving and application of concepts type questions.
This is an open book test. It means that during the test you may access your study notes, textbook, the unit Moodle site and/or any website. The standards of academic integrity still apply. All responses must be your own work. Colluding with other students on non-group work is considered academic misconduct. Just as for written assignments, you must acknowledge intellectual content in your answers that is not your own work. Basic statements of facts are considered 'common knowledge' in the context of this unit so they do not need to be cited. However, if you copy any explanation content word-for-word from ANY source, you must put that content in quotation marks and formally cite your source. Although this is an open book test, the expectation is that you will be familiar with the unit content and concepts. You should not assume you will have time to look up the answer to every question.
As per the assessment Procedures, this test must be written at the timetabled date and time. There is no opportunity to apply a late penalty. 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 submitted it by the scheduled date and time. If you start the test late, you will still be required to submit at the stated closing time.
Week 6 Tuesday (19 Apr 2022) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 8 Tuesday (3 May 2022)
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
- critical thinking
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 online test.
- Discuss the design, structure and operation of the x-ray tube in the production of x-radiation
- Discuss the use of technical parameters, filters and collimation to control the useful x-ray beam's contents and dimensions
- Apply underlying physical concepts in discussing the processes of x-ray photon production, x-ray interactions with matter and differential attenuation, in explaining the factors that affect each and in explaining the various metrics of radiation quantity and risk
- Communication
- Problem Solving
2 Online Test
You will complete an online test on Wednesday 8th June 2022 in Week 13 (Review/Exam week) to demonstrate your ability to apply concepts and terminology learned in the unit. This test will be available from 9:50am to 12:00pm AEST. The test is a timed test that will begin once you've opened it, and will be for a duration of 120 minutes, closing automatically when the 120 minutes is up. All questions will be based on the posted weekly learning goals. The question tasks will be the same types that you will practice in the weekly tutorials. These tasks may include analysis of diagrams and photographs to explain and discuss concepts. There will be a mixture of problem solving and application of concepts type questions.
This is an open book test. It means that during the test you may access your study notes, textbook, the unit Moodle site and/or any website. The standards of academic integrity still apply. All responses must be your own work. Colluding with other students on non-group work is considered academic misconduct. Just as for written assignments, you must acknowledge intellectual content in your answers that is not your own work. Basic statements of facts are considered 'common knowledge' in the context of this unit so they do not need to be cited. However, if you copy any explanation content word-for-word from ANY source, you must put that content in quotation marks and formally cite your source. Although this is an open book test, the expectation is that you will be familiar with the unit content and concepts. You should not assume you will have time to look up the answer to every question.
As per the assessment Procedures, this test must be written at the timetabled date and time. There is no opportunity to apply a late penalty. 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 submitted it by the scheduled date and time. If you start the test late, you will still be required to submit at the stated closing time.
Review/Exam Week Wednesday (8 June 2022) 12:00 pm AEST
Two weeks after the final test.
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
- critical thinking
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 online test.
- Discuss the design, structure and operation of the x-ray tube in the production of x-radiation
- Discuss the use of technical parameters, filters and collimation to control the useful x-ray beam's contents and dimensions
- Apply underlying physical concepts in discussing the processes of x-ray photon production, x-ray interactions with matter and differential attenuation, in explaining the factors that affect each and in explaining the various metrics of radiation quantity and risk
- Discuss current scientific understanding of the bioeffects and associated risks of radiation at the levels used in diagnostic radiology to body cells, tissues and systems across the lifespan
- Discuss radiation safety regulations, legislation and associated best practice standards as they apply to occupational exposure and safe use of ionising radiation in diagnostic imaging.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- 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?
