Subject Overview

RADIO-PHOTOGRAPHICS I

This unit of study provides the theory surrounding the formation, interpretation and quality estimation of medical imaging. There are numerous factors which contribute to the quality of medical images which arise from exposure factors, patient sickness, development, film storage and handling. Therefore it is important for students to be able to differentiate between the various qualities of radiographs in order to deliver high quality medical images for diagnostic purposes.

PHYSIOLOGY I

This course is designed to give students an understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of human physiology. This unit is divided into two parts with physiology II being undertaken during the second semester of the (first year). This unit arises from theories that state that the body and its co-ordinated functions result from precise control and integration of specialized cellular activities, which serve to maintain homeostasis in the human body. The human body is also thought to be describable in terms of physical and chemical laws. The topics which are covered in this course are as follows:

IMAGING PRINCIPLES

This unit of study focuses and covers all aspects of radiographic photography and the technical and physical processes involved in hard copy radiographic image production. Topics include photographic and x-ray image production variables, image processing, radiographic imaging materials, image quality variables, sensitometry and dosimetry. The medical film is a very sensitive material which prior to development is prone to outside interferences and must be handled with extreme care. At the completion of this unit, students will be familiar with the appropriate handling and storage of medical films, equipments and processing techniques.

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

This unit of study introduces students to the field of electrical engineering. This unit covers atomic and nuclear physics, AC/DC electricity, electrostatistics, magnetism and other relevant topics in relation to electrical engineering.

ANATOMY I

This unit of study provides the foundational study of the structures and functions of the human body. Emphasis is placed on gross topographic and macroscopic anatomy with pertinent medical considerations. This unit of study is delivered as 2 separate units, with anatomy II being undertaken in the second semester of freshmen year.

RADIO-PHOTOGRAPHICS II

This unit of study provides the theory surrounding the formation, interpretation and quality estimation of medical imaging. There are numerous factors which contribute to the quality of medical images that arise from exposure factors, patient sickness, development, film storage and handling. Therefore it is important for students to be able to differentiate between the various qualities of radiographs in order to deliver high quality medical images for diagnostic purposes.

RADIATION INSTALLATION

This unit of study introduces students to the technological features of instruments that are used in general diagnostic radiographic practices. It gives consideration to design, construction, operation, practical applications, appropriate calculations, relevant regulations, and laws and standards related to each type of general radiographic equipment.

RADIATION PHYSICS(I,II)

This unit of study examines the structures of matter together with the types of ionizing radiation, its interaction with matter, electricity, magnetism, electrical safety, vibrations and waves, allowing students to analyze the physical basis of the radiological imaging process. Broad areas of study include: x-ray production, x-ray beam characterization, radiographic image production and analysis, the physical basis of x-ray techniques, exposure manipulation and the modulation transfer function. At the completion of this unit, students should have gained a strong knowledge about the fundamental principles of radiation physics, underlying the imaging process of radiography.

PHYSIOLOGY II

This unit of study is designed to give students an understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of human physiology. This unit is divided into two parts with physiology II being undertaken during the second semester of freshmen year. This unit arises from theories that state that the body and its co-ordinated functions result from precise control and integration of specialized cellular activities that serve to maintain homeostasis in the human body. The human body is also thought to be describable in terms of physical and chemical laws.

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING Ⅱ

This unit of study introduces students to the field of electrical engineering. This unit is the second of two units with introduction to electrical engineering I being completed during the first semester of freshmen year. At the completion of this unit, students should have a sound knowledge of atomic and nuclear physics, AC/DC electricity, electrostatistics, magnetism and other topics relevant to electrical engineering.

ANATOMY Ⅱ

This course provides the foundational study of the structures and functions of the human body. Emphasis is placed on gross topographic and macroscopic anatomy with pertinent medical considerations. This course is delivered as 2 separate units, with anatomy Ⅱ being completed during the first semester of freshmen year.

RADIATION MEASUREMENT

This unit of study provides students with concepts and theories about radiation measurement techniques. This course introduces The international unit of radiation, the various types of radiation detectors and the use and importance of accurate measurement of radiation. Even though the students will not be actively involved in measuring radiation doses, they will need to be aware of the doses involved in radiographic procedures not just for patients, but also for themselves and other staff in the department. This course will be followed by the subsequent unit radiation measurement practice that will be undertaken during the second semester of sophomore year.

PATHOLOGY

This unit of study introduces students to the basic principles, terminology and aetiology of pathology by administering a fundamental understanding and appreciation of the causes and mechanisms associated with the development of disease. The primary objective of the radiographic process is for the production of high quality radiographs for the purpose of disease diagnosis. Therefore students must have a thorough understanding and knowledge of pathology and its radiographic appearances.

IMAGING PRINCIPLES LAB

This unit of study extends on the theories and ideas that have been introduced through unit imaging principles. Through a series of laboratory experimentations, students will be able to build on their knowledge of the concepts that have been acquired through unit imaging principles.

PUBLIC HEALTH

This course uses sociological concepts and theories to introduce students in health related fields to social issues surrounding the body, health, illness and the health care system. Students will learn about tools that will allow them to understand the social nature of patterns of disease and illness, and the organizational responses to these patterns of differential access across the health care system.

RADIATION MANAGEMENT

This unit of study introduces students to radio-biological health, safe use, and proper management of ionizing radiation common to all medical radiation sciences streams. Focusing on public heath this unit covers doses of radiation, radiation safety management, international regulations, protection facilities, radiation monitoring, radiation contamination and radiation wastes. By obtaining the knowledge concerning radiation control and management, students are expected to comply and work within the guidelines and work ethics in order to prevent possible radiation accidents from occurring in the health care setting.

RADIATION THERAPY Ⅰ

This course will cover the physical principles of the appropriate use of ionizing radiation in radiation therapy. A variety of beam generating devices will be covered, paying particular attention to their uses in modern radiation therapy. The physical basis of beam calibration and manual dose calculations for fixed and isometric radiotherapy is introduced, and also the methods and measurements of radiation therapy beams are examined. The physical issues involved in electron radiation therapy treatment are discussed. Finally, this course provides awareness to students on the developing areas of radiation therapy.

DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING LAB (Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ)

This unit of study introduces students to practical aspects of diagnostic radiography. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic techniques and protocols that are used for all radiographic examinations both contrast and non-contrast. Even though students are taught the basic principles, they are required to make adjustments to their diagnostic techniques according to individual patient's needs. Diagnostic imaging lab is divided into four separate sections with each unit incorporating both the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching to maximize the student's learning experiences with diagnostic imaging lab Ⅱ being undertaken during the second semester of the second year, diagnostic imaging lab Ⅲ being undertaken during the first semester of the third year, and diagnostic imaging lab Ⅳ being undertaken during the last semester of the third year.

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING

This course presents the comprehensive knowledge of computerized tomographic technology. In addition, it provides a thorough introduction to cross-sectional anatomy and the techniques that are most commonly used to perform tomographic examinations. The basic principles of the working mechanisms covering all areas of computed tomography are introduced to students with an emphasis on the interpretation of information gained through the various methods of image acquisition. Finally, this unit provides an introduction to the clinical applications and practices of computed tomography for the purpose of diagnosis.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY Ⅰ

This unit of study introduces the students to the theory of nuclear medicine. It aims to develop the student's understanding of the basic principles of nuclear medicine, the elementary applications for nuclear medicine studies, the applications of radionuclides, radiopharmaceuticals and the imaging procedures involved. In addition, it provides a study of the physiological pathways that are fundamental to the understanding of nuclear medicine; image interpretation, in vivo and tracer applications, in viro and bone mineral densitometry. This course is the first of two courses, with nuclear medicine technology Ⅱ being undertaken during the second semester of second year.

RADIATION BIOLOGY

This course develops the essentials of radiobiology. The unit commences by defining dose as a concept and then following this concept by discussing the absorption of radiation energy in matter and then by describing the biological effects of increasing the dose. As a result, the description of low dose effects has been greatly expanded. Background information, permitting understanding of the production of these effects and their relevance to medicine has been included. Thus, mutations, carcinogenesis, embryonic and fetal effects are greatly stressed. With this foundation of knowledge, students will be able to better understand the clinical concepts that are necessary for delivering optimum patient care.

MEDICAL COMPUTER PRACTICE

This unit of study provides students with knowledge of the fundamentals of computer sciences and information technology. Information technology is becoming an integral part of health care and therefore, students are required to attain a high level of knowledge in this field. As part of the learning objectives, students are also given practical instructions on the basic techniques that are required to resolve medical problems relating to medical technology and its information system.

RADIATION MEASUREMENT PRACTICE

Following the completion of the prerequisite course radiation measurement, this unit of study introduces students to the practical measurements of radiation. At the completion of this unit, students will become familiar radiation measurements, instruments, calibration and radiation management that all make up an integral part of diagnostic radiography.

RADIATION EQUIPMENT LAB

This unit of study introduces the students to the technological features of instruments that are used in general diagnostic practices. It gives consideration to the design, construction, operation, practical application, appropriate calculations and relevant regulations and standards that are involved. Quality assurance procedures and techniques are also concurrently introduced and considered for each type of general radiographic equipment. Fundamental theories that underlie radiation equipment are also introduced to the students.

RADIATION THERAPY Ⅱ

This unit of study will cover the physical principles of the appropriate use of ionizing radiation in radiation therapy. A variety of beam generating devices will be covered, paying particular attention to their uses in modern radiation therapy. The physical basis of beam calibration and manual dose calculations for fixed and isocentric radiotherapy is introduced, and also the methods and measurements of radiation therapy beams are examined. The physical issues involved in electron radiation therapy treatment are discussed. Finally, this unit provides awareness on developing areas of radiation therapy to students.

MEDICAL ETHICS AND LAW

This unit of study provides students with a thoughtful and comprehensive analysis of laws relating to medical and statutory provisions pertaining to health care provisions. Radiography is a profession that is surrounded by many legal and ethical obligations, and therefore, students and radiographers must process a through understanding of the laws and regulations of health care issues. At the completion of this unit, students will be able to develop a coherent conceptual framework in all areas of medical ethics and law.

MAGNETIC REASONANACE IMAGING

This unit of study provides students with a knowledge about various theories relating to magnetic resonance imaging formation and the protocols involved with MRI examinations of various diseases and pathology. In addition, this unit provides a thorough introduction to cross-sectional anatomy and the techniques that are most commonly used to perform magnetic resonance imaging examinations

ULTRASONIC IMAGING

This unit of study presents students with the comprehensive knowledge of ultrasonic imaging some of which include: the propagation of ultrasound in attenuative media, the instrumentation and technological aspects of various modalities employed, and possible biological effects and factors in the safe use of ultrasound. The correct and logistic use of machine controls, together with aspects of 2-Dreal time grey-scale imaging are introduced and examined. The interpretation of information gained in the various modalities is also covered. Finally, it provides an introduction to the clinical applications and practices of these ultrasonic modalities.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY Ⅱ

This course introduces students to the theory of nuclear medicine. It aims to develop the student's understanding of the basic principles of nuclear medicine, the elementary applications for nuclear medicine studies, the applications of radionuclides, radiopharmaceuticals and the imaging procedures involved. In addition, it provides a study of the physiological pathways that are fundamental to the understanding of nuclear medicine image interpretation, in vivo and tracer applications, in vivo and bone mineral densitometry. This unit of study is the first of two units, with nuclear medicine technology I being completed during the first semester of second year.

RADIATION THERAPEUTIC TECHONOLGY LAB

This unit of study will introduce students to the department of radiation oncology and the roles of the radiation therapist in the care and treatment of patients. On completion of this unit, students will be able to undertake practical experiences with background knowledge in this field and will gain the ability to work safely as part of the radiation therapy team. This unit also concentrates on the acquisition of the knowledge and skills required to enable students to make thorough plans, calculate and treat simple palliative techniques of the brain, head and neck, the pelvis, the thorax, breast and lymphatic regions.

METHODS OF PATIENT CARE

This unit of study is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of healthcare that makeup the core foundation during the process of patient interaction in the clinical setting. Radiographers are not only responsible for the production of diagnostic medical images, but are also required to offer patients a high standard of health care services during he radiographic examination. These range from taking the patients medical history to factors such as complying with universal safety precautions.

RADIO-TECHNOLOGICAL CLINIC

Clinical practice provides students with an opportunity to integrate the knowledge acquired in the professional units with practical skills attained in the workplace. Students will be required to demonstrate their clinical competencies in all areas of radiation examination rooms. Students must demonstrate a high level of competency as a student radiographer in the diagnostic room with minimal supervision. For five weeks, students are required to demonstrate competencies in the general x-ray rooms, darkroom, mobile x-ray units(in emergency rooms, intensive and coronary care units, general wards and operating theatres ), mammography rooms, bone mineral density rooms, fluoroscopy rooms, angiography suits, interventional study room, pediatric radiology departments and dental radiology departments. During the clinical education program, it is essential that students demonstrate an ability to empathise with patients and understand the necessities for the examination or procedures being performed. Students are expected to interpret images and maintain optimum radiographic quality.

IMAGING ANTOMY

This unit of study is designed to give students an in depth understanding of methods that may be used to acquire optimal images for diagnosis. Throughout the course, radio-technological clinic students would have gathered their images of poor quality. This course unit gives the students a chance to discuss their mistakes and find solutions that may be used to counter these problems. In addition, scenarios are introduced, in which students are invited to participate in discussions to collaborate their thoughts about ways to optimize diagnostic images.

RADIO-TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR

This unit of study aims to encourage students to participate in discussions on issues relating to diagnostic radiography as a profession. Critical thinking and reflection will be facilitated through the reading of relevant literature, seminar presentations and discussion forums. This course can also be seen as a feedback session following the completion of the radio-technological clinic.

DIAGNOSTIC IMAGE READING

This course facilitates the ability of the students to identify normal anatomy in all kinds of radiographic images. A framework is created so that organs and structures can be identified according to their relationships and appearances as displayed on diagnostic images. Learning is facilitated through lectures and tutorial classes. The normal medical imaging appearances of the structures and their relationships as demonstrated in the para-coronal , para-sagittal and transverse planes on plain and contrast radiographic examinations, CT, MRI, ultrasound are examined in detail.

Courses

Hospitals and clinics, nuclear medical centers, non-invasive test organization etc.