RAB1100 Radiation Physics and Radiography Course description

Language of instruction: Norwegian

The paediatric X-ray course deals with the examination and treatment of children. Children are a vulnerable patient group, and examining children brings very different challenges from those encountered when examining adults. Children are particularly radiosensitive, and a radiographer must be capable of taking account of special anatomical circumstances, have knowledge of the most common pathological processes in children and be able to adapt radiographic techniques. At the same time, children and their next of kin must be cared for in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. Child abuse is a key topic in this course, as radiographers play an important role in diagnosing abuse.

Passed first year of the programme or equivalent. RAB1050 is exempt from the progression requirement.

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

Knowledge 

The student 

• understands the history of the profession of radiographer and its contemporary practice in a national and international context
• has knowledge of central psychological perspectives and the importance of psychology in interaction with patients 
• can describe how radiographers work and what characterises the practice of radiography
• can explain the main principles of patient communication 
• can refer to relevant ethical theories and professional ethics
• can describe the content and function of professional ethical guidelines
• can describe the steps of evidence-based practice 
• can describe laws, regulations and principles related to radiation protection 
• can explain the concept of ionising radiation 
• can explain how electromagnetic radiation and particle radiation are formed
• can explain the X-ray spectrum used for conventional radiography and mammography
• can describe interactions between X-rays and tissue/matter 
• can explain the concept of radiation doses 
• can describe the components of a conventional X-ray equipment, its structure and how it works 
• can explain how radiation is detected 
• can explain and describe the structure of digital images
• can explain factors that affects image quality
• can explain the relationship between optimal image quality and radiation dose 
• can describe the image storage system Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)
• can describe different aspects of post-processing
• can describe different organs’ radiosensitivity 

Skills 

The student can

• handle safe use of X-ray equipment as regards radiation risk
• identify the elements of an X-ray laboratory 
• explain and apply different types of filters, grids and their placement in the X-ray equipment
• apply knowledge of challenges relating to communication with patients, next of kin and colleagues 

General competence 

The student can

• understand basic radiation physics related to ionising radiation 
• understand the fundamental principles of radiation protection
• use an X-ray laboratory 

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

• explain the stages of children's development
• explain how to care for children and next of kin in diagnostic imaging examination and treatment situations
• recognise paediatric anatomy and its appearance on diagnostic images
• describe the most common pathological conditions of the chest, abdomen, urinary tract and musculoskeletal system in children
• explain and assess different principles and techniques used in diagnostic imaging examination and treatment of children, including exposure technique, sedation, immobilisation and distraction
• explain radiation biology effects and radiation protection in paediatric x-ray examinations

Skills

The student can

• assess the justification and choice of modality for examinations of children

General competence

The student can

• refer to relevant legislation and consider ethical dilemmas relating to diagnostic imaging examinations and treatment of children
• recognise signs and consider implementing measures on suspicion of child abuse

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• a minimum attendance of 80% at scheduled seminars and skills training sessions

Oral exam in groups of 2-4 students, up to 45 minutes per group. Two weeks before the exam, the students will receive a case that will form the basis for the exam.

In special cases, resit and rescheduled exams may be held as individual exams.

All aids are permitted.

Oral exam: a blank A4 sheet is distributed during the oral exam for notes during the preparation time.

Pass/fail

The oral exam is assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

5 ECTS overlap with RAD2000.