Overview
This unit focuses on the the main steps in producing a useful digital radiograph. You will learn to control of the x-ray beam's production and passage through the structures by judicious selection of technical factors. You will learn to control scatter radiation and recognise its impact on radiographs. You will harness image geometry concepts to control structural appearances on radiographs. You will explore basic concepts of digital imaging technology with a focus on clinical skill in the production, display, manipulation, storage and distribution of digital radiographs. You will become familiar with the attributes of radiographic image quality and the many factors that impact on those attributes.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: MEDI11001 Fundamentals of Imaging Professions MEDI11002 Physics for Health Sciences ESSC11004 Study and Research Skills for Health Sciences Co-requisite: MEDI12001 Radiation Science
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 - 2021
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 Student feedback, unit coordinator reflection, course staff.
Recorded lectures provide students with flexibility in study times and the ability to re-watch or pause to support learning.
Use a flipped-classroom model with all recorded lectures and face-to-face labs and tutorials.
Feedback from Student feedback.
Revision quizzes with feedback were helpful.
Continue with the use of the revision quizzes and include feedback to responses.
Feedback from Unit coordinator reflection
The online quiz for the first assessment supports feedback and more timely return to students.
Investigate using an online Moodle quiz as the first assessment.
- Use technical terminology correctly in describing radiographic image appearances
- Apply concepts of image geometry, differential attenuation, scatter production and equipment operation to control radiographic image appearances
- Make reasoned adjustments to technical factor selections according to the attenuating properties of the structures being imaged and the requirements of the imaging system
- Discuss at a basic level the clinical operation of the various digital radiographic image receptors and processing systems
- Discuss at a basic level core concepts of digital image properties, display, manipulation and storage.
This unit links to the following Professional Capabilities for Medical Radiation Practitioners as detailed by the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (effective March 2020):
- Domain 1:2 Use clinical information management systems appropriately (parts a-g).
- Domain 1:6 Implement techniques for patient/client stabilisation and reproducibility of procedures and outcomes (part a).
- Domain 1A:1 Perform projection radiography in a range of setting (parts a,c,d,f)
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 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
| 11 - 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 | 11 | |
| 1 - Online Test - 40% | |||||||||||
| 2 - Online Test - 60% | |||||||||||
Textbooks
Essentials of Radiographic Physics & Imaging
- Edition: 3 (2020)
- Authors: James Johnston and Terri Fauber
- Elsevier
- St. Louis St. Louis , Missouri , USA
- ISBN: 9780323566681
- Binding: Hardcover
Additional Textbook Information
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- CQUniversity PACS
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
l.williams@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 08 Mar 2021Module/Topic
Radiographic image properties and the imaging process
- differential attenuation
- the radiograph as an attenuation map
- image properties (visibility, density, brightness, contrast, unsharpness or blur, spatial resolution, distortion)
- imaging workflow
- introduction to the digital image
Chapter
Prescribed text, sections from:
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
Refer to Moodle for specific pages and any additional readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lab & tutorial:
- orientation to the radiographic laboratory and PACS
- image properties
Week 2
Begin Date: 15 Mar 2021Module/Topic
Image Geometry - distortion
- radiographic image geometry
- positioning of the beam, part and image receptor to control radiographic appearances of spatial relationships
- effects of image geometry on the image (superimposition, magnification and shape distortion)
Chapter
Prescribed text, sections from:
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 11
Refer to Moodle for specific pages and any additional readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lab & tutorial - geometric distortion
Week 3
Begin Date: 22 Mar 2021Module/Topic
Image Geometry - unsharpness
- line focus principle
- effective vs actual focal spot size
- effect of focal spot size
- effect of image geometry
- unsharpness and visibility
- absorption blur, motion blur
- spatial resolution
Chapter
Prescribed text, sections from:
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 11
Refer to Moodle for specific pages and any additional readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lab & tutorial - unsharpness and spatial resolution
Week 4
Begin Date: 29 Mar 2021Module/Topic
Scatter on the radiographic image
- control of scatter production
- collimation and positive beam limitation
- control of scatter to the image receptor
- air gap technique
- effect of scatter on visibility
- contrast resolution
Chapter
Prescribed text, sections from:
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 12
Refer to Moodle for specific pages and any additional readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lab & tutorial - scatter on images
Week 5
Begin Date: 05 Apr 2021Module/Topic
Control of scatter using grids
- grid construction and types
- grid use
- grid errors
- technical factor compensation
- grid metrics
Chapter
Prescribed text, sections from Chapter 12
Refer to Moodle for specific pages and any additional readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lab & tutorial - grid use
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 12 Apr 2021Module/Topic
Break week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 19 Apr 2021Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Test 1: Wednesday 21 April 2021. Begins 2pm AEST. Ends 3:30pm AEST.
No lab or tutorial
Week 7
Begin Date: 26 Apr 2021Module/Topic
Digital radiographic imaging
- properties of the digital radiograph
- digital vs film-screen imaging
- digital radiography process of acquisition, processing and display
- visibility of displayed image
- PACS systems and PACS workflow
- DICOM
Chapter
Prescribed text, sections from:
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
Refer to Moodle for specific pages and any additional readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lab & tutorial - digital radiographic imaging
Week 8
Begin Date: 03 May 2021Module/Topic
Digital radiographic image receptor systems
- computed radiography
- image reader
- direct read radiography
Chapter
Prescribed text from Chapter 10
Refer to Moodle for specific pages and any additional readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lab & tutorial - digital image acquisition
Week 9
Begin Date: 10 May 2021Module/Topic
Radiographic exposure technique (1)
- control of radiation quantity to the image receptor
- exposure index and deviation index
- control of differential attenuation
- effects on the recorded image
- noise, mottle and visibility
Chapter
Prescribed text, sections from Chapters 10 and 11
Refer to Moodle for specific pages and any additional readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lab & tutorial - effects of mAs and kV change
Week 10
Begin Date: 17 May 2021Module/Topic
Radiographic exposure technique (2)
- control of tube heating
- basics of automatic exposure control
- exposure technique charts and anatomical programming
- SID changes and direct square law
Chapter
Prescribed text, sections from:
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 13
Refer to Moodle for specific pages and any additional readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lab & tutorial - other determinants of beam quality and quantity
Week 11
Begin Date: 24 May 2021Module/Topic
Selection of exposure factors
- impact of body part content and size
- exponential attenuation
- formulation of an exposure technique chart
- circumstances requiring exposure technique modification
Chapter
Prescribed text, sections from Chapters 11 and 13
Refer to Moodle for specific pages and any additional readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lab & tutorial - exposure technique chart formulation
Week 12
Begin Date: 31 May 2021Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
No lab
Revision tutorial
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 07 Jun 2021Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 14 Jun 2021Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Test 2: Date & time to be advised.
This unit is designed to be taken concurrently with MEDI12001 Radiation Science and content from that unit will be referred to and used to develop understanding of the content in this unit. You are expected to spend on average 10 - 12 hours of time each week in your study activities for this unit.
A suggested time budget for weekly study is:
- Assigned reading - 1-2 hours
- Watching and taking notes from recorded lectures - 2 hours
- Labs (preparation, lab time, group time) - 2 hours
- Tutorial preparation and participation - 2.5 hours
- Creating your own study notes to meet weekly learning goals using lectures, tutorials, readings and other Moodle resources - 2-3 hours
- You will also need to spend time throughout term in revision and preparation for the 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. Tutorials are also closely related to the lab for the week. Your regular and active participation in both labs and tutorials strongly supports your success in the unit.
1 Online Test
You will complete an online test in Week 6 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 a similar type to those discussed in weekly tutorials and will require you to apply your knowledge and understanding to a given scenario. The tasks may include analysis of diagrams, photographs and/or radiographs. Questions may include quiz-style questions (for example multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching), true/false with explanation and written response.
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 also 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.
This is a timed online test via Moodle and will be for a 90 minute duration. This test must be completed 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.
This test is to be completed on Wednesday 21 April 2021 beginning at 2pm AEST and will be for a duration of 90 minutes, closing at 3:30pm AEST.
Week 8 Wednesday (5 May 2021)
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 online test.
- Use technical terminology correctly in describing radiographic image appearances
- Apply concepts of image geometry, differential attenuation, scatter production and equipment operation to control radiographic image appearances
- Communication
- Problem Solving
2 Online Test
You will complete an online test in Week 14 to demonstrate your ability to apply the concepts and use the terminology learned in the unit. All questions will be based on the posted weekly learning goals. Question tasks will be of a similar type to those discussed in weekly tutorials and will require you to apply your knowledge and understanding to a given scenario. The tasks may include analysis of diagrams, photographs and/or radiographs. Questions may include quiz-style questions (for example multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching), true/false with explanation and written response.
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 also 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. The test will be for a duration of 150 minutes.
This is a timed online test via Moodle and must be completed 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.
This test will be administered during the University's Exam period. The time and date of the test will be advised via Moodle.
At certification of grade.
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
- Use technical terminology correctly in describing radiographic image appearances
- Apply concepts of image geometry, differential attenuation, scatter production and equipment operation to control radiographic image appearances
- Make reasoned adjustments to technical factor selections according to the attenuating properties of the structures being imaged and the requirements of the imaging system
- Discuss at a basic level the clinical operation of the various digital radiographic image receptors and processing systems
- Discuss at a basic level core concepts of digital image properties, display, manipulation and storage.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Information Technology Competence
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?
