MRS323 Nuclear Medicine Science 2 (8)

This subject begins with an examination of the imaging technology employed in conventional Nuclear Medicine; including relevant physics, electronics, counting statistics, pulse-height spectrometry and image quality. This subject also deals with Nuclear Medicine computer hardware and software; computer hardware components and devices, computer operating systems and language, Nuclear Medicine computer graphics, image acquisition and data analysis are covered in detail. This subject deals with the physics and instrumentation of SPECT and PET; including hybrid technology.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Port Macquarie Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: MRS323. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Dentistry and Health Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • Be able to demonstrate an understand of and correctly utilise key terms and concepts
  • Be able to explain the structure and operation of imaging equipment
  • Be able to describe and explain the principles of the gamma camera, SPECT, PET and data reconstruction
  • Be able to describe an explain the principles of image manipulation and reconstruction
  • Be able to demonstrate and apply those characteristics that enhance autonomous and life long learning
  • Be able to apply critical, analytical, and evaluative skills at a developing level in a range of contexts including clinical problem solving, research and empirical practice, and academic and professional discourse
  • Be able to identify and deploy effective communication skills in a variety of settings using a variety of media

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

Module 1 (25%): Gamma Camera
" Terminology
" Basic Electronics
" Nuclear Counting Statistics
" Pulse-height Spectrometry
" Problems in Radiation Detection and Measurement
" Imaging Counting Systems
" Anger Gamma Cameras
" Quality Control

Module 2 (10%): Computing
" Terminology
" Functions and components of a computer system
" Computer operating systems
" Computer programming language (macro language)
" Computer graphics
" Nuclear medicine image acquisition methods
" Computer network in nuclear medicine department
" Data communication

Module 3 (25%): SPECT
" Terminology
" SPECT instrumentation, data acquisition and processing
" SPECT reconstruction techniques (introduction)
" Quality Control in SPECT
" Quantitative SPECT
" SPECT/CT

Module 4 (25%): PET
" Terminology
" Physical principles of PET
" PET instrumentation
" Quality control in PET
" PET/CT
" Quantitative PET

Module 5 (15%): Data analysis
" Terminology
" Digitisation
" Computer manipulation of digital images: basic image processing techniques, contrast stretch, edge enhancement, noise reduction, smoothing
" Computer analysis of images: simple feature detection, histographic, statistical analysis parametric imaging
" Quantitative and data analysis
" Filtered backprojection
" Iterative reconstruction
" Data fusion / co-registration

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of MRS323 in Session 1 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Pre-clinical practicals
15
2
Written report
35
3
Examination
50

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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