Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module provides the student with the knowledge that underpins specialist practice in Radiation Safety and Diagnostic Radiology in the third year of the Scientist Training Programme (STP), and gives the student the tools to undertake project based learning in the workplace.

The module will:

i) build on the academic knowledge gained during years 1 and 2 and will expand this knowledge to describe advanced topics and recent developments in radiation safety and diagnostic radiology in clinical applications and research.

ii) consider in detail the way in which medical imaging equipment is commissioned, optimised and quality assured in the clinical environment.

iii) cover safety legislation and practical guidance associated with both ionising and non-ionising radiation use.

iv) complete the wide-ranging teaching on radiation safety and diagnostic radiology and equip the student to undertake their third year research project.

Outline Of Syllabus

Diagnostic Radiology Physics
- x-ray projection imaging, fluoroscopy, digital subtraction angiography (DSA)
- mammography
- computer tomography (CT)
- radiotherapy imaging
- DEXA
- image display, image optimisation and limitations to x-ray image quality
- development of imaging equipment, the commissioning process and QA
- patient dosimetry in DR
- health informatics and governance
Practical Radiation Protection
- instrumentation for radiation protection
- monitoring
- design of diagnostic radiology facilities
- design of nuclear medicine, hybrid and radiotherapy facilities
- operational radiation protection in DR, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy
- practical non-ionising radiation safety
- doses from medical exposures

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of the module students should be able to:

1. Apply integrative knowledge of the principles behind x-ray imaging technology, including projection radiography, fluoroscopy, mammography and computed tomography.

2. Demonstrate extended understanding of the principles of operation and use of a range of radiation measuring equipment.

3. Apply integrative knowledge of radiation protection principles and legislation to the design of radiation facilities.

4. Apply integrative knowledge of legislative requirements or guidance within diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy and non-ionising radiation practices.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the module students should be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the parameters used to assess image quality and radiation dose in diagnostic radiology.

2. Appraise the commissioning and quality assurance tests for each diagnostic x-ray equipment modality.

3. Discuss investigation of an incident involving radiation exposure to a patient of member of staff, including assessment of radiation dose and risk.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The underpinning knowledge of the radiation safety and diagnostic radiology syllabus will be taught by present in person lectures, tutorials and practicals. Small group teaching will be used to explore complex topics, supported by problem based learning and group discussions. Understanding is further developed in the workplace through directed reading and independent study.

The student’s critical understanding and analysis skills will be progressively developed through tutorials and small group teaching and the use of coursework/problem based learning.

Academic activities support students to develop the skill to select and justify, in a range of clinical situations, the application of scientific and technical principles to deliver appropriate solutions.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The student’s knowledge, critical understanding and ability to apply developed skills relating to a critical analysis will be tested through the report exercise and the closed book examination.

In order to pass this module candidates must achieve a mark of at least 50% in the examination.

General Notes

N/A