RAB1100 Radiation Physics and Radiography Course description

Language of instruction: Norwegian

Basic knowledge of radiation physics and atomic physics is required for professional practice as a radiographer. A main focus in the course is the construction, function and use of X-ray equipment. The course gives students a thorough introduction to radiation physics, how x-ray images are created and factors that influence this process.

The course also provides an introduction to radiographers' working methods and radiograph professional work, including radiation protection, the history of radiography as well as ethics and theories of communication.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

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
• basic understanding of the necessity of good communication, care, and patient support related to diagnostic imaging examinations.

Work and teaching methods include lectures, seminars, skills training, written work and self-study. In seminars, the students work in groups. This course uses digital learning resources in the form of video lectures, digital tests and exercises.

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

• a minimum of 90 % attendance in skills training
• a minimum of 80 % attendance in scheduled group works and seminars
• written individual assignment related to patient communication and ethics, 500 words (+/- 10 percent)

Supervised individual written exam, combination of multiple choice and free text assignments, 4 hours

No aids permitted

Grade scale A-F

Free text assignment: All answers are assessed by two internal examiners. Multiple-choice task: Quality-assured by an internal examiner and automatically evaluated.

The assessment scheme is evaluated regularly. An external programme supervisor participates in the evaluation and provides advice on further quality work in the study programme.

5 ECTS overlap with RAD1000 and 10 ECTS overlap with RAD1100.