Study information

Medical Imaging - Principles and Applications

Module titleMedical Imaging - Principles and Applications
Module codeCSC4022
Academic year2019/0
Credits15
Module staff

Dr Vrinda Nayak (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

45

Module description

You will be introduced to common medical imaging modalities 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 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 and certain emerging technologies.
  • 2. Explain the key basic scientific principles underpinning imaging;
  • 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 healthcare 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 imaging techniques.

Projection Radiography;

Design and operating principles of the x-ray tube and image receptors;

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;

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)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
33117

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activities2121x1hour lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities126 x2h workshops/demonstrations
Guided independent study36Lecture review
Guided independent study36Revision
Guided independent study25Wider reading
Guided independent study20Report Write-up

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
50500

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Scientific Essay501500 words1-9Written
Examination5090 minutes1-9collective feedback via ELE

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

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Scientific EssayScientific Essay1-9August/September
ExaminationExamination1-9August/September

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

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

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

Web based and electronic resources:

http://radiopaedia.org

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

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

Other resources:

file:///C:/Users/vn220/Downloads/karens%20imaging%20in%20osteo%20(1).pdf

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

CSC1004, CSC2012

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

6

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

01/09/2010

Last revision date

07/04/2017