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Principles of Radiographic Imaging I Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Instructor

(Curriculum Vitae)

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Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Course

RADR-1313-001 Principles of Radiographic Imaging I

Prerequisites

RADR 2313

Course Description

Radiographic image qualities and the effects of exposure variables.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ The following lecture textbook and laboratory manual will be required:
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  1. \ Radiologic Science for Technologists, Dr. Stewart Bushong, 9th edition.
    2. \
  2. \ Laboratory Manual and Workbook in Radiographic Exposure, Bill Crawford, 5th edition.
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    3. \
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\ The student should plan to bring the lecture textbook to each lecture and laboratory session. The laboratory manual will need to be brought to only the laboratory sessions.

Supplies

\ ScanTron forms (100 question, narrow version)
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\ Calculator to perform fundamental operations, square root, and log10 functions. Programmable calculators are not necessary and may not be used duri

Student Performance

End-of-Course Outcomes: Apply the basic principles of radiographic image acquisition to image quality; and analyze the effects of exposure variables upon image quality.

RADR 1313 is included in the Radiography curriculum to provide the future Radiographer with the entry-level knowledge and skills necessary to image a diagnostic radiograph as well as the ability to evaluate the quality of that image.

  1. Learn the technical terminology, facts, theories, methods, and principles associated with radiographic image formation.
  2. Apply the knowledge learned to concrete or particular situations in the clinical environment.
  3. Evaluate the learning experience from the perspective of the specific course objectives.
Given the course textbooks, lab manual, personal notes, handouts, and other course materials, the student should be able to do each of the following on a written examination AS EVALUATED BY THE COURSE INSTRUCTOR with an accuracy of not less than 75%:
  • Apply the basic principles of image acquisition to image quality.
  • Analyze the effects of exposure variables upon image quality.
  • Be able to name and define each of the five image properties:
A. Density
B. Contrast
C. Recorded Detail
D. Distortion
E. Fog
  • Be able to list all variables that affect each of the five image properties and describe how each variable influences that property.
  • Recognize and evaluate each of the following imaging errors when viewing the finished radiograph:
A. Optical Density Errors
B. Radiographic Contrast Errors
C. Recorded Detail Errors
D. Distortion Errors
E. Fog Errors
F. Collimation Errors
G. Marker Errors
H. Artifact Errors
I. Patient Positioning Errors
  • Describe the construction and characteristics of x-ray film.
  • List the four prime exposure factors.
  • Discuss mAS and KVP in relation to beam quantity and quality.
  • Describe characteristics of the imaging system that affect x-ray beam quantity and quality.
  • Describe the process used to produce a sensitometric evaluation graph.
  • Evaluate different types of sensitometric graphs.
BASIC SKILLS OBJECTIVES:
  1. The student will be able to read, locate, understand, and interpret written information in prose and in documents such as textbooks, manuals, and graphs.
  2. The student will be able to communicate thoughts, ideas, information, and messages in writing, and create documents such as reports and abstracts.
  3. The student will be able to perform basic arithmetic and algebraic computations and approach practical problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical techniques.
  4. The student will be able to receive, attend to, interpret, and respond to verbal communication.
  5. The student will be able to organize ideas and communicate orally.
  6. The student will be able to generator new ideas.
  7. The student will be able to specify goals, generator alternatives, consider risks, and evaluate and choose the best alternative.
  8. The student will be able to recognize problems and devise and implement a plan of action.
  9. The student will be able to organize and process symbols, pictures, graphs, objects, and other information.
  10. The student will be able to acquire and apply knew knowledge and skills.
  11. The student will be able to demonstrate understanding and politeness in group settings.
  12. The student will be able to choose ethical courses of action.
  13. The student will be able to assess oneself accurately, monitor progress, and exhibit self-control.
  14. The student will participate in class discussions and contribute to the group effort.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

\ Each student will be required to prepare written assignments for credit and take written examinations as a part of this course. As such, students should be aware of the instructor's policies relative to the ethics regarding copying the work of others and dishonesty during a quiz or examination.
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\ PLAGIARISM is the theft of another person's work or thinking. In this course, it is considered plagiarism to copy the work of another student, even with the permission of that student. Under the circumstances associated with a course assignment for credit, a student would also need the permission of the course instructor before copying a peer's work. Obviously, that permission is not likely to be given for it totally defeats the purpose of the assignment, which is to measure the knowledge and ability of the student - not the ability of someone else. Simply put, one student will NOT COPY ANOTHER STUDENT'S WORK on any assignment for credit!
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\ Likewise, dishonesty during a quiz or examination is simply the wrong thing to do. To say the least, for any student, but especially for a student pursuing a career in a health occupation, test dishonesty is a reliable predictor of unacceptable job performance following graduation. If a student makes poor choices to "cheat" on tests, will that student also make poor choices relative to quality patient care? Probably so. This instructor takes the position that a dishonest student is probably also unethical in other ways and may pose a threat to the safety of any patient who comes in contact with that student. Employers take a similar position. The health care industry will not tolerate such conduct.
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\ At Amarillo College, there are grave academic penalties for any unethical conduct on the part of any student. The policy and penalty for such conduct is provided in the General Catalog as follows:
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\ A high standard of conduct is expected of all students. It is assumed that obedience to the law, respect for properly constituted authority, personal honor, integrity and common sense will guide the actions of each member of the college community both in and out of the classroom. Any student who fails to perform according to expected standards may be disciplined.
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\ It should be very evident from this statement that unethical course conduct is absolutely prohibited by Amarillo College policy. To be more specific, in this course, plagiarism, dishonesty, or any other unethical course conduct, is cause for a final course grade of 'F' regardless of other grades earned to-date in the course.
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\ This conduct policy will be STRICTLY enforced! A student should not risk his or her final grade in this course, and any future enrollment privileges at Amarillo College, as the result of unethical conduct. If in doubt about a particular assignment or course policy, plan to discuss the matter in advance with the course instructor.
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Grading Criteria

The final course grade will be computed as follows:
  1. All major examination point totals will be averaged and the average will count 50% of the final course grade.
  2. All quizzes and any out-of-class assignment point totals will be averaged and the average will count 30% of the final course grade.
  3. A final comprehensive examination will count 20% of the final course grade.
The following grade scale applies throughout this course:

A = 92 - 100
B = 83 - 91
C = 75 - 82
F = less than 75

Note: A grade of "D" is not possible in this course!

Decimal scores from all graded activities will be rounded as follows:
  • 0.1 - 0.4 rounded down
  • 0.5 - 0.9 rounded up

The final course average will be rounded in the same way.

If a student wishes to challenge the accuracy of his/her grade on a particular scored activity, the student must bring that challenge to the instructor within FIVE school days of the date of the scored activity, after which time the challenge becomes null and void. Likewise, should a grade challenge arise, the student must be prepared to provide written evidence to show that the score is not recorded accurately in the instructor's grade book.

Under special circumstances, it may be necessary for the course instructor to issue a final course grade of "incomplete" to provide additional time for the student to satisfactorily complete the course. Such circumstances are rare and must be authorized by the instructor and supported by the program director. A final grade of "incomplete" may NOT be used to give a second-chance to pass a course. When a final grade of "incomplete" is appropriate, a written contract to remove the 'I' will be prepared by the course instructor and signed by the instructor, student, and program director. Normally, the grade of 'I' must be converted to a passing grade within 90 days of the conclusion of the course. Under a very rare circumstance, a time extension of an additional 90 days is possible. Each case will be handled on an individual basis and no one case shall set a precedent for another case. If the 'I' is not removed in accordance with the contract, the final course grade will be recorded as an 'F'.

It is always the sole responsibility of the student who has been absent or tardy to complete any missed work.

If a student is absent on the day of a major examination, quiz, or out-of-class assignment, the student may make-up the missed work as follows:

The missed work must be made up by 3:00 pm on the next school day following the absence. At that time, the missed work may earn a maximum of 85% of the original point value.

 
Should the student be unable to complete the missed work within this deadline, he or she may petition the instructor for an extension of time. Such a request must be made directly to the instructor BEFORE the deadline period expires. Each request will be handled on an individual basis and the decision of the instructor will be final.

Sometimes, a student may know in advance of an impending absence. If that absence is on a day when a scored activity is to be taken, the student may petition the instructor, IN ADVANCE AND IN WRITING, for an excused absence. If approved, an excused absence will not carry with it the 15% point penalty on the scored activity.

NOTE: If missed work is not completed in accordance with this policy, the specific activity will be scored as ZERO credit and averaged as such into the final course grade. There can be NO exceptions!

Attendance

\ Attendance will be recorded at each lecture and lab meeting. Likewise, on-time arrival for class and lab sessions is absolutely expected. Any absence from a laboratory session will result in a 15% point penalty on the quiz that examines the missed laboratory information. If a student arrives late to a class where a quiz is in progress, the student will make up the quiz after the class session is dismissed later that same day. In such a circumstance, a 20% penalty will be assessed to the quiz grade.

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Calendar

\ The course will consist of approximately four to six major examinations, including a final comprehensive examination, several quizzes and out-of-class assignments. Major examinations will be announced about one week in advance. Quizzes are also announced in advance (usually by one lecture period). Occasionally, an in-class bonus activity may be given. Any bonus activities will NOT be announced in advance and may NOT be made up.
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\ Most major examinations will be objective in design (e.g. multiple-choice). Most quizzes will be subjective in design (short answer and essay).
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\ There will be a final comprehensive course examination which will include information form the entire course. The final examination grade make up 20% of the final course grade.

\ Weeks 1, 2, 3 — Unit 1 - Image Properties - Introduction

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\ Week 3 — Unit 1 Exam

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\ Weeks 4, 5, 6, 7 — Unit 2 - Prime Exposure Factors, Optical Density

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\ Week 7 — Unit 2 Exam

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\ Weeks 8, 9, 10 — Unit 3 - Radiographic Contrast, Fog, Artifacts, Quantum Mottle

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\ Week 10 — Unit 3 Exam

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\ Weeks 11, 12, 13 — Unit 4 - Recorded Detail, Distortion

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\ Week 13 — Unit 4 Exam

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\ Weeks 14, 15 — Unit 5 - Processing

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\ Week 15 — Unit 5 Exam

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\ Week 16 — Final Comprehensive Examination

Additional Information

There are numerous books on the subject of radiographic imaging principles located in the West Campus library.

Also, in the same library are the following periodicals:

  • Applied Radiology
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Radiologic Clinics of North America
  • Radiologic Technology
  • Radiology

STUDY HINTS FOR SUCCESS

If you want to earn a passing grade for this course, it is recommended that you should ...

  • Plan to study lecture information no less than six clock hours per week (outside of class time);
  • Begin to prepare for each major examination as soon as new information is presented and review daily;
  • Never study more than thirty consecutive minutes without taking a short break;
  • Re-write lecture notes within twelve hours of the time the notes were first recorded. Consider using a recording device to record lecture sessions;
  • Consider making study note cards ("flash cards") to learn factual information;
  • Don't get comfortable while studying and avoid distractions:
  • Study aloud (if your location permits); and,
  • Strive to maintain a positive attitude.


ELECTRONIC DEVICES:

All electronic devices which produce audible sounds must be silenced in the classroom during class and laboratory sessions. This includes cellular telephones, pagers, calculators, watches, etc.

 

DISCLAIMER:


The policies and procedures contained in this course syllabus are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances or by mutual agreement between the instructor and ALL of the students.

Students are real people that experience real problems from time to time. Depending upon the circumstances surrounding a specific problem, it may be appropriate for the instructor to approve an exception to a certain syllabus policy. Any such exception will be made on an individual basis and at the sole discretion of the instructor and will not be considered cause for a precedent.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE:
 
If a student has a concern with the course instructor, the following due process protocol will apply. The student will follow the protocol steps in the order shown.

 

1. Make every effort to resolve the concern directly with the course instructor. The instructor should be contacted by the student before the conclusion of the course.

2. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the course instructor, the student should seek satisfaction from the director of radiography within one week of the student instructor meeting.

3. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the director of radiography, the student should seek satisfaction from the Dean of Health Sciences within one week of the student supervisor meeting.

4. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the Dean of Health Sciences, the student should seek satisfaction from the Vice-President and Dean of Instruction within one week of the student - Dean meeting.

5. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the Vice-President and Dean of Instruction, the student should seek satisfaction from the college President within one week of the student-Vice-President meeting.

 6. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the President, the student should seek satisfaction from the college Board of Regents at the next regular meeting of the Regents. The decision of the Regents will be final.

 

The instructor has identified the following websites to be useful to radiography majors. Please notify your instructor of any site that has been discontinued.

http://www.ardms.org/educators/edu_frameset.html
http://www.asrt.com/
http://www.indyrad.iupui.edu/aers.html
http://www.majors.com/bestnurb/besb130.html
http://www.cdc.gov/
http://www.mir.wustl.edu/visible_human/205.VHP?33,111
http://www.cid.ch/DAVID/Mainmenu.html
http://www.dimag.com/
http://www.xray.hmc.psu.edu/rci/centennial.html
http://www.xray.hmc.psu.edu/rci/ss1/ss1_2.html
http://www.rsna.org/
http://RT-image.com/
http://www.healthweek.com/class-ads/index.html
http://www.simxray.com/
http://www.gwc.maricopa.edu/class/bio201/skull/skulltt.htm
http://www.nrc.gov/NRC/CFR/index.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/
http://www.xray.hmc.psu.edu/rci/ss4/ss4_5.html
http://www.xray2000.co.uk/
http://www.xray.hmc.psu.edu/rci/centennial.html
http://www.emory.edu/X-RAYS/century_10.htm
http://www.arcsandsparks.com/classicruhmkorff.html
http://wheeless.orthoweb.be/orthoo/41.htm
http://www-sci.lib.uci.edu:80/~martindale/MedicalRad.html
http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/hcqs/plc/mrt.htm
http://www.orxray-alimed.biz/p/fullpage.php?page=t1&session=1008840
http://www.jrcert.org/
http://www.med-library.com/
http://www-sci.lib.uci.edu/~martindale/Medical.html
http://web.wn.net/~usr/ricter/web/medradhome.html
http://www-sci.lib.uci.edu/~martindale/Medical.html
http://www.ncrp.com/
http://web.wn.net/~usr/ricter/home/dowd.html
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~bbusby/
http://www.scar.rad.washington.edu/RadAnatomy.html
http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/ech/rad/pages/brc.htm
http://www.epa.gov/
http://www.fda.gov/
http://www.ncrp.com/
http://www.nrc.gov/
http://www.osha.gov/
http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/hcqs/plc/mrt.htm
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/oc/oc060100toc.html
http://www.unscear.org/
http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/meded/radiation/radaccident/homepage.html
http://www.orau.gov/reacts/guidance.htm
http://www.radiationsafety.net/
http://www.ntp.org.uk/rpd/rpdsubject_A.html
http://www.orau.gov/reacts/care.htm

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM