PCN211 Physics of Medical Imaging
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | PCN211 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $6,492 |
| International unit fee | $6,300 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | PCN211 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Jamie Trapp | j.trapp@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Support for clinical imaging systems is an integral part of the Medical Physics profession. This requires an understanding of not only electronics and software, but also the fundamental physics underpinning the process of imaging. The aim of this unit is to provide you with a solid understanding of the physics behind three common medical imaging modalities: Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and ultrasound imaging. These techniques complement each other both in terms of the type of radiation used (ionising radiation, radio waves and acoustic waves) and in terms of the imaging utility; therefore, this combination of techniques provides a good introduction into the diverse and rapidly developing field of medical imaging. You will learn about the interaction of these types of radiation with matter, the basic mathematical principles of image formation, the factors determining image contrast and ways to modulate contrast, and the imaging common hardware.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the physics and technology of x-ray radioology, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound.
- Critically and effectively apply advanced knowledge and skills in medical imaging to real world clinical problems
- Synthesise advanced knowledge from multiple sources to make sound judgements and to formulate strategies for best practice in diagnostic imaging medical physics.
- Engage and communicate effectively with peers, stakeholders and members of the clinical multi-disciplinary team.
- Autonomously and ethically plan and execute tasks to a high professional standard.
Content
The unit covers the three important imaging modalities of x-ray, MRI, and ultrasound with an emphasis on the physics and technology as well as the role of the clinical medical physicist. Throughout the unit you are introduced to real clinical examples of the use of the three diagnostic imaging modalities from a medical physicist's perspective.
Physics of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology
- X ray production including spectra
- Exposure parameters and influence on image quality
- X ray Imaging
- Radiography
- Mammography
- Computed Tomography and tomographic reconstruction
- Fluoroscopy and interventional radiology
- DXA, dental and tomography
- Patient dose and system optimization
Ultrasound Imaging
- Acoustic properties of biological tissues
- Wave, motion and propagation, acoustic power
- Modes of scanning
- Transducers
- Doppler
- Safety
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)I
- Physics of MRI
- MR image formation
- MR instrumentation
- MRI methods
- MR contrast and image quality
- Safety
- Clinical applications and artefacts
- Dual and multi-modality imaging
- Principles of quality management in radiology
Learning Approaches
Lectures/workshops: 2 hours / week
Practical / Experimental: 2 - 3 hours / week (4 - 5 weeks throughout the semester)
The unit uses blended learning methodology to introduce the technical content and allows you to develop your knowledge as well as the applied technical and professional skills that are required by the clinical medical physicist. The face to face element encompasses:
- Formal lectures including interactive discussions and solutions of authentic problem solving tasks and
- Real world learning opportunities during practicals which introduce you to medical imaging quality assurance and compliance tests, including visits to medical imaging facilities, with a strong emphasis on relating the theory to clinical practice and on the development of your practical skills. You will learn to perform some of the clinical tasks individually or as a member of a team under the supervision of experienced medical physicists.
The online component includes teaching materials and supporting resources made available on Canvas.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will be given feedback on your progress throughout the unit through the following methods:
- Written comments on problem solving tasks and practical reports according to assessment criteria enabling you to reflect on and address any potential weaknesses in the required knowledge and skills
- Formative feedback on online activities through online channels or in person during consultation sessions.
- Informal peer and teacher feedback in consultation sessions and practicals.
- Individual or group consultation on request.
Assessment
Overview
Your knowledge and skills will be assessed in a variety of ways: you will be required to write a response to a set questions, problems or issues related to magnetic resonance imaging. You will also prepare individual reports based on laboratory/practical exercises (which are designed to develep and assess your practical skills) and an end of semester written exam will assess your theoretical knowledge underpinning the practice.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Task
An online problem set to assess your understanding of x-ray and CT concepts.
Assessment: Laboratory Portfolio
A demonstration of practical skills relevant to medical imaging (observe and carry out commissioning, compliance and quality assurance tasks and protocols that a clinical medical physicist is required to perform). You will be required to demonstrate your knowledge and deeper understanding of the practical tasks performed through the submission of a report or proforma/questionnaire.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Examination (invigilated)
You will be required to complete an exam at the end of the semester which will test your understanding of the theoretical concepts introduced in this unit. As part of this exam, medical case studies will assess the application of your theoretical knowledge in a real world context.
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
Lecture Notes will be made available on the Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
Attention will be drawn to relevant workplace health and safety issues during lectures and practicals. There are no other out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PH71 Graduate Diploma in Applied Science
- Demonstrate advanced critical knowledge and specialised technical skills base on current research in medical physics
Relates to: ULO1, Examination (invigilated) - Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the main areas of medical physics
Relates to: ULO1 - Effectively apply advanced discipline skills in the main areas of medical physics to meet an identified medical physics problem/requirement
Relates to: ULO1 - Demonstrate higher order cognitive skills to critically assess knowledge and provide creative solutions to complex problems in research or the professional practice of medical physics
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Problem Solving Task, Laboratory Portfolio - Systematically and critically assess current knowledge to solve complex problems within medical physics
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3 - Constructively, creatively and effectively apply advanced analytical skills to deal with complex issues within the field
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3 - Demonstrate creative problem solving and specialised professional skills in the domain of Medical Physics
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3 - Apply knowledge and skills and use appropriate communication strategies to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a diverse audience
Relates to: ULO4 - Communicate effectively and professionally with peers, stakeholders and the broader community
Relates to: ULO4 - Demonstrate proficiency in all modes of professional and/or scholarly communication.
Relates to: ULO4 - Engage effectively across multicultural and/or interdisciplinary domains
Relates to: ULO4 - Apply acquired knowledge and skills to work with integrity within the professional context of Medical Physics.
Relates to: ULO5, Laboratory Portfolio - Make sound judgement in a range of technical functions in various specialised contexts
Relates to: ULO5 - Autonomously plan and execute tasks within a varied and specialised technical context
Relates to: ULO5 - Apply self-management skills to successfully complete complex projects
Relates to: ULO5
PH80 Master of Applied Science
- Demonstrate advanced critical knowledge and specialised technical skills based on current research in medical physics
Relates to: ULO1, Examination (invigilated) - Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the main areas of medical physics
Relates to: ULO1 - Critically review current research principles and methods to develop a deep understanding relevant to a specific medical physics problem
Relates to: ULO1 - Critically and effectively apply specialist discipline knowledge and skills to meet an identified medical physics problem/requirements
Relates to: ULO1 - Demonstrate higher order cognitive skills to critically assess knowledge and provide creative solutions to complex problems in research and/or the professional practice of medical physics
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Problem Solving Task, Laboratory Portfolio - Critically evaluate current research and research methodologies in medical physics
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3 - Apply investigative research methods to generate research
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3 - Synthesise multiple information sources to make sound judgements and to formulate best practice strategies and solutions using established theories
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3 - Systematically, creatively and effectively deal with complex issues to solve significant problems within medical physics
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3 - Constructively and creatively apply advanced analytical skills
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3 - Apply their knowledge and skills to design and use appropriate communication strategies to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a diverse range of audience
Relates to: ULO4 - Communicate effectively and professionally with peers, stakeholders and the broader community
Relates to: ULO4 - Demonstrate proficiency in all modes of professional and/or scholarly communication.
Relates to: ULO4 - Engage effectively across multicultural and/or interdisciplinary domains
Relates to: ULO4 - Apply acquired knowledge and skills to work with integrity within a varied and specialised professional contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO5, Laboratory Portfolio - Autonomously and ethically plan and execute tasks at a professional level
Relates to: ULO3, ULO5 - Work effectively with others to meet shared goals.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO5 - Apply self-management skills to successfully complete complex projects.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO5