Principles of Radiographic Imaging I

Class

Radiographic image quality and the effects of exposure variables.

Course Learning Objectives

Apply the basic principles of radiographic image acquisition to image quality; and analyze the effects of exposure variables upon image quality.

 

 Course Learning Objectives:  At the completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate understanding and comprehension of the following material: *=Laboratory portion

 

  1. The energetic nature of our environment.
  2. The discovery of x-rays and early radiation injuries.
  3. Mathematics associated with x-ray production.
  4. Units of measurement used in electrical x-ray physics.
  5. Atomic theory and structure.
  6. Characteristics of the different types of radiation.
  7. Properties and theories of electromagnetic radiation.
  8. Electrical and magnetic parts of the imaging system circuitry.
  9. Operation of generators and transformers in the x-ray system.
  10. Structure and function of the x-ray tube.
  11.  Factors affecting radiographic quality.
  12. Application of cognitive knowledge in hands-on experimentations/projects.
  13. Group dynamics and collaborative/cooperative learning.

Student Learning Objectives: (Cognitive)

  1. The energetic nature of our environment. (F-I A,B,D; II D,F; C- 3A,C, 4A,C,)
    1. Describe the characteristics of matter and energy
    2. Identify the various forms of energy.
    3. Define electromagnetic and ionizing radiation.
  2. The discovery of x-rays and early radiation injuries. (F-I A,B,D; II D, F; C-3A,C 4A)
    1. Discuss examples of human injury caused by radiation.
    2. List concepts of basic radiation protection.
  3. Mathematics associated with x-ray production. (F-I A,B,C,D; II C,E,F; C-3A,C 4A)

1.   Calculate problems using fractions, decimals, exponents, and algebraic equations.

2.   Identify scientific exponential notation and the associated prefixes.

    1. List and define units of radiation and radioactivity.
  1. Units of measurement used in electrical x-ray physics. (F-I A,B,C,D; II C,D,E,F; C-3A,C 4A)
    1. Discuss the derivation of scientific systems of measurement.
    2. List the three systems of measurement.
    3. Identify nine categories of mechanics.

E.  Atomic theory and structure. (F-I A,B,D; II A,B,C,D,F; C-3A,C 4A)

1.   Relate the history of the atom and atomic theory.

2.   Identify the structure of the atom.

3.   Diagram electrons in their shells for a specific element.

    1. Discuss radioactivity and the characteristics of alpha and beta particles.
    2. Differentiate between particulate and electromagnetic radiation.

F.  Characteristics of different types of radiation. (F-I A,B,C,D; II A,B,C,D,E,F; C-3A,C 4A)

1.   Identify the properties of photons.

2.   Apply the inverse square law to given mathematical problems.

3.   Define wave theory and quantum theory.

4.   Diagram the electromagnetic spectrum by placing energies correctly on a scale.

G.  Properties and theories of electromagnetic radiation. (F-I A,B,D; II C,D,F; C-3A,C 4A)

1.   Define electrification and provide examples.

2.   Define Coulomb's and Lenz' Law of electricity.

3.   Describe electric circuits and identify conductors and insulators.

4.   Explain how and where induction motors work in x-ray systems.

H.  Electrical and magnetic parts of the imaging system circuitry.(F-I A,B,D; II B,C,D,F,C-3A,C 4A)

  1. Identify the components of the operating console.
  2. Classify the different voltage ripples shown on a diagram.
  3. Explain how voltage ripple and phase affects the production of x-rays.
  1. Operation of generators and transformers in an x-ray system.(F-I A,B,D; II B,C,D,C-3A,C 4A)
  1. Identify the parts of an x-ray circuit from a diagram.
  2. Define the line-focus principle and the heel effect.
  3. Use x-ray tube rating and anode cooling charts to solve problems.

J.   Structure and function of the x-ray tube. (F-I A,B,D; II B,D,E,F; C-3A,C 4A)

  1. Identify the parts of the cathode and anode and their purposes in the x-ray tube.

2.   Describe the production of characteristic and Bremsstrahlung x-ray.

3.   Interpret x-ray emission spectrum graphs.

K.  Factors affecting radiographic quality. (F-I A,B,D; II B,C,D,F; C-3A,C 4A)

1.   Explain how mAs, kV, distance, and filtration affect x-ray beam quantity.

2.   Explain how mAs, kV, distance, and filtration affect x-ray beam quality.

 

Student Learning Objectives: (Psychomotor)

L.   Application of cognitive knowledge in hands-on experimentations/projects.(F- I A,B,C,D,E, II D, C- 1A,C, 3D, 4A,B,C, 5B,C)

1.   Assemble and manipulate various pieces of equipment.

                           2.   Construct representations of x-ray equipment.

                           3.   Adapt performance to allow for variant x-ray equipment situations.

Student Learning Objectives: (Affective)

              M.  Group dynamics and collaborative/cooperative learning.(F-I A,B,D,E, II D, III A,B,C,E, C- 1D, 2A,D,E,F)

1.   Speaks, listens, and accepts feedback from others appropriately.

                           2.   Encourage others' performance by using non-judgemental vocabulary/behaviors.

                           3.   Function as team player by helping others and participating in exercise.

Required Textbooks

Radiologic Science for Technologists, Bushong’s, 11th edition

 Radiologic Science for Technologists Workbook, Bushong’s, 11th edition

Evaluation Standards

Evaluation of the lecture portion will be made up of two parts; 7 sectional written examinations, assignments, Lab and a comprehensive final examination. The written exams will consist of a variety of question types including brief essay. Points will be accumulated for each test. At the end of the semester, the points are then calculated into percentages and letter grades will be assigned. Only 1 make-up exam will be allowed during the semester if the student is absent on test and must be scheduled immediately upon return to class, and will begin with a score of 90.

Laboratory evaluation will make up the third part of the course grade. The laboratory portion of your grade will be based upon workbook assignment completion, group work, and the final project. Students must have a passing grade of 78% in the Didactic portion before the Lab grade will be added to pass RADR 1313 the student will be dismissed from the program if a 78.0% is not attained before the Lab grade.   A 78% is required in all didactic portions of any class separate from the lab grade in each RADR course.

Lecture:  Sectional written exams will equal 55% of total grade

  • Final written exam will equal 30%
  • Laboratory demonstrations will equal 15% of final grade\

A= 91%-100%

B = 83% - 90%

C = 78% - 82%

D = 77% - 74%

Attendance: Students are allowed 4 absences during the semester.  Each absence beyond 4 will result in a 10% reduction of final grade.  Students late for class 1 minute will be recorded as tardy, 15 minutes or more will constitute an absence.  Three tardies will result in a recorded absence.  Disrespectful behavior in class is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Academic Standards:

Students must maintain a “C” (78%) or better in all courses to remain in the program.  They must also be passing both lecture and lab individually to pass the course.

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).
SCANS

A THREE-PART FOUNDATION

I.  Basic Skills: Reads, writes, performs arithmetic and mathematical operations, listens and speaks

A. Reading — locates, understands, and interprets written information in prose and in documents such as manuals, graphs, and schedules

B. Writing — communicates thoughts, ideas, information, and messages in writing; and

creates documents such as letters, directions, manuals, reports, graphs, and flow charts

C. Arithmetic/Mathematics — performs basic computations and approaches practical

problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical techniques

D. Listening — receives, attends to, interprets, and responds to verbal messages and other cues

E. Speaking — organizes ideas and communicates orally

II.  Thinking Skills: Thinks creatively, makes decisions, solves problems, visualizes, knows   how to learn and reasons

A. Creative Thinking — generates new ideas

B. Decision Making — specifies goals and constraints, generates alternatives, considers risks, and evaluates and chooses best alternative

C. Problem Solving — recognizes problems and devises and implements plan of action

D. Seeing Things in the Mind’s Eye — organizes, and processes symbols, pictures, graphs, objects and other information

E. Knowing How to Learn — uses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills

F. Reasoning — discovers a rule or principle underlying the relationship between two or more objects and applies it when solving a problem

III.  Personal Qualities: Displays responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, and   integrity and honesty

A. Responsibility — exerts a high level of effort and perseveres towards goal attainment

B. Self-Esteem — believes in own self-worth and maintains a positive view of self

C. Sociability — demonstrates understanding, friendliness, adaptability, empathy, and politeness in group settings

D. Self-Management — assesses self accurately, sets personal goals, monitors progress, and

exhibits self-control

E. Integrity/Honesty — chooses ethical courses of action

FIVE COMPETENCIES

1.  Resources: Identifies, organizes, plans, and allocates resources

A. Time & Selects goal-relevant activities, ranks them, allocates time, and prepares and follows schedules

B. Money & Uses or prepares budgets, makes forecasts, keeps records, and makes adjustments to meet objectives

C. Material and Facilities & Acquires, stores, allocates, and uses materials or space efficiently

D. Human Resources & Assesses skills and distributes work accordingly, evaluates performance and provides feedback

2.  Interpersonal: Works with others

A. Participates as a Member of a Team & contributes to group effort

B. Teaches Others New Skills

C. Serves Clients/Customers & works to satisfy customers’ expectations

D. Exercises Leadership & communicates ideas to justify position, persuades and convinces others, responsibly challenges existing procedures and policies

E. Negotiates & works toward agreements involving exchange of resources, resolves divergent interests

F. Works with Diversity & works well with men and women from diverse backgrounds\

3.  Information: Acquires and uses information

A. Acquires and Evaluates Information

B. Organizes and Maintains Information

C. Interprets and Communicates Information

D. Uses Computers to Process Information

4.  Systems: Understands complex inter-relationships

A. Understands Systems & knows how social, organizational, and technological systems work and operates effectively with them

B. Monitors and Corrects Performance & distinguishes trends, predicts impacts on system operations, diagnoses deviations in systems’ performance and corrects malfunctions

C. Improves or Designs Systems & suggests modifications to existing systems and develops new or alternative systems to improve performance

5.  Technology: Works with a variety of technologies

A. Selects Technology & chooses procedures, tools or equipment including computers and

related technologies

B. Applies Technology to Task & Understands overall intent and proper procedures for setup and

operation of equipment

C. Maintains and Troubleshoots Equipment & Prevents, identifies, or solves problems with equipment, including computers and other technologies.