Computed Tomography PG (10034.2)

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 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. Demonstrate an established understanding of the physical principles of and instrumentation used in CT;
2. Identify anatomy and common pathology visualised in CT examinations;
3. Justify CT techniques and synthesise CT protocols and appropriate technique modifications as may be needed to demonstrate specific pathology with the patients' clinical indications;
4. Critically assess image quality in CT and discuss the factors that affect CT image quality; and
5. Synthesise an understanding of the radiation safety and radiation dose considerations encountered CT 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

Welcome to the study of computed tomography (CT). This unit will cover the physical principles and some beginning clinical aspects of the practice of imaging using CT. It also forms part of your clinical practice component in becoming a lifelong scholarly evidence based practitioner.

This unit forms the corner stone 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. By developing these skills will provide tools for excellence in patient imaging management.

In addition to the Graduate Attributes above, another Graduate Attribute of this unit is safe practice. There are many dimensions to safe practice such as knowing about the policy context, best practice guidance, how to manage risk effectively; managing personal, physical and mental health; practicing cultural safety; practicing safety in the use of medicines; and the responsibilities as a student and as a registered practitioner.

I hope you will find this unit informative, useful and fun in incorporating, integrating and applying the knowledge acquired in this unit to the other units of the course.

In order to succeed in this unit, you should plan wisely, read intensively and actively participate throughout the semester.

 

Prerequisites

10048 Radiographic Imaging 1 G AND
10046 Physical Principles of MRS G AND
10047 Radiation Biology and Dosimetry G

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.