RAD1021 Radiologic physics and radiation protection
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
RAD1021 Radiologic physics and radiation protection is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2024 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 4 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2024
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 4 other tasks
This is the 2024 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before RAD1021
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After RAD1021
4 units list RAD1021 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Overview
This unit covers the fundamental physics concepts relevant to radiographic imaging. Topics include: Scientific measurement; Mechanics and heat; Atomic structure and electromagnetic radiation; Electricity, magnetism and electromagnetism; X-rays and their production; X-ray emission and interactions between x-rays and matter; Attenuation of x-rays and filters; Detection of X-rays; X-ray image formation; an introduction to computer-based imaging in medicine; and Foundational principles of radiation protection together with statutory requirements.
Offerings in 2024
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Mid-semester test (1 hour)20%
- End-semester exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Competency hurdle50%
- Laboratory experiments20%
- Weekly quizzes (Between 7 and 10 questions-15-20 mins per quiz)5%
- Assignment5%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explain the physical properties of atomic structure
- 2
Discuss the fundamental principles of mechanics, electromagnetism and thermal physics relevant to the production and absorption of energy
- 3
Explain the physical laws of interaction of particles and waves, including the mechanisms for absorption and scattering of energy at the atomic level
- 4
Explain in quantitative terms the production of x-rays and the use of exposure factors that control x-ray intensity, penetration and dose
- 5
Use quantitative measures for the absorption of x-rays and discuss why and how x-ray absorption coefficients vary with energy and atomic number and relate these ideas to the sharp depiction of contrast changes in x-ray images of patients;
- 6
Explain the effects of ionizing radiation on cellular matter and the basic principles underlying radiation dose and radiation safety
Workload and teaching
- Lectures20 hours
- Practical activities17.5 hours
- Workshops23 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
For full details of the teaching approach to this unit, please refer to Moodle.
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Marcus Kitchen
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Marcus Kitchen
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for RAD1021?
RAD1021 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after RAD1021?
RAD1021 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 4 units, including RAD1012, RAD1031, RAD1061 and RAD1082.
When is RAD1021 offered?
In 2024, RAD1021 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does RAD1021 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.