CSB056 Computed Tomography Imaging


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Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:CSB056
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite: CSB012 LQB390
Coordinator:Ajesh Singh | ajesh.singh@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

Computed Tomography Imaging is a specialised modality within the field of medical radiations. The applications of computed tomography imaging have a wide impact on differential diagnoses and subsequent radiographic examinations. This unit will provide you with an introduction to the safe operation and clinical applications of computed tomography and the image appearances, and covers both the technological and clinical aspects of computed tomography (CT). Clinical applications described include those for specific anatomical areas as well as advanced and interventional applications. The strengths and weaknesses of CT in relation to other imaging modalities are discussed.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Describe the physical principles of computed tomography (CT) and the impact of these on radiation dose and image quality.
  2. Discuss the patient care considerations for safe practice in CT imaging including indications/contraindication, preparation and contrast usage
  3. Explain the relative diagnostic strength of CT in relation to other imaging modalities.
  4. Analyse and interpret CT images of anatomical structures and common pathologic appearances.

Content

Principles of computed tomography.
Principles of reconstruction tomography.
Obtaining x-ray profiles.
Collimation and detection systems.
Reconstruction algorithms.
CT numbers.
Image display.
Performance evaluation.
CT in the diagnostic spectrum
Basic principles and terminology.
Technical parameters and considerations affecting scan quality and radiation dose.
CT radiation dose and dose minimization techniques.
Detailed clinical applications to specific anatomical areas.
CT Image appearances of anatomical structures and common pathologic conditions.

Learning Approaches

Lectures provide theoretical information and reviews of case study images. Small group tutorials and practical sessions consolidate and extend the practical skills involved. Practical sessions in image manipulation using DICOM image resources enhance the learning environment. Facilitated and structured learning using the simulation resources will be held in Q340. You will also have access to online resources and exercises that reflect content and provide formative feedback on your understanding and progress.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive feedback on your performance in on-line activities and image-viewing sessions. Small group tutorial sessions provide the opportunity for direct formative feedback. Formative online activities are available throughout the semester to provide feedback on your understanding of key concepts and image appearances.

Assessment

Overview

For the purposes of professional accreditation and demonstration of capabilities/competencies, students must achieve a satisfactory level of performance in the practical and theoretical aspects of the unit to achieve a passing grade.

Threshold assessment conditions:
In this unit, for you to be eligible to receive a passing grade, threshold assessment conditions apply. If you do not achieve the pass level for an assessment task you are able to make one resubmission of this work for the minimum pass level, only when their achieved mark/grade is within 10% (or 1 grade) of the pass level for the assessment item. You are advised to seek feedback on your submission from the unit coordinator prior to resubmission.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Online Quiz

Related to CT concepts introduced in lectures and tutorials.

Summative quiz = 2 x 10% non-invigilated online quiz on CANVAS.

Weight: 20
Length: 15
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): week 4 and week 8
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1

Assessment: Exam

(Summative) - Demonstration of Computed Tomography (CT) image evaluation and interpretation. As an emerging radiographer, you are to develop and demonstrate image interpretation skills to recognize anatomy and common pathologic appearances on CT images and escalate any urgent findings to the supervising radiographer, radiologist or to the emergency physician.

Threshold Assessment:

Threshold assessment conditions:
In this unit, for you to be eligible to receive a passing grade, threshold assessment conditions apply. If you do not achieve the pass level for an assessment task you are able to make one resubmission of this work for the minimum pass level, only when your achieved mark/grade is within 10% (or 1 grade) of the pass level for the assessment item. You are advised to seek feedback on your submission from the unit coordinator prior to resubmission.

Weight: 30
Length: 45 minutes.
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): School-based assessment, week 10 or 11
Related Unit learning outcomes: 4

Assessment: Exam (Theory)

(Summative) - End of semester theory examination consisting of short answer questions.

Threshold Assessment:

Threshold assessment conditions:
In this unit, for you to be eligible to receive a passing grade, threshold assessment conditions apply. If you do not achieve the pass level for an assessment task you are able to make one resubmission of this work for the minimum pass level, only when your achieved mark/grade is within 10% (or 1 grade) of the pass level for the assessment item. You are advised to seek feedback on your submission from the unit coordinator prior to resubmission.

Weight: 50
Length: 1 hour and 10 minutes + 10 minutes perusal.
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): School-based assessment, week 10 or 11
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

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.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Readings will be assigned from the texts listed in the Resource section below to supplement the lecture notes.

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Bushberg, J.T. (2020). The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer

Romans, L. (2018). Computed Tomography for Technologists (2nd ed.). Wolters Kluwer

Webb, W., Brant, W., & Major, N. (2019). Fundamentals of Body CT (5th ed.). Elsevier.

Weir, J., Abrahams. P., Spratt, J., & Salkowski, L.(2020). Imaging Atlas of Human Anatomy (6th ed.)  Elsevier.

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.