Overview
In this unit you will apply your foundation knowledge of radiation science and human anatomy to the study of radiographic imaging. You will learn the principles of image geometry and technical factor selection that underpin radiographic technique and apply this technique to the acquisition of standard projection radiographs of the musculoskeletal system. You will learn to position the beam, patient and image receptor to produce standard radiographic appearances. You will be able to perform basic critique of the images and discuss the anatomical structures demonstrated on the images.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisites:MEDI12008 - Foundations of Radiation ScienceCHIR12004 - Applied Anatomy and Physiology for ChiropractorsCHIR12008 - Neuromuscular Anatomy 2
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Unit Coordinator reflection, SUTE comments
There were frequent technical issues with the VR during the supervised labs which significantly impacted on the effectiveness of the labs.
Invest in initiating a thorough technical assessment of the VR equipment before each supervised lab session to avoid re-occurring technical issues.
Feedback from Unit Coordinator reflection, SUTE comments
There were multiple overlapping assessment guidance resources for the Image Evaluation Portfolio assessment which was confusing for some students.
Review assessment guidance resources to improve the clarity and streamlining of these resources.
- Discuss the fundamental concepts of radiographic technique
- Apply the fundamental concepts of radiographic technique and radiation science to controlling the appearances of projection radiographs
- Perform set-ups of imaging equipment and patients to produce skeletal radiographs safely and effectively at an advanced beginner level
- Discuss the radiographic appearances of anatomical structures on standard skeletal projection radiographs
- Critique radiographic images at an advanced beginner level.
- Present reasoned adjustments to image set-ups and image acquisition parameters to modify visibility of required anatomical information and/or patient dose.
This unit supports students in the attainment of the following Competency Standards of the Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia:
1.1 Complies with legal and ethical requirements
Adheres to relevant legislation, common law, codes, standards and other policy regulating chiropractic conduct and practice
1.4 Demonstrates professional integrity
Applies principles of risk management and quality improvement to practice
3.3 Obtains the results of clinical, laboratory and other diagnostic procedures necessary to inform care
Refers for or conducts imaging where clinically indicated
3.5 Critically analyses information available to generate a clinical impression
Demonstrates knowledge of diagnostic imaging techniques and procedures, including indications and limitations of available imaging modalities
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | ||||||
| 2 - Laboratory/Practical - 0% | ||||||
| 3 - Portfolio - 30% | ||||||
| 4 - Practical Assessment - 0% | ||||||
| 5 - Online Test - 50% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Textbooks
Yochum and Rowe's Essentials of Skeletal Radiology
- Edition: 3rd (2004)
- Authors: Yochum T, Rowe L (Ed)
- Lippincot, Williams and Wilkins
- Philadelphia Philadelphia , Pa , United States of America
- ISBN: 9780781739467
- Binding: Hardcover
Radiographic imaging and exposure
- Edition: 6th (2021)
- Authors: Terri L. Fauber
- Elsevier
- USA
- ISBN: 978-0-323-66139-3
- Binding: Paperback
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
l.macdonald@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 04 Mar 2024Module/Topic
Introduction to radiographic technique
Beam geometry
Chapter
Fauber Ch 6 Exposure Technique Factors
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2
Begin Date: 11 Mar 2024Module/Topic
Technical factors, the beam and anode heating
Adjustment to technical factors
Chapter
Fauber Ch 8 Exposure Technique Selection
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 18 Mar 2024Module/Topic
Principles of image critique
Chapter
Fauber Ch 9 Image Evaluation
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4
Begin Date: 25 Mar 2024Module/Topic
Radiography workflow
Introduction to radiographic imaging of the spine
Chapter
Readings presented on Moodle site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5
Begin Date: 01 Apr 2024Module/Topic
Radiographic imaging of the cervical spine
Chapter
Chapter 1 pages 22 - 39 & pages 48,49
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 08 Apr 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 15 Apr 2024Module/Topic
Radiographic imaging of the lumbar spine
Chapter
Chapter 1 pages 50 - 79
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 22 Apr 2024Module/Topic
Radiographic imaging of the thoracic spine, chest and ribs
Chapter
Chapter 1 pages 40 - 47
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 29 Apr 2024Module/Topic
Radiographic imaging of the pelvis and hips
Chapter
Chapter 1 pages 80 - 81 & 84 - 89
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 06 May 2024Module/Topic
Radiographic imaging of the shoulder girdle
Chapter
Chapter 1 pages 134 - 145
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10
Begin Date: 13 May 2024Module/Topic
Radiographic imaging of the hand, wrist and elbow
Chapter
Chapter 1 pages 146 - 171
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 20 May 2024Module/Topic
Radiographic imaging of the foot, ankle and knee
Chapter
Chapter 1 pages 90 - 129
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 27 May 2024Module/Topic
Consolidation
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 03 Jun 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 10 Jun 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
The unit coordinator for MEDI13007 is Lauren MacDonald.
During the term I may be off campus or teaching another unit. For this reason the preferred method of initial contact is via email.
E: l.macdonald@cqu.edu.au| Ph: 07 49407818|EXT57818
As a 6-credit unit you are expected to spend 10 to 12 hours per week on this unit. It is important to budget your time and maintain adequate contact with the unit. A suggested weekly time budget is shown below.
- Pre-reading and preparation - 2 hours per week
- Watching lecture presentations and making notes - 3 hours per week
- Preparing for and attending tutorials - 2 hours per week
- Two (2) intensive lab learning and assessment sessions - approximately 9 hours over the course of the unit
- Studying for and completing assessment tasks - 18 hours over the course of the unit.
All lecture materials for this unit are recorded. All tutorials are conducted via Zoom and tutorial questions will be posted on the unit Moodle site prior to each tutorial to enable preparation. If fewer than 3 students attend a tutorial, that session will not be recorded.
You will undertake two (2) intensive lab learning and assessment sessions, one each in Weeks 8 and 12, as timetabled. If you do not attend or actively participate during both sessions, you put yourself at risk of not meeting the requirements of multiple assessment tasks and failing these assessment tasks.
1 Online Quiz(zes)
It is important that you understand the underlying principles of radiographic imaging to enable you to image patients safely and effectively. This online quiz will assess your understanding prior to you applying those principles in lab sessions.
You will complete an online quiz which will assess your knowledge and understanding of concepts covered in weeks 1 - 2 of term. The quiz will have a range of question formats. Question tasks will be similar to the type you will practice in tutorials and formative quizzes. Some answers may require diagrams to be labelled. Calculations may be required.
The online quiz will be time-limited, and once you open the quiz you will not be able to pause or re-start it. Once opened the quiz will remain open for 45 minutes and will then automatically close. Any unanswered or unsaved responses will receive zero marks.
The quiz must be written within the allocated time. In the absence of an approved extension there will be no opportunity for you to complete this assessment at a later time and you will receive a score of zero for this assessment task.
You must undertake the test as individuals and not with classmates or others. As with all other University assessments, colluding with other students on a non-group work task is considered academic misconduct and will be dealt with in accordance with the Student Academic Integrity Policy. The test is open-book, but be mindful of the time-limited nature of the test. If you answer the questions using any text other than lectures or the prescribed text, you must cite your sources using the Harvard or APA referencing system. Failure to cite sources constitutes academic misconduct and will be dealt with in accordance of the relevant policy.
1
Week 3 Thursday (21 Mar 2024) 8:00 pm AEST
The test will open at 8am AEST on Thursday 21st March 2024 and close at 8pm AEST on Thursday 21st March 2024.
Results will be released within 2 weeks of the due date.
Your responses are scored on the following criteria:
- correct use of terminology
- factual correctness of presented material
- relevance of stated content to the question asked
- application of foundation concepts to the question asked
- clarity, thoroughness and completeness of explanations
The marks allocated for each question will be indicated in the question.
- Discuss the fundamental concepts of radiographic technique
- Apply the fundamental concepts of radiographic technique and radiation science to controlling the appearances of projection radiographs
- Present reasoned adjustments to image set-ups and image acquisition parameters to modify visibility of required anatomical information and/or patient dose.
2 Laboratory/Practical
It is vital for chiropractors to develop knowledge and skills in radiographic imaging.
During this unit, you will attend and participate in two (2) intensive lab learning and assessment sessions, one each in Weeks 8 and 12, as timetabled. If you do not attend or actively participate during both sessions, you put yourself at risk of not meeting the requirements of the assessment task and failing this assessment task.
During these intensive lab learning and assessment sessions, you and your group members will perform full simulated radiographic examinations, including preparation of the patient and equipment, set-up of the x-ray tube, patient and image receptor, and selecting technical parameters. You will prepare your patient by obtaining informed consent and verifying pregnancy status.
Students will be selected by the tutor to carry out simulated radiographic examinations while the other group members observe. Following each simulation performance the group will debrief. During the debrief, the observers will provide to the performer specific feedback on performance relative to the required criteria. Each intensive lab learning and assessment session will cover radiographic projections covered in the 3-4 weeks prior to the session.
TBA
Within two weeks of assessment.
This task is assessed on:
- Engagement by providing peer feedback on at least 6 simulation performances by other group members AND performing at least 3 simulations of projections selected by the tutor.
To achieve a grade of 'Pass' for this task you must:
- attend two (2) intensive lab learning and assessment sessions, offering peer feedback on 6 performances and
- complete a minimum of three radiographic examinations in the sessions.
No submission method provided.
- Perform set-ups of imaging equipment and patients to produce skeletal radiographs safely and effectively at an advanced beginner level
3 Portfolio
It is important that Chiropractors have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and effectively image patients. This involves patient positioning, equipment set-up and appropriate technical factor selection. Another important aspect is the ability to evaluate resultant images for technical sufficiency.
This task assesses your knowledge and skills in the evaluation of radiographic images for technical sufficiency. You will demonstrate that you know how each radiograph ought to appear, that you are able to determine whether or not the image matches the expected appearances and that if it does not, you would know how to correct any noted errors or omissions.
You will be provided with a portfolio of radiographs, with the projections taken from weekly content. You will then evaluate the technical sufficiency of all of these images, documenting your evaluation using the supplied proforma. In tutorials you will practice image evaluation using the proforma to support your understanding of the depth of response required for each section and the appropriate use of technical terminology to articulate your responses.
The images that you will evaluate will be from the list of radiographic projections that you are expected to learn each week. In total, fourteen (14) images will be provided and must be evaluated, two images from each content week.
You will compile your evaluated image evaluations into a portfolio. The required structure of your portfolio document will be detailed on the Moodle site.
Your evaluation proformas must be your own work. Any identified cases of potential collusion will result in a breach of academic integrity case being raised.
Not all of your image evaluations will be assessed. Your submissions will be scored with the marker selecting two image evaluations at random for assessment.
TBA
Results will be returned within 2 weeks of the submission date
This portfolio is assessed on the following aspects:
- Completeness relative to the requirements stated in the Task Description regarding the number and type of projection images and their evaluations. All 14 image evaluations must be submitted. Any submissions containing less than 14 submissions will receive a mark of zero for this assessment task.
- Correctness and completeness of the scored image evaluations
To receive any marks for each individual factor you MUST correctly determine if the image meets acceptance criteria in each of the stated factors. If this section is incorrect, no marks will be awarded for that factor. If the follow-up action section is left blank, no marks will be awarded for that factor.
Each image evaluation has nine (9) individual factors. Each factor is scored as 1, 0.5 or 0 using the criteria stated below. The maximum possible score for one image evaluation is nine (9) points.
You will receive full marks for each factor if:
- You correctly determine whether the image meets acceptance criteria AND
- You correctly and completely justify the decision regarding whether the factor meets acceptance criteria, describing the acceptance requirements and comparing this with the image being evaluated AND
- You correctly and completely describe any follow-up action required to improve each factor if that factor does not meet acceptance criteria. If no follow-up action is required, this must be stated explicitly. Leaving this section blank will garner zero marks for that factor.
You will receive half-marks for each factor if:
- You have correctly determined if the image meets acceptance criteria AND
- Your justification regarding whether the factor meets acceptance criteria is mostly correct and complete, with only 1 or 2 errors or omissions OR
- Your follow-up action required to improve each factor if that factor does not meet acceptance criteria is mostly correct and complete, with 1 or 2 errors or omissions. If no follow-up action is required, this must be stated explicitly.
You will receive zero marks for each factor if:
- You incorrectly determine the image meets acceptance criteria in each of the stated factors OR
- You have left the section related to follow-up action blank OR
- Your justification is significantly incomplete or inaccurate OR
- Your stated follow-up action is significantly incomplete or inaccurate OR
- Both the justification AND follow up action demonstrate 1 or 2 errors or omissions.
- Apply the fundamental concepts of radiographic technique and radiation science to controlling the appearances of projection radiographs
- Critique radiographic images at an advanced beginner level.
- Present reasoned adjustments to image set-ups and image acquisition parameters to modify visibility of required anatomical information and/or patient dose.
4 Practical Assessment
In this unit you are developing the knowledge and psychomotor skills required for correct radiographic positioning and use of radiographic equipment. These skills are prerequisites to your clinical practice in your Masters study, during which you will perform radiographic examinations on clinic patients.
Using a peer as your patient, you will perform two (2) simulated radiographic examinations, Practical Assessment 1 and Practical Assessment 2.
Practical Assessment 1 measures your skill in performing one (1) radiographic projection of the spine. A projection will be selected by your marker at random from the list of projections provided on the Moodle site. This assessment will be completed in your first lab learning and assessment session, timetabled in Week 8.
Practical Assessment 2 measures your skill in performing one (1) radiographic projection of a non-spine body region. A projection will be selected by your marker at random from the list of projections provided on the Moodle site. This assessment will be completed in your second lab learning and assessment session, timetabled in Week 12.
You will have 10 minutes to complete each simulated radiographic examination, including:
- Completing safety checks, explaining the procedure, patient preparation, and obtaining informed consent
- Positioning of the patient
- Set-up of the equipment (tube, collimation, side marker and image receptor)
- Selection of technical parameters at the control panel
- Generating the ‘exposure’ after suitably instructing your patient
Please note:
- This is a timed assessment. You will have 10 minutes to complete the practical tasks. If you have not completed the tasks within 10 minutes, the assessment will be stopped and you will be marked based on your performance to that point.
- This assessment task will be recorded to enable moderation.
- You must complete the tasks without reference to any guidance resources such as notes, texts or electronic devices.
- If you do not meet minimum requirements on your first attempt you will be given one additional opportunity to be re-assessed.
- A detailed marking rubric demonstrating the requirements of the practical aspects of the assessment are posted on the unit Moodle site.
TBA
Written feedback provided within two weeks of assessment.
You will be marked on the following criteria:
- Correct, explicit and clear explanation of the procedures
- Correct and clear explanation of patient preparation required
- Explicit informed consent sought
- Correct position of the person or limb relative to the required projection
- Correct position and centring of the x-ray tube relative to the required projection
- Correct positioning of the image receptor
- Accurate and safe use of the equipment
- Adherence to medico-legal requirements in relation to the use of ionising radiation
Each aspect has a minimum score to pass. Some tasks are of a more critical nature than others, therefore require a higher level of performance.
To achieve a 'Pass' in this assessment, you must meet the minimum requirements for all criteria within Practical Assessments 1 AND 2 as set out in the marking rubric.
- Perform set-ups of imaging equipment and patients to produce skeletal radiographs safely and effectively at an advanced beginner level
5 Online Test
You will complete a 90 minute online test during the university review week. The purpose of this test is for you to demonstrate your understanding and ability to apply the concepts and correct use of the terminology from all weeks of the unit content.
The questions may include but are not limited to naming anatomy on an image, critiquing an image in terms of technical sufficiency, suggesting ways to improve the technical sufficiency of the image, critiquing the patient position relative to a stated projection, or explaining the science underpinning why a stated projection is completed as it is. Content from all weeks may be assessed. The number of marks available for each question will be indicated on the test.
The quiz must be completed within the allocated time. In the absence of an approved extension there will be no opportunity for you to complete this assessment at a later time and you will receive a score of zero for this assessment task.
You must undertake the test as individuals and not with classmates or others. As with all other University assessments, colluding with other students on a non-group work task is considered academic misconduct and will be dealt with in accordance with the Student Academic Integrity Policy. The test is open-book, but be mindful of the time-limited nature of the test. If you answer the questions using any text other than lectures or the prescribed text, you must cite your sources using the Harvard or APA referencing system. Failure to cite sources constitutes academic misconduct and will be dealt with in accordance of the relevant policy.
Review/Exam Week Monday (3 June 2024) 2:00 pm AEST
The test will open at 12:30pm and close at 2:00pm AEST.
Results will be released within 2 weeks of the due date.
You will be marked on the following criteria:
- correct use of terminology
- factual correctness of presented material
- relevance of stated content to the question asked
- application of foundation concepts to the question asked
- clarity, thoroughness and completeness of explanations
The marks allocated for each question will be indicated in the question information.
- Discuss the fundamental concepts of radiographic technique
- Apply the fundamental concepts of radiographic technique and radiation science to controlling the appearances of projection radiographs
- Discuss the radiographic appearances of anatomical structures on standard skeletal projection radiographs
- Critique radiographic images at an advanced beginner level.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
