UnitLevel 1Undergraduate

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 2025 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 4 units.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2025
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 70%
and 3 other tasks

This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before RAD1021

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

Enrolment rules

Corequisite: Must be enrolled in Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (Honours)

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 2025

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Mid-semester test (1 hour)Examination
    20%
  • End-semester exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)ExaminationCompetency hurdle
    50%
  • Laboratory experimentsArtefact
    20%
  • Weekly quizzes (Between 7 and 10 questions-15-20 mins per quiz)Quiz / Test
    5%
  • AssignmentWritten
    5%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Explain the physical properties of atomic structure

  2. 2

    Discuss the fundamental principles of mechanics, electromagnetism and thermal physics relevant to the production and absorption of energy

  3. 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. 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. 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. 6

    Explain the effects of ionizing radiation on cellular matter and the basic principles underlying radiation dose and radiation safety

Workload and teaching

  • Workshops23 hours
  • Practical activities17.5 hours
  • Lectures20 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

Unit Coordinators
Dr Marcus Kitchen
Chief Examiners
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 2025, RAD1021 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.

Does RAD1021 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 70% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
1
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational unit
Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Not available