MARAD4200 Conventional Radiography Course description

The course provides a systematic introduction to the fundamentals of X-ray images. The course is divided into three main parts. The first part focuses on advance anatomy and pathology in light of diagnostic imaging. The second part gives students an in-depth introduction to diagnostic imaging and projection theory. The third part deals with the technology of conventional X-ray equipment from the point of view of post-processing, optimisation and exposure technique.

All papers will be assessed by two examiners, one of whom must be external.

Students must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health and Technology - Specialisation in Radiography. The course is also offered as an individual course, with the same admission requirements as for the specialisation.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence: 

Knowledge 

The student 

• can account for and assess different theories and procedures in conventional radiography
• can critically assess the representation of relevant anatomy and pathology in the imaging material
• can account for relevant additional projections for special examinations and consider whether these are relevant
• can critically assess quality and patient safety in the health service
• can critically assess procedures adapted to different groups of patients, for example in geriatrics and paediatrics
• can assess causal connections between post-processing algorithms, radiation doses and image quality

Skills 

The student 

• can assess image criteria and image quality independently
• can apply post-processing algorithms independently
• can apply methods for quality development work, including patient safety
• can assess different methods of diagnosis in the field of medical diagnostic imaging
• can evaluate their own practice

General competence

The student 

• can convey and discuss issues in the field with colleagues, for example radiographers, radiologists, physicists, clinicians and others with whom it is natural to cooperate
• can make ethically and professionally justified assessments and decisions in professional practice
• can formulate, analyse and assess practical and subject-related issues in an independent, systematic and critical manner and on the basis of science
• can identify and assess their own need for competence development and specialisation
• can serve as a resource and driver in development work in the workplace
• can lead optimisation projects and make professional decisions based on systematically obtained research and experience-based knowledge
• can work to safeguard the universal right to equitable health services by focusing on quality and the development of procedures
• can contribute to phasing out and implementing methods, technology and sustainable innovation intended to improve the quality of services

Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic imaging examination method that uses ionising radiation to produce cross-sectional images, so that the bodily structures can be viewed in different planes.

The course comprises the following main topics:

1) Radiation protection 2) CT technology 3) Contrast agents 4) Quality control and image quality parameters 5) Workstation and image processing 6) Patient doses, reference values and protocol development.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence: 

Knowledge 

The student 

• can account for CT technology and its development
• can interpret, analyse and discuss quality control procedures for CT examinations
• can critically assess the use of contrast agents in CT examinations
• can interpret, analyse and discuss image quality and CT technology
• can account for the use of workstations, image processing and storage media
• can interpret and critically discuss dosage calculations for CT examinations
• can account for, discuss and analyse laws, regulations and guidelines concerning radiation protection relating to the use of CT

Skills 

The student 

• can apply post-processing techniques to the most common CT examinations
• can analyse reports from CT quality controls, and carry out dosage measurements with the help of measuring equipment
• can carry out image processing and assess image quality in an independent manner
• can optimise CT protocols, with particular focus on adapted image quality and radiation dosage for the examination

General competence

The student 

• can disseminate extensive independent work and master the forms of expression used in the field
• can convey issues, analyses and conclusions in the field of CT in big and small forums
• can make ethically and professionally justified assessments and decisions in professional practice
• can work to safeguard the universal right to equitable health services by focusing on quality and the development of procedures
• can implement their knowledge and skills in new areas for the purpose of carrying out advanced tasks and projects

The course is largely based on self-study where students work on required coursework. Digital learning resources in the form of lectures and online assignments are made available to students. One session that includes lectures, group work and simulations is organised per semester.

Individual written home exam, 6 hours.

The paper can be written in English or a Scandinavian language.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A-F.

Two years’ experience as a radiographer.

The course is offered as an individual course. Admission requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree in radiography.