LQB482 Anatomical Imaging

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

In order to recognise human pathology in a clinical setting, an understanding of the anatomical presentation of organs in health is essential. This unit focuses on the acquisition and application of knowledge of the organ systems of the thorax, abdomen, head and select regions of the limbs to a medical imaging context. Imaging modalities in plain and contrast radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging will be explored to understand the context of their application in the clinical setting. Furthermore an understanding of phenotypic patterns of anatomical variation will be examined through case studies and exploration of human donor material, where you will further develop effective teamwork and self-management skills, essential attributes of clinicians and biomedical scientists. This unit will build on your knowledge gained in first level anatomy and provide relevant knowledge and skills for more advanced studies in Anatomical Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Examine the relationship between the anatomy and imaging appearance of the organs and structures that are localised within the head, thorax, abdomen and select regions of the upper and lower limbs;
2. Using appropriate anatomical terminology and specificity, identify the major structures of the head, thorax, abdomen and select regions of the upper and lower limbs using human donor prosections, axial sections and a range of medical imaging modalities;
3. Investigate and communicate using a range of media the phenotypic expression of anatomical variation and its consequences on patient outcomes;
4. Discriminate the imaging appearance between pathologies and anatomical variation in clinical contexts using communication skills appropriate for medical professionals.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit provides a series of self-directed digital learning resources to prepare and advance your understanding of each week's learning concepts. These concepts will then be explored and extended in a simulated 'radiology clinic' in the workshops where you will work collaboratively to develop analysis and problem solving skills in an environment that promotes the use of communication and teamwork. You will have access to a unit-specific workbook of exercises to drive your learning each week and be used to test your understanding and progress through the semester. It is essential that you recognise anatomy as a language, that is, a means to communicate; with this in mind the learning environment will focus on the acquisition and application of anatomical terminology, through an exploration of the organisation of the human head, thorax, abdomen and select regions of the upper and lower limbs. Weekly practical classes will strengthen your identification of anatomical structures by integrating the systematic anatomy learnt in previous units to examine human donor prosections using a regional anatomy approach. Through learning activities and assessment, you will explore how medical imaging is able to non-invasively diagnose common pathologies and improve clinical practice through the identification of anatomical variation. You will explore anatomical variation through the lens of diversity of the human form by examining different human donor examples and researching phenotypic expression of anatomical variation in a select organ and sharing your findings by presenting at the Case Conference.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback on your understanding of the key concepts each week will be provided by a series of formative quizzes. The quizzes provide immediate feedback on Canvas and can be taken unlimited times to continue to refine your skills. Team and class feedback on formative activities in the unit workbook will be provided weekly in the workshops. These formative activities will support your preparation for the final exam. You will have the opportunity to develop confidence and receive feedback on your individual performance in conducting a professional conversation with a teaching team member throughout the semester.

You will provide peer feedback at the Case Conference on your peers presentations.

Assessment

Overview

To enable you to determine if you are meeting the unit learning outcomes, regular formative tasks will be undertaken during the weekly workshop classes. These tasks will provide a mechanism for you to regularly evaluate your understanding of the subject matter presented in the unit and develop and receive feedback on the necessary skills to be an effective medical communicator. The assessment in this unit targets a broad range of capabilities including digital and medical communication, and theoretical and practical anatomical understanding. You will create a digital case file to examine anatomical variation of a selected organ of interest and share your findings at a student Case Conference. The Professional Conversation will assess your ability to interpret anatomical structures in medical images and communicate radiological concepts using accurate anatomical terminology in an authentic radiology-based setting. The exam will consist of practical identification stations on donor material and medical images, as well as a number of theory questions requiring you to apply your knowledge and demonstrate critical thinking.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Anatomical Variation Case

As a health professional, a comprehensive understanding of anatomical variation is required to assure patient safety and optimal person-centred care. In the role of a practicing clinician, you will research the range of anatomical variation expected in your chosen anatomical structure and the its consequences on patient outcomes. You will then create a digital poster to improve knowledge in your local workplace and present the key findings of your research at a Case Conference with clinical peers.

You will be assessed on the quality of your scientific and medical communication skills through the digital poster, as well as your ability to communicate to a scientific community and to provide constructive feedback to others at the Case Conference.

Only the digital poster submission is an assignment for the purposes of an extension. 

Assessment: Professional Conversation

You will demonstrate your depth of understanding of anatomical imaging and medical communication skills by interpreting two unknown patient medical images through an oral professional conversation in a mock radiology setting. As the 'junior radiologist', you will be asked to identify the imaging modality, describe the purpose of the modality, describe the imaging appearance of a range of anatomical structures and describe the imaging appearance of identified pathologies in each image. Following your professional conversation with your 'supervising radiologist', you will complete your written medical report of the imaging appearance of the identified pathological structures.

Assessment: Examination (written)

Will assess your depth of understanding of regional and imaging anatomy through the identification of anatomical structures on human donor material, medical images and anatomical sections. Drawing of anatomical diagrams, application of anatomical variation knowledge and interpretation of medical imaging practise will also be required in a written communication format.

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.

Requirements to Study

Costs

Cost of lab gowns and safety protection glasses are the students responsibility.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Gregory L LQB482 Anatomical Imaging: Learning & Teaching Workbook. QUT Publishing (revised annually)

Recommended text(s)

Gilroy AM, Anne M, Voll MM, Wesker K. Anatomy: An Essential Textbook: Thieme; 2013.

Weir J. Imaging Atlas of Human Anatomy. 4th edition: Elsevier; 2011.

Safety and protective equipment

Practicals will require personal protective equipment supplied by each student:

1. Laboratory Gown - Rear fastening 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix
2. Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with Australian Safety Standards
3. Fully enclosed non-slip shoes

Risk Assessment Statement

This unit includes an optional 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 incorporates the observation of human donor material. Part of the assessment requires you to analyse this donor material. Therefore if you have any objections or cultural sensitivities to observing human donor material, you are advised not to enrol in this unit. A comprehensive safety document pertinent to life sciences laboratories and specifically to this unit is available online on the unit Canvas site; you will be required to adhere to the safety procedures detailed in this document and successfully complete a safety competency quiz before being allowed access to the laboratory; this includes specific questions on the safe handling of human donor material. You are referred to the university's health and safety web site http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/index.jsp for further information.

If you have an underlying health condition or have any personal objections to viewing and/or handling 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

LS40 Bachelor of Biomedical Science

1. Critically review, analyse and synthesise foundational knowledge in a broad range of biomedical discipline areas and in depth theoretical, technical and practical knowledge in specialised discipline areas.
   Relates to: Anatomical Variation Case, Professional Conversation, Examination (written)
2. Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
   Relates to: Anatomical Variation Case, Professional Conversation, Examination (written)
3. Contribute effectively to biomedical projects, either as an individual or as a member of a team, by demonstrating professional behaviour and participating in continuous learning.
   Relates to: Anatomical Variation Case, Professional Conversation
4. Apply knowledge and skills to rapidly source, critically analyse and communicate biomedical science information using appropriate technologies.
   Relates to: Anatomical Variation Case, Professional Conversation, Examination (written)