PHYSICS 7549 - Physics of Medical Imaging

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2019

This course introduces the main methods of medical imaging, namely X-ray, nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance and ultrasound. It enables students to develop an understanding of the physics principles underlying these imaging techniques and an awareness of their clinical applications. It also discusses the mathematical principle involved in image formation and processing and provides experience in their use. The material is arranged in 24 modules delivered online and designed for independent study. Students participate in a weekly tutorial, either face-to-face or online.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PHYSICS 7549
    Course Physics of Medical Imaging
    Coordinating Unit School of Physical Sciences
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 2 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assumed Knowledge PHYSICS 7011
    Biennial Course Course offered in odd years
    Assessment Workshop preparation, assignment, exam
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Alexandre Santos

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Describe the physics principles underlying the operation of medical imaging equipment;
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of and apply mathematical methods of image construction and processing;
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of aspects of clinical applications of imaging methods;
    4. Discuss radiation safety issues in the operation of medical imaging equipments.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1-4
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2-4
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    4
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1-4
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    3,4
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1-4
  • Learning Resources
    Recommended Resources
    • Bushberg, J. T., The essential physics of medical imaging, 2nd edition 2002, Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
    • Cherry, S. R., Sorensen, J. A. and Phelps, M. E., Physics in nuclear medicine, 3rd edition 2003, Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
    Online Learning
    Teaching materials and course documentation will be posted on MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is delivered by the following means:
    • Workshops 12 x 2-hour sessions with one session per week
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).
    Learning Activities Summary
    The course content will include the following:
    1. Introduction to Medical Imaging
    2. Measurement of Image Quality
    3. Imaging and the frequency domain
    4. Tomographic Reconstruction from Projections
    5. Basic Principles of X-ray Imaging
    6. Fluoroscopy
    7. Basic Principles of X-ray Tomography
    8. Mammography
    9. Basic X-ray QC and Dosimetry
    10. Basics of Nuclear Medicine Imaging
    11. Clinical Applications of Nuclear Medicine
    12. Radionuclides and Radiopharmaceuticals
    13. SPECT and SPECT-CT
    14. Positron Emission Tomography
    15. Non-imaging procedures and QC tests for Nuclear Medicine
    16. Internal radionuclide dosimetry and radionuclide therapy
    17. Ultrasound Imaging - Basic principles and physics
    18. Ultrasound Imaging
    19. Ultrasound – Artifacts, Safety and Quality Control
    20. Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Basic principles and physics
    21. Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Pulse Sequences
    22. Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Image formation and imaging equipment
    23. Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Image quality, safety and special techniques
    24. Advanced Image Processing Techniques
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment task
    Type of assessment
    Percentage of total assessment
    Hurdle?
    Objectives being assessed/achieved
    Workshop preparation Formative and Summative 10% No 1-4
    Assignments Formative and Summative 40% No 1-4
    Examination Formative and Summative 50% No 1-4
    Assessment Detail
    Workshop Preparation
    Workshops will be used during the semester to address understanding of and ability to use the course material. Answer to preparatory questions will be assessed.

    Assignments
    Summative assignments will be used during the semester to address understanding of and ability to use the course material and to provide students a benchmark for the progress in the course.

    Examination
    A 3 hour examination will be used to assess knowledge and understanding of and ability to use the course material.

    Submission
    Submission of Assigned Work
    Coversheets must be completed and attached to all submitted work. Coversheets can be obtained from the School Office (room G33 Physics) or from MyUNI. Work should be submitted via the assignment drop box at the School Office.

    Extensions for Assessment Tasks
    Extensions of deadlines for assessment tasks may be allowed for reasonable causes. Such situations would include compassionate and medical grounds of the severity that would justify the awarding of a replacement examination. Evidence for the grounds must be provided when an extension is requested. Students are required to apply for an extension to the Course Coordinator before the assessment task is due. Extensions will not be provided on the grounds of poor prioritising of time.

    Late Submission of Assessments
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days or more late without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the mark.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.