Scientific Principles of CT

Module title	Scientific Principles of CT
Module code	PAMM115
Academic year	2025/6
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Noor Shafini Mohamad (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	12

Number students taking module (anticipated)	25

Module description

This module will introduce more scientific and technical depth around concepts relating specifically to Computed Tomography (CT). You will develop further knowledge and understanding of the underlying theoretical principles behind the equipment and technical aspects involved in CT as well as further understanding of key parameters that influence image quality and examination type.

Module aims - intentions of the module

You will gain essential knowledge of the science and technology underpinning CT as used in current clinical practice. This module aims to give you sufficient grounding in the scientific and technological aspects of CT as a way of preparing you for further study relating to clinical aspects of CT, thereby providing an underpinning knowledge base for Enhanced Practice (Core Pathway Clinical Pillar 13, 15). Elements of this module may map against aspects of Enhanced or Advanced Practice as defined by the relevant AHP frameworks (NHSE) and / or as defined by the College of Radiographers’ Education and Career Framework 2023.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

1. Explain the physical and scientific principles on which image formation is based for CT.
2. Discuss the parameters used in CT in depth, including impact on image quality and patient dose.
3. By the end of the module students will be able to evaluate CT equipment design and functionality, analysing design features and performance metrics.
4. Evaluate image optimisation techniques used in CT.
5. Explain the principles of safety (including ionising radiation, contrast agents, medicines used in imaging) and reflect on associated constraints placed upon practice.
6. Synthesise knowledge of developments within CT including those relating to sustainability and artificial intelligence.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

7. Use appropriate sources of information to develop own knowledge.

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

8. Manage time and, with guidance, prioritise workloads.

Syllabus plan

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

Physical and scientific principles of CT

Principles of CT image reconstruction
Principles of CT automated dose modulation and image optimisation techniques
Digital imaging software features including post processing and reformatting applications, secure handling and archiving

Parameters

Explanation of CT parameters – purpose and effects on image quality and radiation dose

CT Equipment Evaluation

CT Hardware (comparative uses, benefits and limits of e.g. single versus dual source tubes, detector arrays etc.)

CT Optimisation Techniques

Dose optimisation
Contrast optimisation
Appropriate use of reconstruction algorithms

CT Safety

Ionising radiation safety and CT related dosimetry
Department design & siting considerations
Iodine based contrast agents – design and safe use
Intravenous administration; safety considerations, safe use of pump injectors
Other medicines used in CT

CT Developments and Considerations

Role of AI in CT
Technological advances in CT
Sustainability in CT

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
20	130	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	10	Synchronous learning including lectures, seminars, workshops
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	10	Asynchronous learning via online learning resources e.g. quizzes, video masterclasses, worksheets
Guided independent learning	30	Discussion forums, directed reading and resources, preparation for assessment
Guided independent study	100	Independent critical analysis / evaluation to develop knowledge and understanding

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Peer review of draft outline of presentation	5 minutes	1-8	Verbal

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Presentation	100	30 minutes	1-8	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
Presentation (100%)	Presentation (100%)	1-8	Typically within 6 weeks of the result.

Re-assessment notes

If you pass re-assessments taken as a result of deferral, your re-assessment will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment and the overall module mark will not be capped.

If you pass re-assessments taken as a result of referral (i.e. following initial failure in the assessment), the overall module mark will be capped at 50%.

If you fail re-assessments taken as a result of referral (i.e. following initial failure in the assessment), you will be failed in the module.

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

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

e-library books

Seeram, E. (2023). Computed tomography: physical principles, patient care, clinical applications, and quality control (Fifth edition.). Elsevier.
Hayre, C. M., & Chau, S. (Eds.). (2022). Computed tomography: a primer for radiographers. CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003132554

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Web-based and electronic resources:

Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) guidelines:
- Joint Advisory Statement between the Royal College of Radiologists and Royal College of Emergency Medicine regarding Emergency Computed Tomography scans and the use of Intravenous Iodinated Contrast Agents
- Radiation and the early fetus
Joint RCR and Society of Radiographers Publications
- - IR(ME)R: Implications for clinical practice in diagnostic radiography, interventional radiology and diagnostic nuclear medicine
  - Pregnancy and Work in Diagnostic Imaging Departments, 2^nd edition
  - Protection of Pregnant Patients during Diagnostic Medical Exposures to Ionising Radiation
Society of Radiographers guidelines:
- - Inclusive pregnancy status guidelines for ionising radiation: Diagnostic and therapeutic exposures
  - Communicating Radiation Benefit and Risk Information to Individuals Under the Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposures) Regulations 2017
  - Position statement for patients who are breastfeeding who require a CT or MRI with contrast
  - Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists
  - Iodinated Contrast Media Guidelines V2.3 (currently recommended by RCR)

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

Other resources:

Greener Allied Health Professional Hub: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ahp/greener-ahp-hub/
European Federation of Radiographer Societies: https://www.efrs.eu/webinars recorded webinars including on Artificial Intelligence (UoE students gain membership of the EFRS for the duration of their studies)

Key words search

Computed Tomography (CT), Enhanced Practice, Scientific Principles, Cross-sectional Imaging

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module co-requisites	PAMM122: CT Theory, Applications and Practice (MSci pathway) PAMM117: CT Theory and Applications (MSc pathway)
NQF level (module)	7
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	04/03/2025
Last revision date	14/07/2025