Medical Imaging Applications
| Module title | Medical Imaging Applications |
|---|---|
| Module code | PAM2013 |
| Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Mrs Sue McAnulla (Convenor) Ms Demelza Green (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 | 2 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 92 |
|---|
Module description
This module aims to develop knowledge of the science and technology underpinning 2-D and 3-D imaging techniques; Computed Tomography (CT), Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), interventional and dental radiography. It addresses the principles of safe practice in using these various modalities and quality assurance in medical imaging. The module further aims to provide practical experience in interpretation of the images that arise from these modalities.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to equip you with a fundamental understanding of the roles and scope of Computed Tomography (CT), Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), interventional and dental radiography within the field of medical imaging to underpin appropriate decision-making when justifying imaging requests. The module also aims to develop safe practice within these modalities so that you have appropriate awareness of restrictions, ethics, legislation and professionalism to be able to maintain the safety of yourself and others present in the imaging environment.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Explain the basic physical principles of CT, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, MRI, DXA, interventional and dental radiography.
- 2. Describe and explain the design and function of systems for provision of two-dimensional and three-dimensional CT, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, MRI, DXA, interventional and dental radiography.
- 3. Describe potential hazards and the systems and governance for safe and ethical working in the conduct of CT, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, MRI, DXA, interventional and dental radiography.
- 4. Describe a range of CT, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, MRI, DXA, interventional and dental radiography procedures including advantages and limitations of each.
- 5. Identify normal appearance and examples of common pathology on CT, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, MRI, DXA, interventional and dental radiography images.
- 6. Describe the requirements and techniques of quality assurance and quality control relating to medical imaging.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Use IT packages for image viewing
- 8. Use appropriate sources of information to develop own knowledge;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. Manage time and, with some guidance, prioritise workloads;
- 10. Use problem-solving skills in practical situations.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
Computed Tomography (CT)
Physical principles of CT.
Patient hazards: Radiation protection, contrast agent risks.
Design and operating principles of the CT scanner.
Range of CT techniques and applications: trauma, disease staging, angiography, guidance.
Image production.
Patient care, safe and efficient practice.
Regulations and legislation.
Quality assurance.
Nuclear Medicine
Physical principles of 2D and 3D radionuclide imaging and hybrid techniques.
Patient hazards: Radiation protection for unsealed sources.
Design and operating principles of the gamma camera.
Image production.
Range of nuclear medicine techniques and applications: Radionuclide imaging, quantitative and therapeutic techniques.
Radiopharmaceuticals: production, requirements, choice of isotope and activity.
Tagging, physiological uptake and half-life.
Patient care, safe and efficient practice.
Regulations and legislation.
Quality assurance.
Ultrasound
Physical principles of ultrasound.
Patient Hazards: Heating and cavitation.
Design and operating principles of the ultrasound scanner.
Image production.
Standard imaging procedures: A mode, B mode, M mode. Principles, equipment and interpretation.
Range of ultrasound techniques and applications: Doppler, echocardiography, elastography, guidance.
Ultrasound contrast agents: principles and applications.
Patient care, safe and efficient practice.
Regulations and legislation.
Quality assurance.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Physical principles of MRI.
Patient hazards: static magnetic field, switching magnetic fields, radiofrequency heating.
Design and operating principles of the MRI scanner.
Image production.
Standard imaging sequences: pulse sequence types and image weighting.
MRI contrast agents: principles and applications.
Patient care, safe and efficient practice.
Regulations and legislation.
Quality assurance.
Mammography, Interventional X-radiography, Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), Dental radiography.
Equipment design.
Image requirements.
Patient care, safe and efficient practice.
Regulations and legislation.
Quality assurance.
Image appreciation
Evaluation and interpretation of images from all modalities covered in module: level of normal anatomy demonstrated, normal and pathological examples.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 240 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 40 | 40x1-hour lectures |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 20 | Practical sessions |
| Guided independent study | 20 | Directed background reading |
| Guided independent study | 220 | Reading, private study and revision |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELE quizzes during class | 0 | 4-10 | Computer generated |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 66 | 34 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 66 | 3000 words | 3-5, 8-10 | Written |
| Written Examination | 34 | 2 hours | 1-3, 6 | iExeter and ELE |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay (66%) | Essay (3000 words) | 3-5, 8-10 | August/September assessment period |
| Written Examination (34%) | Written Examination (2 hours) | 1-3, 6 | August/September assessment period |
Re-assessment notes
Essay and coursework reassessment is resubmission of original piece with required improvements to meet threshold for passing.
Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- Kim, E. (2012), Handbook of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging: principles and clinical applications, World Scientific, ISBN 9789814366236
- Kremkau F.W. (2016), Sonography: Principles and Instruments (9th edition), Saunders, ISBN 978-0323322713
- McRobbie D.W. et al. (2017), MRI from Picture to Proton (3rd edition), Cambridge University Press, ISBN 9781107706958
- Powsner R.A. Palmer M.R. and Powsner E.R (2013), Essentials of Nuclear Medicine Physics (3rd edition)., Wiley Blackwell, ISBN 978-0470905500
- Sharp P.F., Gemmell H.G. and Murray A.D. (2005), Practical Nuclear Medicine (3rd edition), Springer, ISBN 1-852-33875-X
- Society and College of Radiographers (2019), Safety in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Society and College of Radiographers, ISBN 978-1-909802-31-5
- Westbrook C. (2018), MRI in Practice (5th edition), Wiley Blackwell, ISBN 978-1-119-39196-8
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/09/2004 |
| Last revision date | 18/03/2021 |
