This unit will expand on your prior study of x-ray equipment and imaging processes of specialised imaging technologies. The primary focus of the unit is on the technical fundamentals (both theoretical and practical) of Computed Tomography to enable safe and effective scan technique. You will examine in detail the equipment operation of computed tomography and its processes such as data acquisition, processing, reconstruction and display. You will further explore dose and image optimisation strategies and quality assurance testing, including image artefacts. You will also be introduced to the physical and operational principles of advanced and/or newly emerging medical imaging modalities such as angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, nuclear medicine imaging, positron emission tomography CT, EOS and spectral CT.

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 Teaching team reflection

The Practical CT Equipment Use assessment encourages a high level of attendance at CT lab activities and ensures application of the CT theoretical knowledge obtained through weekly content.

Maintain the inclusion of the CT Practical Equipment Use assessment to encourage student engagement and application of CT skills with the CT equipment on-campus.

Feedback from Unit Coordinator & Team reflection

The Weeks 5 & 9 online tests assess the science and instrumentation of CT scanning, and the final supervised in-class test in Week 13 assesses this same content to a lesser extent with a focus on the 7 other imaging modalities covered in the latter part of the term. As CT is a vital component of the course accreditation Professional Capabilities requirements, the CT theoretical knowledge would be better assessed by changing the Week 9 test to a supervised in-class test to reflect the factual CT knowledge required by graduates in meeting accreditation standards.

Investigate the modification of the unit assessment strategy by changing the Week 9 Online Quiz to a supervised in-class test to best assess students' CT knowledge, and change the final assessment from an in-class test to an online quiz to assess the knowledge of the 7 additional imaging modalities that include new and emerging technologies.