Science for Medical Imaging

Module title	Science for Medical Imaging
Module code	PAM2011
Academic year	2024/5
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Beth McGill (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	11	0	3

Number students taking module (anticipated)	64

Module description

This module builds on PAM1020 Fundamentals of Radiographic Practice to include the scientific principles behind the imaging modalities of ultrasound, nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging. This module underpins PAM2013 Medical Imaging Applications.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to develop a range of basic mathematical skills and knowledge of the essential science which underpins the various imaging modalities. The module also aims to provide you with sufficient knowledge of introductory radiation biology and physics to allow you an appreciation of safe and optimal use of radiation imaging techniques.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

1. acknowledge more complex mathematical operations, including plotting and manipulation of various functions;
2. know the physical and scientific principles on which image formation using ionising and non-ionising radiation is based, including an understanding of basic principles in electromagnetism;
3. understand radiation dosimetry, the principles of dose calculation, and the significance of radiation dose;
4. understand radiobiological principles at both whole body and cellular/molecular level, with an emphasis on radiation protection;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

5. display mathematical skills sufficient to support Stage-two work;
6. use appropriate sources of information to develop own knowledge;
7. critically discuss and analyse results of investigations, including demonstrating the use of computers for data handling;
8. keep accurate and thorough records in accordance with applicable legislation, protocols and guidelines;

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:

Mathematical skills

The number e and exponential functions, graphs of exponential functions.

Logarithmic functions, graphs of logarithmic functions.

Trigonometric functions, graphs of trigonometric functions.

Rates of change: graphs and gradients, concept of derivatives.

The area under a graph, concept of integrals.

Vibrations and waves

Simple harmonic motion and resonance.

Travelling waves: the wave equation, superposition and interference.

Doppler effect.

Electromagnetic waves: electric and magnetic fields; the speed of light.

Sound waves: acoustic pressure and particle displacement, the speed of sound.

Decibels.

Electricity and magnetism

Electric charge and the Coulomb force.

Electric field and electric potential.

Magnets and magnetic fields.

Magnetic force on a moving charge and on a current element.

AC circuits: impedance and phase angle.

Digital electronics: ADC

The effects of radiation on human tissue

Biological effects of radiation

Radiation-matter interaction

Molecular and cellular radiobiology.

Radiation dosimetry, dosimeters, and detectors

Radiation Protection

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
25	125	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	25	3 × 2-hour practical sessions 14 x 1/1.5-hour seminars 3 x 1-hour tutorials
Guided independent study	17	Online directed learning activities
Guided independent study	108	Reading, private study and revision

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
Laboratory report	50	1500 words	1-10	Written and verbal.
Examination	50	90 minutes	1-10	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
Lab report 50%	Lab report (1500 words) (50%)	1-10	August/September assessment period
Written examination 50%	Written examination (90 minutes) (50%)	1-10	August/September assessment period

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Graham D.T., Cloke P. and Vosper M. (2012), Principles and Applications of Radiological Physics (6^th edition), Churchill Livingstone, ISBN 9780702052156

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

http://ele.exeter.ac.uk/

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

Bushong S. (2017), Radiologic Science for Technologists (10^th edition), Elsevier, ISBN 9780323353779
Dendy P.P. and Heaton B. (2011), Physics for Diagnostic Radiology (3^rd edition), Taylor and Francis, ISBN 9781420083156
Young H.D., Freedman R.A. and Ford A.L. (2016), Sears and Zemansky’s University Physics with Modern Physics Technology Update (14^th edition), Addison-Wesley, ISBN 9781292100326

Key words search

Medical Imaging; Radiations; Function; Graphs; Wave; Image; Fields; Effects; Charges; Electricity; Concepts.

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
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	22/02/2024