Practice Foundations 1
| Module title | Practice Foundations 1 |
|---|---|
| Module code | RAD1003DA |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Mrs Chaleigh O'Brien () |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | Please see note below* | Please see note below* | Please see note below* |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 70 |
|---|
Module description
Please note that Degree Apprenticeship programmes have variable start dates and modules are taught across the full year.
This module provides a practical learning environment in which you will apply theory in practice. This module will enable you to recognise and understand radiographic images and introduce you to the equipment and technical aspects involved in general radiography. You will gain insight into the important associated clinical and radiation safety measures that are required in the practice setting.
The module commences with an attendance block at the University of Exeter with an emphasis on face-to-face learning. The module then runs over a 12-month period with two further block attendances across the year for further face-to-face learning. In the non-block weeks there will be protected ‘off the job’ learning (one day (7.5 hours) per week) supported by e-learning materials provided by the academic team and webinars. The full calendar of activities and assessment will be made available via ELE. Annual leave may be booked in accordance with the requirements laid out by your employer.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this work-based module is to enable you to develop knowledge of the essential applied science and technology that underpins diagnostic radiography in the practice setting.
This work-based module will provide practical experiences that will directly support the further development of your underpinning knowledge base. You will apply the theoretical knowledge you are gaining in RAD1001 and RAD1002 within the practice setting.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Describe systems and processes in place to ensure acceptably functioning equipment and quality management in imaging departments.
- 2. Describe techniques and equipment utilised in radiography, including quality assurance and quality control tests.
- 3. Describe and apply the constraints, and legislative framework for the use of ionising radiation in medicine.
- 4. Demonstrate and understand normal, developmental and anatomical variant anatomy as seen on medical images.
- 5. Describe and apply patient assessment skills prior to, during and after medical imaging examinations.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Under guidance, demonstrate ability to further develop skills and knowledge by reflecting on self and clinical experience and identifying strengths and areas for further learning.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Contribute positively to the placement department, working in partnership with service users, work effectively with other professionals, support staff and others, ensure effective management of caseload and resources.
- 8. Practise within limits of own competence seeking advice as appropriate, accepting responsibility for decisions made.
- 9. With guidance, solve clinical problems using knowledge, experience and personal initiative.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
QUALITY MANAGEMENT
QA tests typically undertaken in a general x-ray department
Recognise when x-ray equipment is not functioning accurately / within specification and take appropriate action
Role of audit and review in quality management
EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
Techniques and equipment used in basic level -radiography and other imaging modailities.
Techniques and equipment used in image formation, including the basis of exposure factor selection (kVp, mA, mAs, and collimation) and image optimisation
Room and equipment design in relation to radiation protection and patient and service user considerations.
SCOPE OF APPLICATIONS AND RADIATION PROTECTION
Scope of use of general radiography and including impact of imaging on patient care and treatment.
Local and national imaging policies and procedures relating to general radiography
Legislative framework and local rules for safe working with ionising radiation as applied in the practice setting
The role of the radiographer in relation to radiation protection of self, patients and other personnel
Constraints placed upon practice to ensure optimal use of ionising radiation
Ionising Radiation dose monitoring
Lead protection – design, uses, quality assurance.
RADIOGRAPHIC ANATOMY
Normal human anatomy as demonstrated on medical images
Axial skeleton: joints, associated musculature and other tissues.
Appendicular skeleton: joints, associated musculature and other tissues.
Head, thorax and abdomen: principal internal organs and associated structures.
Evaluation and assessment of images.
Developmental and anatomical variants as demonstrated on medical images
Axial skeleton: joints, associated musculature and other tissues.
Appendicular skeleton: joints, associated musculature and other tissues.
Head, thorax and abdomen: principal internal organs and associated structures.
PATIENT CARE
Theoretical basis of patient assessment prior to medical imaging examinations
Under guidance, undertake and record patient assessment when appropriate (undertaking observations, escalating concerns as appropriate)
Effective communication in practice
Patients with additional needs
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Reflection on clinical experience and identifying personal strengths and areas for further learning.
Reflection on own impact on others.
Begin a personal and professional portfolio as a basis for future CPD continuing professional development
INFORMATON AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES
Information and communication technologies available to view images, retrieve and record patient information.
Patient history retrieval from a range of software applications and paper records (clinical records, prior imaging, test results and dose records) to ensure appropriate choice of imaging.
PROFESSIONALISM
Work in partnership with service users.
Work effectively with other professions and professionals, support staff and others.
SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Practice within limits of own practice
Seek advice as appropriate.
PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS
Justification of decisions taken in relation whether to initiate, continue, modify or cease medical imaging examinations.
Resolution of problems by using knowledge, experience and personal initiative - under guidance.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 57 | 696 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 9 | 9 x 1-hour lectures |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 9 | 3 x 3-hour practicals |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 10 | 10 x 1-hour e-tutorials |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 2 | 2 x 1-hour webinars (pre and post assessment) |
| Placement | 696 (indicative) | Indicative: 2 x 7.5 hour days per week (minus leave, study blocks, assessment windows) as per placement guidance and contract with employer |
| Guided independent study | 37 | Directed reading, private study and revision |
| Guided independent study | 20 | e-learning resources |
| Note: This module is delivered as part of an integrated degree apprenticeship programme. The total required study hours for the programme have been designed in accordance with the ESFA regulations. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial discussions | 60 minutes | 1-9 | Verbal |
| Practice computer based radiographic image assessments (as part of e-learning activities) | 60 minutes | 4 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 50 | 50 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer based assessment | 50 | 90 minutes | 4 | Written |
| Professional discussion of portfolio | 50 | 30 minutes | 1-9 | Written |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer based assessment (50%) | Computer based assessment (90 min) | 4 | During the published assessment period (see ELE) |
| Professional discussion of portfolio (50%) | Professional discussion of portfolio (30 min) | 1-9 | During the published assessment period (see ELE) |
Re-assessment notes
This programme runs to a non-standard timetable; assessment weeks and Assessment, Progression & Awarding Committees (APACs) for both initial and deferred assessments are held as per the programme’s published timetable.
Each component of this module must be passed. The referred assessment will be capped at the pass mark. The module mark will not be capped. If any component is not passed at the final referral attempt, the module is capped at 39%.
Please also refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-plicy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Carlton R.R. and Adler A.M. (2013), Radiographic Imaging Concepts and Principles (5th edition), Delmar, ISBN 1473720524 Electronic version also available
Graham D.T., Cloke P. and Vosper M. (2021), Principles and Applications of Radiological Physics (7th edition), Churchill Livingstone, ISBN 9780702052156 Electronic version also available
McQuillen Marten (2019) Radiographic Image Analysis 5th edition ISBN 978-0-323-52281-6. Radiographic Image Analysis 5th edition. Electronic version also available.
McQuillen Marten (2025) Radiographic Image Analysis workbook ISBN 978-0-323-54463-4 Radiographic Image Analysis 5th edition. Electronic version also available
Weir & Abrahams’ Imaging Atlas of Human Anatomy (2021), 6th Edition
Authors: Jonathon Spratt, Lonie R Salkowski, Marios Loukas, Tom Turmezei, Jamie Weir, Peter H. Abrahams. Electronic version also available.
Bones and Joints: A Guide for Students. Gunn C. (2017), Churchill Livingstone, ISBNA 0-443-1-276-7 (UL:611.71GUN) Electronic version also available.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
UK Statutory Instruments (2017), Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017, The Stationary Office, Available from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/1075/contents/made,
The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 The Stationary Office, Available from https: www.legislatation.gov.uk/uksi/2024/896/made
The Health & Safety Executive (2018), Work with Ionising Radiation. Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017: Approved Code of Practice and Guidance, HSE Books, ISBN 9780717666621,
Health and Care Professions Standards of Proficiency for Radiographers 2023. Https.//www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency/radiographers
Health and Care Professions Standards of conduct, performance and ethics: 2024: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-conduct-performance-and-ethics/revised-standards/
Society and college of radiographers code of professional conduct. 2025. https://www.sor.org/learning-advice/professional-body-guidance-and publications/documents-and-publications/policy-guidance-document-library/code of professional-conduct-2025
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- Clark's Positioning in Radiography, Clark K.C. (2016), (13th edition), Hodder Arnold Electronic version available
- Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy, Bontrager K.L. (2014), (8th edition), Electronic version available.
- Bones and Joints: A Guide for Students,?Gunn C. (2017), Churchill Livingstone, ISBNA 0-443-10276-7 (UL: 611.71 GUN) Electronic version also available
- Patient Care in Radiography, Ehrlich R.A. and Daly J.A. (2026), (11th edition), Mosby, ISBNA 0-323-05178-2 (UL:616.07572 EHR) electronic version also available
- Becoming a Reflective Practitioner, Johns C. (2022), Blackwell, ISBNA 1-4051-1833-4 (UL:WY 24 JOH )
- Principles for continuing professional development and lifelong learning in health and social care, Society and College of Radiographers, https://www.sor.org/?
- Obtaining consent: a clinical guideline for the diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy workforce,?Society and College of Radiographers, https://www.sor.org/??
- The Scope of Practice 2025, Society and College of Radiographers, https://www.sor.org/learning-advice/Professional-body-guidance-and-publications/Documents-and-publications/Policy-Guidance-Document-Library/Scope-of-Practice-2025
- Practice Standards for the Imaging of Children and Young People, Society and College of Radiographers,2009https://www-sor-org.webpkgcache.com/doc/-/s/www.sor.org/download-file?f=21ee42cf-d62d-46c2-a125-f570f6990494&t=m
- Guidance on mental capacity decisions in diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy, reviewed Nov 2020 Society and College of Radiographers https://www.sor.org/learning-advice/professional-body-guidance-and-publications/documents-and-publications/policy-guidance-document-library/guidance-on-mental-capacity-decisions-in-diagnostics
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | RAD1001DA, RAD1003DA, RAD1004DA |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 06/06/2019 |
| Last revision date | 30/01/2026 |