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Diagnostic Imaging

Module description

You will be introduced to common medical imaging modalities used for diagnosis of clinical conditions and pathologies in the context of: the basic scientific principles being used, clinical applications, and implications for safe and efficient clinical practice.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This modules aims to provide an understanding of the key underpinning scientific principles, and clinical applications (including research), of current and emerging innovations in diagnostic medical imaging. 21st Century imaging uses ionising and/or non-ionising radiation in order to: visualise anatomical structures and physiological processes; diagnose and/or treat pathologies; and monitor disease progression and the effects of therapeutic interventions.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Explain the role of key clinical imaging-based methods for diagnosis and research including projection radiography, computed tomography, fluoroscopy-based techniques, radionuclide imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, mammography and certain emerging technologies.
• 2. Explain the key basic scientific principles underpinning the diagnostic imaging techniques/modalities;
• 3. Describe the role of imaging in informed prevention, diagnosis and clinical management of important diseases;
• 4. Discuss the key principles and challenges associated with the development and implementation of new -diagnostic imaging technologies;
• 5. Describe the role of imaging within multidisciplinary team-based practice;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Use appropriate sources of information to develop own knowledge;
• 7. Demonstrate the knowledge of operating instruments used in certain diagnostic imaging modalities;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 8. Apply skills of critical thinking, problem-formulation and problem-solving;
• 9. Acquire learning skills that are required to understand an interdisciplinary subject area.

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:

Physical principles and clinical applications of diagnostic imaging techniques.

• Projection Radiography;
• Design and operating principles of the x-ray tube and image receptors; image analysis
• Digital imaging: acquisition, processing and storage;
• Dual energy x-ray absorption (DEXA);
• Fluoroscopy including interventional techniques;
• Mammography;
• Computed tomography (CT);
• Ultrasound (US);
• Radionuclide imaging (including SPECT, PET);

Magnetic resonance imaging;

Basic image analysis involved in some of the above modalities;

Science of contrast-enhancement agents.

Legislation, regulations and clinical applications

• Radiation-protection regulations and legislation;
• Patient care, safe and efficient practice;
• Ultrasound and MRI safety considerations;

Radiopharmaceuticals: choice of isotope and activity.

Emerging technologies

• Theoretical background;
• Range of potential applications;
• Micro-imaging, including micro CT, coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering.

Role of imaging in clinical science and research

• Disease prevention (including national screening programmes);
• Research (in-vitro and in-vivo);
• Supporting the multi-disciplinary team.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Please also refer to the TQA section on general Referral/Deferral guidelines: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

1. Principles and Applications of Radiological Physics. Graham T, Cloke P and Vosper M, Sixth Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, London 2012
2. Imaging for students, Lisle DA, Fourth Edition, Hodder Arnold, London 2012

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3302

http://radiopaedia.org

http://www.radiologymasterclass.co.uk/

http://nutrition.uvm.edu/bodycomp/dexa/dexa-toc.html

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

Essentials of Radiographic Physics and Imaging Johnston JN, Fauber T, Third Edition, ElsevierMissouri, 2020, 

Key words search

Medical Imaging, Diagnostic Imaging, Diagnosis, x-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound