CSB012 Introduction to Medical Radiations


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:CSB012
Credit points:12
Coordinators:Therese Gunn | therese.gunn@qut.edu.au
Noirin Neligan | n.neligan@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

This introductory unit provides you with an overview of the principles of medical radiation practices. Following semesters will build on this foundation knowledge in your studies in medical imaging practice.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Describe the role and function of medical radiation practitioners in providing patient-centred care
  2. Summarise the physical principles of operation and clinical applications of a range of medical imaging modalities
  3. Apply knowledge of the principles of image production in the radiography laboratory situation
  4. Identify types of cancer and explain the techniques used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer
  5. Evaluate literature and reflect on the role and function of the medical imaging practitioner.

Content

Introduction to the Medical Radiations Practitioner role and function in accordance to MRPBA professional capabilities (2020) and National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards

Medical terminology
The role of the medical imaging department
Patient care and clinical history
Communication and interpersonal skills

Ethical considerations and confidentiality
Professional practice issues e.g. registration; licensing
Radiation protection and workplace safety NSQHS Standards (2021)
Introduction to the principles of research and evidence based practice
Introduction to models of reflection and reflective practice

Principles of diagnostic radiography and imaging
Introduction to contrast media Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics and uses
Image Intensified Fluoroscopy
Digital Radiography
Computed Tomography
Nuclear Medicine
Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Cancer diagnosis and treatment: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Principles of cancer management and patient care
The fundamentals of cancer therapy: surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy.

Learning Approaches

This unit uses a blended learning, theory to practice approach. Lectures will provide the theoretical background knowledge, incorporating case study examples and professional information, including inter professional learning with radiation therapy first year students. In supervised practical sessions using x-ray equipment you will engage with a small group of peers to apply the theoretical principles from lectures to the production of x-ray images (radiographs). These sessions allow you to apply your knowledge of physical principles of operation and production of x-ray images. Following the practical class, you will complete the related Canvas quiz. This unit is supported by Student Success Group with ongoing promotion and access to resources via Canvas announcements.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive immediate visual feedback by reviewing your output image during your laboratory practical exercises. Discussion with peers and supervising staff (including academic and industry professionals) during the conduct of practical sessions will enhance your understanding of activities. Class feedback on the sample questions will be provided during class and automated Canvas quizzes.

Assessment

Overview

Assessment items are designed to measure your ability to meet the knowledge and skills indicated in the learning outcomes. There will be ongoing formative assessment through weekly practical exercises. A practical assessment based on the weekly practical exercises will provide summative assessment. A theory examination will be held at the end of semester. Canvas will be used to provide sample questions in preparation for the final theory examination. For the purpose of professional accreditation you must achieve a satisfactory level of achievement in the theory 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 re-submission of this work for the minimum pass level, only when the 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 re-submission.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Examination (practical)

Acting as a novice radiographer you will apply foundational knowledge to safely complete a practical exercise within the medical imaging laboratory, based on the content of the supervised practical sessions. You will demonstrate radiation safety standards and equipment knowledge and explain the physical principles of task to supervisors to enable progression to semester 2 practical laboratory exercises.

Weight: 30
Length: Appoximately 30 minutes
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): During semester (between week 5 and week 8)
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3

Assessment: Essay

Acting as a novice radiographer you will evaluate literature related to professional practice and submit an analytical essay on an aspect of the role and function of the medical radiation practitioner in providing patient centred care. Personally reflect on your professional pathway and your choice of medical imaging as a career.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 20
Length: 1000 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): During semester (approximately week 10)
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 5

Assessment: Examination (written)

You will complete a multiple choice and short answer written examination conducted during centrally time tabled exam period. This will assess all unit content from lecture and practical activities.

Threshold Assessment:

Threshold conditions apply.

 

Weight: 50
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Central Examination Period
Central exam duration: 2:10 - Including 10 minute perusal
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4

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

Any medical dictionary for the health professions.

Resource Materials

Reference book(s)

Bontrager, K.L. (2024). Textbook of Radiographic Positioning & Related Anatomy (11th ed.). Mosby Elsevier: St Louis Missouri

CSB012 Introduction to Medical Radiations Laboratory Manual (provided)
Adler, A., Carlton, R. (2019). Introduction to Radiologic Sciences and Patient Care (7th ed.). Saunders.

Holmes, K., Elkington, M., Harris, P. (2021). Clark's Essential Physics in Imaging for Radiographers (2nd Edition). CRC Press.

Risk Assessment Statement

The only out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit relate to the use of x-ray equipment in the radiography laboratory. You will receive instructions on safety issues and laboratory rules. You will be required to submit a declaration that you have read the Radiation Safety and Protection Plan prior to using the facilities.