Program Overview

Introduction to CHIR6410 Radiographic Science

The CHIR6410 unit is designed to develop students' knowledge in the underlying physical principles of medical radiation science and radiographic image production. This unit prepares students for further study in diagnostic radiology, covering key components of radiation physics, image production, and image processing.

General Information

• Unit convenor and teaching staff: Christopher Burrell, Hazel Jenkins
• Credit points: 10
• Prerequisites: Admission to MChiroprac
• Corequisites: None
• Co-badged status: None
• Unit description: This unit focuses on the physical principles of medical radiation science and radiographic image production, including radiation physics, image production, and image processing. Students will learn about the biological effects of radiation, radiation protection techniques, and apply their knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy to identify normal anatomical appearance on radiographic images.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Identify the properties of x-rays and explain how they interact with matter, influence image quality, and inform patient safety standards
• Explain the working principles of diagnostic imaging modalities and how they influence image production
• Critically appraise the principles of radiographic image production and processing
• Summarise the biological effects of radiation and explain the importance of radiographic protection in relation to radiography
• Recognise, identify, and assess normal radiographic anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and explain variations in appearance due to radiographic technique

General Assessment Information

• Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy
• All final grades are determined by a grading committee
• Students will be awarded a final grade and a mark which must correspond to the grade descriptors specified in the Assessment Procedure
• To pass this unit, students must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better

Assessment Tasks

• Online quiz: 40%, due on 13/04/2025
• Normal radiographic anatomy portfolio: 20%, due on 01/06/2025
• Final theory exam: 40%, due in the exam period

Online Quiz

• Assessment type: Quiz/Test
• Indicative time on task: 25 hours
• Weighting: 40%
• The online quiz will assess material covered in lectures and tutorial sessions

Normal Radiographic Anatomy Portfolio

• Assessment type: Portfolio
• Indicative time on task: 15 hours
• Weighting: 20%
• Students will create a portfolio related to the identification and assessment of anatomy on radiographic images

Final Theory Exam

• Assessment type: Examination
• Indicative time on task: 25 hours
• Weighting: 40%
• The exam will assess material from the whole semester

Delivery and Resources

• Lectures: 2-hour weekly lectures, a mix of online and in-person
• Tutorial sessions: 9 x 1-hour tutorial sessions per student, alternating between radiographic physics and normal radiographic anatomy
• iLearn page: The unit's web page will contain all unit information
• Recommended readings:
  • Radiologic science for technologists: physics, biology, and protection by Bushong
  • Essentials of radiologic science by Fosbinder and Orth
  • Principles of radiological physics by Graham and Cloke
  • Introduction to Radiologic Technology by Gurley and Callaway
• Technology used: Active participation will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop, or similar device

Unit Schedule

• Topics to be covered:
  • History of imaging
  • Image production
  • Electricity and magnetism
  • High voltage generation and the x-ray tube
  • X-ray generation and interactions
  • Biological effects of radiation
  • Image quality
  • Film and digital radiography
  • Exposure techniques and variables
  • Radiation protection
  • Specific radiographic equipment
  • Normal radiographic anatomy assessment
• See iLearn for a detailed unit schedule

Policies and Procedures

• Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central
• Students should be aware of the Academic Appeals Policy, Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Progression Policy, Assessment Policy, Fitness to Practice Procedure, and Special Consideration Policy

Changes from Previous Offering

• Assessment tasks have changed to reflect changes in the University Assessment Policy

Inclusion and Diversity

• Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone the opportunity to study and participate in campus life
• Students must contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice

Professionalism

• In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all courses
• Students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions and show respect for their peers and academic staff
• Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for peers, arriving on time, and minimising disruption to learning activities.