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MRS501 Breast Imaging Physics and Instrumentation (16)

Abstract

This two session subject covers the concepts of physics and instrumentation in the field of breast imaging. It extensively considers the physics of mammography and advanced mammography and briefly reviews the basic physics principles of MRI and ultrasound. It covers both film screen and digital image formation and recording methods. The design and care of all instrumentation relevant to breast imaging will be covered, with emphasis on quality assurance and quality control procedures. Treatment is given to the aspects of visual perception, image processing and analysis. This subject also deals with the basic considerations of breast dosimetry, radiobiology and radiation protection. Fundamental concepts in these areas are addressed, together with detailed information especially relevant to the irradiated breast. The treatment is necessarily emphasising those aspects relevant to breast x-ray mammography; however potential risks and effects pertaining to other modalities (eg ultrasound) are addressed.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
DistanceWagga Wagga Campus
Session 2
DistanceWagga Wagga Campus
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: MRS501
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
Two sessionsHD/FLSchool of Dentistry and Health Sciences

Enrolment restrictions

Only available to students enrolled in the Grad Dip Mammography course. Students enrolled in the Master of Medical Radiation Science course may enrol with the permission of the Courses Director.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to explain the physical principles involved in the suitable generation of x-ray, ultrasound, and other alternative modality images.
  • be able to explain the basis of the visual perception system and the synthesise the implications with regards to breast image analysis.
  • be able to identify the way in which imaging equipment and associated technology embraces the above principles, and apply this knowledge of the various equipment types into the practice of mammography.
  • be able to implement the use of imaging equipment in order to effect optimal images of the breast. (In particular the use of x-ray mammographic equipment exposure controls.)
  • be able to relate the basis of the various radiation quantities and units used in breast dosimetry, radiobiology and radiation protection.
  • be able to differentiate the ways by which breast dose may be assessed.
  • be able to analyse basic radiobiological event sequences and effects at molecular, cellular and tissue levels.
  • be able to explain the basis of risk evaluation and be able to calculate likely population outcomes given apriori conditions of irradiation dose.
  • be able to synthesise the basis of and integrate working knowledge relating to the practical minimisation of risk in mammography; and relevant controls - legislative and recommendatory.
  • be able to compare and contrast the potential bioeffects and recommendations pertaining to some alternate imaging modalities.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  • Imaging Modalities: X-ray imaging - mammography, direct film, screen film, digital mammography; Principles of generation, differential absorption, filtration, scattering ; Resolution, contrast, 'grids'; Ultrasound - basic principle of echo ranging, sound pulse generation and transmission; Basis of Real Time US, tissue-sound interactions, spatial and temporal resolution, contrast and echogenicity; Alternative modalities - MRI, thermography, visible light, nuclear medicine, CT. Basis of operation and basis of usage in diagnosis; New and emerging technologies
  • Technological Foundations: X-ray equipment - power and tube requirements for, typical specifications, design; Ultrasound - Realtime Design, requirements for high resolution, transducer types; Equipment for alternative modalities - basic descriptions and use of; Exposure controls in mammography, manual selection of factors, AEC.
  • Quality control (1) - performance tests of equipment.
  • The Visual Perception System: Human visual perception, basic elements; Image perception and analysis, ROC and FROC analysis; Image processing methods and principles.
  • Quality Control (11) - QC and image analysis.
  • Dosimetry: Intensity, energy fluence, exposure and exposure rate, absorbed dose, equivalent dose, effective dose, 'skin' dose, mean glandular dose, techniques of dosimetric assessment.
  • Radiation Biology: Basic considerations, factors affecting biological damage, event sequences, molecular, cellular and tissue damage, radiosensitivity, D37, single and multi-target models of interactions, absolute and relative risk factors, radiocarcinogenesis, life span effects, bioeffects of ultrasound and MRI.
  • Radiation Protection: Fundamental concepts, ALARA, equipment and procedural safety, designing, occupational and patient risk minimisation, legislation and recommendatory documents.

Work Place Learning

This subject contains a Compulsory Workplace Learning component of 14 days duration. Students will engage in clinical practice at a nominated BreastScreen Australia unit or Radiology Practice for the duration of the course. This is a course entry requirement and will be undertaken over 41 weeks at 2.5 days per week (or equivalent), of which 14 days are allocated to this subject. MRS501 is a hybrid subject with distance education components and workplace learning components. This subject contains a Compulsory Workplace Learning component of 14 days duration. Students will engage in clinical practice at a nominated BreastScreen Australia unit or Radiology Practice for the duration of the course. This is a course entry requirement and will be undertaken over 41 weeks at 2.5 days per week (or equivalent), of which 14 days are allocated to this subject. MRS501 is a hybrid subject with distance education components and workplace learning components.

Specialised Resources

Students will engage in clinical practice at a nominated BreastScreen Australia unit or Radiology Practice for the duration of the course. This is a course entry requirement and will be undertaken over 41 weeks at 2.5 days per week (or equivalent). This is an overall course requirement and incorporates the 14 days required for MRS501. Students will be required to cover the costs of immunisation, First Aid, uniforms and appropriate background checks in keeping with the Faculty of Science policies.  

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The information contained in the 2015 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 01 October 2015. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.