RAB1350 Basic Radiographic Imaging and Exposure -Theory and Skills Course description

The course deals with radiographic techniques and methodological principles related to conventional radiography. Skeletal and chest examinations make up the majority of examinations. Radiation protection and the principles of practical radiation protection are also an important part of the course. Newly qualified radiographers are expected to carry out such examinations independently and in accordance with professional criteria. This includes meeting the patient's need for communication and care, respond to the patient's illness or injury, and be able to produce and describe diagnostic images.

Parts of the course consists of practical training at diagnostic imaging departments. The practical training focuses on conventional radiography examinations of the skeleton and chest, where students are to gain practical experience of carrying out diagnostic imaging examinations in a satisfactory manner. The practical training gives students experience of both the technical and care aspects of the profession based on relevant theory.

The following must be passed in order to have external practice in RAB1350:

• Passed course RAB1200 Anatomy, Physiology, and Fundamentals of X-ray Images
• Passed course RAB1100 Radiation Physics and Radiography

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

• describe general pathological processes and the occurrence and growth of microorganisms
• explain causes and symptoms of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems
• explain the chain of infection, the hygiene guidelines and how hospital-acquired infections can be prevented
• describe forms of treatment for relevant diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems
• explain how to care for patients with diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems, including observation, communication and care regardless of sex, ethnicity, religion/life stance, functional impairment, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and age
• describe image criteria for X-ray examinations of the musculoskeletal system and thorax 
• identify pathology in skeletal and chest X-ray images

Skills

The student can

• apply and master conventional X-ray machines 
• assess and choose exposure parameters for conventional radiography examinations 
• carry out simple skeletal and chest examinations
• assess which factors influence radiation dose and image quality
• calculate effective dose based on the dose area product (DAP) 
• perform practical procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), pulse and blood pressure measurements and patient handling techniques 
• identify and describe anatomical structures and obvious pathology in images from skeletal and chest examinations 
• describe image criteria and assess image quality for chest and skeletal examinations
• perform simple image processing  
• apply medical image and information systems under supervision
• apply relevant hygiene guidelines

General competence  

The student can

• understand and apply the principles of practical radiation protection 
• give grounds for how skeletal and chest examinations are carried out 
• compare radiation doses from conventional radiography examinations with national diagnostic reference levels
• give patients precise and individually information, take care of the patient and create a sense of security during the examination
• demonstrate attitudes that are important to professional practice and cooperate with other

The work and teaching methods include flipped classroom, lectures, seminars, skills training and self-study. In seminars, the students work in groups. Digital learning resources will be made available to students in advance, and the time they spend at the university will be used to work on assignments and group work. 

The students will complete six weeks of practical training, of which three weeks of external practical training at diagnostic imaging departments. 

The following must have been approved in order for the student to receive an assessment:

• a minimum of 80 % attendance at seminars and skills training
• a minimum of 90 % attendance in practical training
• an individual practical test in skeletal and chest examinations in accordance with set criteria 

Combined assessment.

Part 1) Assessment of practical training: The assessment is based on the learning outcomes and the continuous assessment that the student is subject to throughout the practical training period. The student’s practical training can only be assessed if their attendance is sufficiently high (90%). For more information, see the general part of the programme description about practical training assessment.

Part 2) Supervised individual written exam, (combination of multiple choice and free text assignments,) 3 hours

The student can receive the final assessment in part 1, part 2 and part 3 independently of each other. The student must pass all parts in order to pass the course.

Resit assessment/exam: If a student fails one part of the exam, they must retake the part in question. If the student fails part 1 (practical training period), they must normally retake the whole practical training period.

Students can appeal the grade awarded for part 2, written exam.

Part 1) Not relevant

Part 2) No aids permitted

Part 1) Pass/Fail

Part 2) Grade scale A-F

Part 1) The midway and final assessments are made by the practical training supervisor in cooperation with the contact lecturer. The final decision on whether to award a pass or fail grade is made by the university.

Part 2) An external examiner takes part in preparing the exam questions and assesment criteria, and assesses a minimum of 25 % of the exam papers together with an internal examiner. Other exam papers are assessed by internal examiners. The external examiner´s assessment shall benefit all students.