CSB020 Systematic Imaging Pathology

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

The field of medical imaging is rapidly changing but a sound knowledge of pathology continues to underpin diagnostics and treatment design required for professional practice. In this unit you will apply the principles of general cellular pathology to imaging of the major systems thus enabling you to use appropriate terminology to describe the pathogenesis and image appearances of common systemic diseases. This will enable you to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge of human pathology required for the understanding of subsequent clinical semesters.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Correctly use pathological terms and concepts to describe general and systemic disease processes.
2. Understand the pathogenesis of diseases that typically present as acute medical emergencies as well as chronic conditions prevalent in the Australian community.
3. Apply and describe pathological terms and concepts to the radiographic imaging appearances of common pathological conditions.
4. Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration with peers

Content

Learning Approaches

Lectures and practical sessions provide the theoretical background information, incorporating human anatomical models, pathology specimens and associated radiographic images. Practical sessions involve exploration of skills with peers to complete worksheets on questionnaires designed to address the week's learning objectives.

These activities provide you with formative feedback on your progress.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback from supervising academics on completion of practical/laboratory tasks and will be encouraged to assess their own progress using quizzes.

Assessment

Overview

Threshold assessment conditions

If you do not achieve the pass level for assessment 2 (examination) you are able to make one further attempt at an examination for the minimum pass level, only when your achieved mark is within 10% of the pass level for the assessment item. You are advised to seek  feedback on your examination performance from the unit coordinator prior to the additional assessment. Supplementary assessment is not permitted if you fail this unit because of a failure to meet the special conditions of assessment.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale and S (Satisfactory) / U (Unsatisfactory)

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Practical demonstration

Examination of pathology specimens with associated medical images in order to complete worksheets addressing the lecture's learning objectives.

Acting as a beginning medical radiation practitioner, you are required to demonstrate knowledge of pathological processes and the pathogenesis of diseases to colleagues which allows peers to determine if further imaging is required. 

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Assessment: Examination (written)

End-semester theory examination, multiple choice, short answer questions.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Threshold Assessment:

Threshold conditions apply.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You are required to view a Health & Safety Induction video and complete an online health and safety quiz prior to being permitted into the laboratory, to access please follow this link Health & Safety Induction. A passing score of 10/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory session. You may repeat the quiz until this score is achieved. You are also referred to the Faculty of Health's Health & Safety Web Site for further information.

This unit includes a mandatory laboratory component that involves the observation of potted human donor pathology specimens. As the viewing of human donor material is embedded in the content and assessment of this unit, if you have any personal objections or cultural sensitivities to observing human donor material, you are advised not to enrol in this unit, and choose an appropriate alternative with the advice of your course coordinator.

In order that you become proficient in the necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You will be required to review a series of online induction resources and material specific to this unit including the General Gardens Point Laboratory Practice and Cadaver Preparedness online resources, and successfully complete an online quiz associated with each of these inductions, before being allowed access to the laboratory. You are required to adhere to the safety requirements outlined in this material, and exhibit professional and ethical conduct at all times when accessing human donor material. Check your Canvas site for information on how to access the induction material and quizzes, and complete the student declaration of compliance.

If you have an underlying health condition or have any concerns in viewing human donor material you are encouraged to consult the unit coordinator, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions or be offered alternative learning experiences.

Course Learning Outcomes

CS48 Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours)

1. Apply advanced scientific, technical, and clinical knowledge and skills with digital literacy in ethical medical imaging practice
   Relates to: Practical demonstration, Examination (written)
2. Apply communication, interpersonal skills, and cultural responsivity necessary to enhance patient-centred clinical practice in relation to the welfare of patients and interaction with colleagues and the wider community
   Relates to: Practical demonstration