Course Outline and Syllabus
Course Title:
RAD 302 Computers in Medical Imaging
Clock Hours:
30 Didactic Hours
Quarter Units:
3 Quarter Credits
Prerequisite:
None
Instructor:
Kelly Angel
Office Hours:
MW: check on available hours
Contact Info:
Office: (510) 231-5034
E-mail: Kelly.angel@kp.org
Required Text Books
Bushong, Stewart (2008); Radiologic Science for Technologists: Physics, Biology, and Protection; Ninth Edition;
Mosby, St. Louis, Missouri
Carlton, Richard R.; Adler, Arlene M. (2006); Principles of Radiographic Imaging: An Art and a Science. Fourth
Edition; Delmar, Albany, NY.
Carter, C. & Veale, B. (2009); Digital Radiography and PACS (Revised Reprint); St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Elsevier
* A calculator is required for this course.
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce the student to the fundamental principles of computer technology and how they
interface with diagnostic imaging. This course provides a broad framework for understanding the technical aspects
of computers, which would lay the foundation needed for use in the radiology department. Because Computed
Radiography (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR) are rapidly replacing traditional film based systems, imaging
technologists will need to understand these new technologies. This course addresses these technologies and
provides students with an in-depth knowledge of the physics behind CR and DR, digital image formation, processing,
and quality. Discussion will include technique selection for exposure and Quality Control. The course answers many
of the questions a new imaging technologist may have concerning higher or lower dose with digital systems as
compared to traditional imaging systems. Also discussed will be retakes versus image post processing, grid use, and
artifacts. Includes content designed to provide entry-level radiography students with principles related to Computed
Tomography (CT) imaging.
Course Approach
This course will consist of a dual approach of lecture-demonstration involving class participation facilitated by
instructors in a team format, where guest speakers will guide a class discussion in their area of expertise. Reading
assignments will precede each lecture.
RAD 302 – Computers in Medical Imaging
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Handouts, visual aids, schematics and images will be used to facilitate the learning process.
In addition to scheduled evaluations, periodic reviews will be conducted.
Course Objectives
This course is designed to
1. Introduce students to the fundamental principles of computer technology and how it interfaces with
diagnostic imaging.
2. Provide a broad framework for understanding technical aspects of computers, to stimulate an awareness of
new technologies applicable to Radiography.
3. Relate the principles of physics that are fundamental to Computer Radiology (CR) and Digital Radiography
(DR), relative to digital image formation, processing, and quality.
4. Expose the student to the rationale for technique selection for exposure and Quality Control.
5. Address the questions a new imaging technologist may have concerning higher or lower dose with digital
systems as compared to traditional imaging systems, retakes versus image post processing, grids, and
artifacts.
6. Introduce entry-level radiography students to principles related to Computed Tomography (CT) imaging.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. List various terms related to computer fundamentals and components
2. Identify various types of computer imaging in Radiology and the basic elements of a radiology information
system (RIS)
3. Discuss the fundamentals of digital radiography, distinguishing between cassette-based systems and
cassette-less systems and compare advantages/limitations of both
4. Examine the potential impact of digital radiographic systems of patient exposure and methods of practicing
the “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) concept with digital systems.
5. Describe Picture Archival and Communications System (PACS), its functions, and patient benefits of such a
system
6. Describe image acquisition, display, and post-processing techniques of CT.
7. Identify issues of digital imaging in relation to patient privacy
Evaluation System
The following Evaluations are used to determine success in this program of enrollment:
2 Tests
50 points each
Project
Midterm
Final Exam
Total (Tentative)
RAD 302 – Computers in Medical Imaging
100 points
50 points
100 points
100 points
350+ points
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KPSAHS Grading Policy
Letter
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
Percentage in Performance
Grade Points
94-100
90-93
88-89
84-88
80-83
78-79
70-77
4.00
3.70
3.30
3.00
2.70
2.30
2.00
NOTE: All course work must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” (70%) to be considered for credit for
coursework in this program. An average test grade less than 70% is considered a failing grade.
KPSAHS Academic Policies
Department Grading Policy:
The average grade of all practical exams must be 70% or greater to gain credit for this course. The final grade is
based upon passing (separately) the written exams and practical exams. One grade is assigned for the entire
course. A final grade of “F” will be assigned to students averaging less than 70% in either the written or practical
exams.
Cheating and Plagiarism:
Any form of cheating or plagiarism is serious and will not be tolerated. Academic achievement and proficiency in a
subject matter cannot be achieved through cheating and/or plagiarism. Any student, who knowingly cheats,
plagiarized and allows/aids another student in cheating or plagiarism will receive up to and/or including the following:
•
•
A failing grade on a single assignment, test, and/or final course grade
Suspension or dismissal from the program
Honesty is a necessary trait in all health professionals. KPSAHS expects all students to practice honest and ethical
behavior. Inability to fulfill this expectation will result in dismissal from the program.
Attendance Policy and Exam Make-Up Policy:
As stated in the Student Handbook, students are expected to attend all classes and labs. Attendance will be taken at
the beginning of each class period. A sign-in sheet is used to record daily attendance. It is the student’s
responsibility to sign in at each class (failure to do so will constitute an absence). Students are required to maintain
90% attendance in the course. Students who miss 10% will have their course grade lowered one full grade. Students
who fail to attend 11% - 20% of the didactic time will have their course grade lowered two full grades. Any student
who misses more than 20% will receive a failing grade for the course and may be subject to further disciplinary
action. Extenuating circumstances should be brought to the attention of the instructor.
* Two absences OR more than two tardies OR a combination of the two will result in a deduction of one letter
grade.
RAD 302 – Computers in Medical Imaging
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The student is responsible for contacting his/her instructor to determine whether make-up work must be completed.
Furthermore, the student is responsible for gathering lecture notes from a student peer.
Students who are absent on a test day must notify the instructor by phone prior to the exam in order to be allowed to
take the exam at a later date. It is at the discretion of each individual instructor as to whether or not an exam can be
made-up, regardless of the reason for the absence. The student will be expected to take the exam on the day of
return and will have their test grade reduced by one. Failure to take any exam may result in an incomplete grade for
the course. Only one exam may be taken late after an excused absence. If an exam is missed due to an
unexcused absence, it may not be made up and a zero grade will be given for that exam. An unannounced quiz
missed due to any type of absence may not be made up and a zero grade will be assigned. Assignments submitted
one day late will receive 50% of the total earned grade. Assignments submitted after that will receive no grade.
Students absent on the day an assignment is due shall be prepared to turn in their assignment on return.
The final exam for this class will be given at the time and date specified and must be taken at that time.
Classroom Management
Use of all electronic devices is prohibited during class. Students found to be using such devices in class (or leaving
lecture to respond to phone calls, texts, or pages) will be asked to leave the class and an absence will be
documented for that day.
Devices to record lectures will be allowed at the discretion of the instructor.
There are no bathroom breaks during tests or quizzes.
Finals Week Attendance and Testing Policy
1. All final exams will be comprehensive in content.
2. Students should not schedule any activities which conflict with finals week activities: e.g. - plan out of town trips,
schedule medical or dental appt., plan family activities, or other events which will prevent attendance during the
entire finals week.
3. The scheduled time for exam(s) will be determined for each quarter. This schedule will be strictly adhered to for all
written exams. Lab practical exams are scheduled during the quarter.
4. Mandatory attendance for all students is required. Failure to attend due to an unexcused absence for the
scheduled exam will result in a zero and an “F” being assigned and averaged into the final grade for the course.
5. Students with an excused absence (documented medical emergency) will not be allowed to take the exam at a
later date, but instead will be assigned a grade based upon all grades earned to date for that course.
6. There are no bathroom breaks allowed during the final exam.
RAD 302 – Computers in Medical Imaging
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Radiology 302 Computers in Medical Imagine Outline (Tentative)
WEEK
Date
TOPICS COVERED
1
April 2
Course Overview
Basic Computer Fundamentals
Networking Basics
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
9
Bushong, Ch. 24;
Carlton / Adler, Ch. 24;
Carter / Vealé, Ch.1, 2, & 3
April 9
Networking Basics (cont)
Computed Tomography
April 16
Computed Tomography (cont)
April 23
Computed Tomography (cont)
Test 1, Monday, 4/23
April 30
Cassette-based Digital Imaging
Bushong, Ch. 25;
Carlton / Adler, Ch. 25;
Carter / Vealé, Ch. 4 & 5
May 7
Cassette-less Digital Imaging
Test 2-Midterm, Monday, 5/7
Bushong, Ch. 26;
Carlton / Adler, Ch. 25;
Carter / Vealé, Ch. 6
May 14
Digital Imaging Vendor
Specifics
Technique Selection;
Digital Image Processing &
Manipulation;
PACS
PACS (cont)
Handouts
June 4
Quality Control and the Digital
Image
Test 3, Monday, 6/4
Bushong, Ch. 30, 31;
Carlton / Adler, Ch. 33,
App. C & D
Carter / Vealé, Ch. 11 & 12
June 11
HIPAA
Workflow with Electronic
Imaging
Review
Final Exam
Handouts
May 21
May 30
10
11
Reading Materials
Bushong, Ch. 23;
Carlton / Adler, Ch. 44
Bushong, Ch. 23;
Carlton / Adler, Ch. 44
Bushong, Ch. 23;
Carlton / Adler, Ch. 44
Bushong, Ch. 28 & 29
Carter / Vealé, Ch. 7, 8, 9, & 10
June 18 – 20
Comprehensive
12
►NOTE: The student is responsible for all assigned reading. Although it may not be covered in the lecture,
this material WILL be included on all tests.
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