MARAD4100 Computed Tomography (CT) Course description

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.

Two years’ experience as a radiographer.

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 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.

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

• Eight written assignments, two in groups of 2-4 students and six individual. The scope of the assignments vary from 1,500 to 3,500 words, with the exception of coursework relating to quality control, for which there is no limit in scope.

Students will be offered written supervision before the submission of all assignments. The right to written supervision lapses if the student does not submit the assignment by the given deadline.

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.

All answers are assessed by two examiners. An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

30 credits overlap with MABIO5000 Computed Tomography (CT).