Computed Tomography (10013.3)

This unit introduces and develops the students' understanding of the physical principles and instrumentation of computed tomography (CT). CT dosimetry, image quality, quality assurance and relevant regulation are included. This unit also covers the clinical applications with an emphasis on the clinical indications and the CT examinations technique and imaging protocols together with the anatomy and pathology demonstrated and overall patient management.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Review and evaluate the physical principles of and instrumentation used in CT as related to CT examinations and their imaging parameters;
2. Evaluate and assess image quality in CT procedures and its impact on visualising anatomy and common pathology;
3. Evaluate and assess the design of CT protocols and appropriate technique modifications as may be needed in CT examinations related to the patients' clinical indications; and
4. Consolidate an understanding of the radiation safety and radiation dose considerations encountered CT and compare and contrast this with other ionising radiation medical examinations.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Skills development

This unit contributes toward the following Medical Radiations Practice Board of Australia Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice and National Board approved Medical radiation practice accreditation standards.

Domain 1 Medical radiation practitioner

Domain 1A Diagnostic radiographer

Domain 2 Professional and ethical practitioner

Domain 3 Communicator and collaborator

Domain 4 Evidence-informed practitioner 

Domain 5 Radiation safety and risk manager

 

Welcome to the study of Computed Tomography (CT). This unit will cover the physical principles and clinical aspects of the practice of imaging using CT. It also forms part of your clinical practice component in providing essential knowledge. 

This unit forms the cornerstone of conducting specialised imaging investigations using sophisticated physical and imaging technology, thereby developing your knowledge and clinical skills to apply in professional practice and make a judgment on use of ionising radiation dose when conducting these examinations. Developing these skills will provide tools for excellence in patient imaging management.

I hope you will find this unit informative, useful and fun. In order to succeed in this unit, you should plan wisely, read intensively and actively participate throughout the semester.

Prerequisites

10016 Informatics and Image Processing AND 10027 Radiation Biology and Dosimetry AND 10029 Radiographic Imaging 2

Corequisites

Enrolment in 319JA Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging) AND 11475 Research in Medical Radiation Science AND 11814 Radiographic Imaging Interpretation 1 AND 11815 Specialised Planar Radiographic Imaging

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.