UnitLevel 5Postgraduate

RAD5101 Essential principles of x-ray image interpretation

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

RAD5101 Essential principles of x-ray image interpretation is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2026
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 30%
and 2 other tasks
Workload
12 hours
per semester

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before RAD5101

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After RAD5101

No unit lists RAD5101 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.

Enrolment rules

Must be enrolled in a postgraduate course.

Overview

In this unit you will broaden your clinical knowledge and develop fundamental skills in the analysis of plain radiographic images. You will expand your critiquing of radiographic images through the application of a methodical approach when interpreting X-ray images. You will learn to apply principles of visual perception and pattern recognition and statistical skills to reduce interpretation errors. You will learn to discriminate abnormalities from the appearances of normal radiographic anatomy and anatomical variants on plain radiographic images of body regions. You will learn to apply clinical decision-making processes to diagnostic imaging pathways in the context of emergency care. This unit will enable you to construct effective interprofessional communication skills in the acute and non-acute care settings. You will be required to articulate professional knowledge in the appraisal of advances in clinical practice affected by the impact of artificial intelligence on computer-assisted image interpretation of radiographic images.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOnline

Assessment

  • Case study (2,000 words)Written
    30%
  • Oral presentation – Online (10 minutes)Presentation
    40%
  • Exam (60 minutes)Examination
    30%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

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

  1. 1

    Analyse radiographic images through the incorporation of systematic and methodological strategies.

  2. 2

    Distinguish between normal and anatomical variations on X-ray images as applicable to the different body regions.

  3. 3

    Discriminate between normal and abnormal X-ray cases of various body regions by applying principles of visual perception, pattern recognition and statistical measures.

  4. 4

    Appraise diagnostic imaging pathways in the context of emergency care.

  5. 5

    Consolidate reflective skills in image interpretation to enhance effective interprofessional communication in the clinical setting.

  6. 6

    Appraise advances in clinical practice through the impact of artificial intelligence on computer-assisted radiographic image interpretation.

Workload and teaching

  • Tutorials6 hours

6 hours of teacher directed study per week, including 3 hours of lectures and 3 hours of tutorials.
6 hours per week of self-directed study.
Total per week = 12 hours

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Dr Imelda Williams
Chief Examiners
Dr Imelda Williams

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for RAD5101?

RAD5101 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

When is RAD5101 offered?

In 2026, RAD5101 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton, with an online option.

How much work is RAD5101?

The handbook expects about 12 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does RAD5101 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
5
Study level
Postgraduate
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
Handbook years
20262027