Principles of Radiographic Imaging II Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Course

RADR-2305-001 Principles of Radiographic Imaging II

Prerequisites

RADR 1313

Course Description

Radiographic imaging technique formulation. Includes equipment quality control, image quality assurance and the synthesis of all variables in image production.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Essentials of Radiologic Science, Fosbinder and Orth, 1st edition.

Supplies

\ The student must have a personal calculator that can perform normal arithmetic calculations, square root, and logarithms. This calculator will be taken to each lecture and laboratory session and can be used on quizzes. It is not permissible for one

Student Performance

\ RADR 2305 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.

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\ Given the course textbooks, lab manual, personal notes, handouts, and other course materials, the student should accomplish each of the following course goals AS EVALUATED BY THE COURSE INSTRUCTOR.

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1. \ Learn the technical terminology, facts, theories, methods, and principles associated with radiographic image    formation.
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2. \ Apply the knowledge learned to concrete or particular situations in the clinical environment.
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3. \ Evaluate the learning experience from the perspective of the specific course objectives.
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\ The student will know that these goals have been accomplished if he or she earns a final course grade of 'C' or higher.

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• \ Discuss the interactions between electrons and the x-ray tube target.
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• \ Solve mathematical problems related to imaging principles.
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• \ Define radiation quantity in relation to intensity in roentgens and to mAS.
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• \ List and discuss the factors affecting the quantity of x-rays in the beam.
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• \ Explain x-ray beam quality (penetrability).
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• \ Discuss the construction of radiographic film
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• \ Describe the formation of the latent image in film emulsion.
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• \ List and define the characteristics of radiographic film.
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• \ Explain proper film handling and storage.
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• \ Discuss historical development from hand film processing to automatic processing.
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• \ List and explain the four steps in the film processing cycle.
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• \ Name the systems that comprise the automatic film processor and explain the function of each system.
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• \ List and describe the layers that compose an intensifying screen.
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• \ Discuss luminescence and differentiate between phosphorescence and fluorescence.
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• \ Compare the characteristics of screen versus non-screen imaging regarding the intensification factor.
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• \ Identify characteristics of x-ray absorption, x-ray to light conversion efficiency, and screen speed.
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• \ Explain the concept known as “image blur.”
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• \ Discuss the clinical significance of the photoelectric and scattering interactions in diagnostic imaging. 
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• \ Discuss film-screen combinations, including calcium-tungstate and rare-earth systems.
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• \ Describe the components of radiographic film.
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• \ Explain the production of silver halide crystals.
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• \ Describe the formation of the latent image in film emulsion according to the Gurney-Mott theory.
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• \ Identify common radiographic film artifacts.
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• \ Explain the responsibilities involved in proper radiograph identification.
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• \ Be able to describe the film processing cycle and identify developer reducing agents.
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• \ Identify the name of each automatic film processor system.
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• \ Discuss the function(s) of each automatic film processor system.
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• \ Define:  Sensitometry and describe how sensitometry is used to evaluate film speed, inherent film contrast, and emulsion latitude.
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• \ Explain the purpose of radiographic intensifying screens.
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• \ Describe the function of each layer of an intensifying screen.
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• \ Evaluate the desirability of phosphor materials according to atomic number, conversion efficiency, spectral emission, and luminescence.
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• \ Differentiate between fluorescence and phosphorescence.
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• \ Analyze the effect of phosphor crystal size, layer thickness and concentration on screen resolution.
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• \ Explain the effect of film-screen contact on image resolution.
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• \ Describe how to remedy quantum mottle.
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• \ Classify intensifying screens according to intensification factor and relative speed number.
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• \ Calculate relative speed conversions from one film-screen combination to another.
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• \ Relate film-screen contrast to imaging latitude.
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• \ Explain the rationale for using beam limiting devices.
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• \ Describe the operation and applications for different types of beam-limiting devices.
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• \ Explain the impact beam filtration has on x-ray beam intensity, beam quality and resultant patient exposure.
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• \ Describe the change in the half value layer (HVL) when filtration is added or removed in the beam.
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• \ Summarize the relationship of factors affecting scattered and secondary radiation.
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• \ Describe the production of scatter vs. secondary radiation.
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• \ Evaluate the effects of scattered and secondary radiation on the image.
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• \ State the purpose of a grid in an imaging scheme.
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• \ Describe the construction of an imaging grid.
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• \ Differentiate between the uses of a stationary and a moving grid.
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• \ Explain the relationship of grid selection to patient dose and image receptor exposure.
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• \ Define grid ratio and identify how changes in ratio affects the imaging process.
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• \ Define grid frequency and identify how changes in frequency affects the imaging process.
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• \ Define grid selectivity.
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• \ Define grid bucky factor and calculate changes in mAS when the bucky factor is changed.
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• \ Define grid contrast improvement factor.
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• \ Compare grid types when viewed from on edge and when viewed from above.
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• \ Select the most appropriate grid for a given clinical situation.
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• \ Define grid cutoff.
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• \ Summarize the factors that influence grid cutoff.
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• \ Evaluate grid artifacts.
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• \ Define terminology associated with digital imaging systems.
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• \ Describe the parts of a digital fluoroscopy system and explain their functions.
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• \ Outline the procedures for temporal, energy, and hybrid image subtraction.
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• \ Describe the CCD as used in digital fluoroscopy systems.
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• \ Differentiate between CR and DR systems.
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• \ Define spatial resolution to include modulation transfer function and line-spread function.
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• \ Describe the various types of digital receptors.
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• \ Discuss the fundamentals of digital radiography, distinguishing between cassette-based systems and cassette-less systems.
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• \ Compare the image acquisition and extraction of cassette-based vs. cassette-less systems, including detector mechanism, initial image processing, histogram analysis, automatic rescaling and exposure index determination.
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• \ Describe the evaluative criteria for digital radiography detectors.
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• \ Describe the response of digital detectors to exposure variations.
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• \ Compare the advantages and limits of each system.
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• \ Explain the binary numbering system.
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• \ Differentiate between 10, 12, and 16 bit imaging systems.
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• \ Given the performance criteria for a digital radiography detector, evaluate the spatial resolution and dose effectiveness.
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• \ Compare dynamic range to latitude of a screen/film receptor system to that of a digital radiography system.
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• \ Describe the histogram and the process or histogram analysis as it relates to automatic rescaling and determining an exposure indicator.
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• \ Describe or identify the exposure indices used by each photostimulable phosphor (PSP)-based system.
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• \ Describe the difference between dose area product (DAP) measured with a flat panel system vs. the exposure index for a PSP-based system.
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• \ Relate the receptor exposure indicator values to technical factors, system calibration, part/beam/plate alignment and patient exposure.
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• \ Describe image acquisition precautions necessary for CR imaging.
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• \ Describe the response of PSP systems to background and scatter radiation
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• \ Utilize appropriate means of scatter control.
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• \ Avoid grid use errors associated with grid cut off and moiré effect.
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• \ Identify common limitations and technical problems encountered when using PSP systems.
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• \ Employ appropriate beam/part/receptor alignment to avoid histogram analysis errors.
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• \ Describe the various image processing employed for digital images.
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• \ Associate impact of image processing parameters to the image appearance.
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• \ Discuss "dose creep" and "technique creep."
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• \ Associate effects of inappropriate processing on image clarity or conspicuity.
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• \ Describe the fundamental physical principles of exposure for digital detectors.
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• \ Apply the fundamental physical principles to digital detectors.
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• \ Discuss the CR exposure sensitivity controls known as S-number, EI, and logM.
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• \ Discuss the DR exposure sensitivity controls known as REX, DAP, and SC.
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• \ Describe the selection of technical factors and technical factor systems to assure appropriate receptor exposure levels for digital detectors.
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• \ Evaluate the effect of a given exposure change on histogram shape, data width and image appearance.
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• \ Describe the conditions that cause quantum mottle in a digital image.
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• \ Formulate a procedure or process to minimize histogram analysis and rescaling errors.
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• \ Describe the exposure precautions and limitations associated with PSP-based systems.
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• \ Discuss how to avoid poor quality digital images by observing acquisition precautions.
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• \ Examine the potential impact of digital radiographic systems on patient exposure and methods of practicing the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) concept with digital systems.
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• \ Compare the imaging advantages and disadvantages between Film-Screen, CR, Indirect DR, and Direct DR systems.
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• \ Describe a Picture Archival and Communications System (PACS).
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• \ Identify the components of a PACS system.
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• \ Discuss the patient benefits gained through the use of teleradiology.
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• \ Identify modality types that may be incorporated into a PACS.
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• \ Describe the digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) interface.
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• \ Describe the Health Level 7 (HL-7) digital communication interface.
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• \ Describe how an image is associated with a radiology order to create a DICOM image.
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• \ Describe data flow for a DICOM image from an imaging modality to a PACS.
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• \ Identify common problems associated with retrieving/viewing images within a PACS.
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• \ Identify the primary uses of the Diagnostic Display Workstation and Clinical Display Workstation.
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• \ Discuss the hospital information system (HIS).
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• \ Discuss the radiology information system (RIS).
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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

COURSE ETHICS

Each student will be required to prepare written assignments and take written examinations as a part of this course. Students should be keenly aware of the instructor’s policies relative to the ethics regarding plagiarism and any other unethical student conduct that may occur relative to a scored activity.

PLAGIARISM is the theft of another person’s work or thinking. Words as well as ideas are intellectual property and can be stolen from another person as easily as money or property. As such, plagiarism can be a violation of criminal law. Even in those cases where the law may not be technically violated, plagiarism is unethical. Frankly, it is simply the wrong thing to do.

In this course, it is considered plagiarism to copy the work of another student. No student may COPY ANOTHER STUDENT’S WORK on any assignment for credit! Likewise, copying the published work of another person is illegal without the express permission of that person (e.g. internet and journal articles). Portions of a published work may be quoted provided the quote is properly cited.

Unethical conduct during a quiz or examination is also simply the wrong thing to do. To say the least, for a student pursuing a health-related career, unethical conduct may be considered a reliable predictor of unacceptable job performance in the medical environment. If a student makes a choice to “cheat” on a test, will that student also make similar choices relative to accurate patient care? Probably so! This instructor takes the position that a dishonest student in the classroom may likely pose a threat to the safety of any patient who comes into contact with that student. Healthcare employers take a similar position. The health care industry will not tolerate this type of unprofessionalism.

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:

“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.”

One should conclude from this statement that unethical course conduct is absolutely unacceptable by Amarillo College policy. To be more specific, in this course, plagiarism, dishonesty, or any other unethical course conduct, is cause, at the minimum, for a final course grade of “F” regardless of other grades earned to-date in the course. At the maximum, it may be cause to request the college administration to dismiss the student from the radiography program and Amarillo College with no option to re-enroll at a later date.

WARNING! This ethics policy is STRICTLY enforced!

This instructor practices zero-tolerance in any matter related to a violation of course ethics. A student should not risk earning a failing grade in this course, and possibly any future enrollment privileges at Amarillo College, as the result of unethical behavior.

 

CLASSROOM DISTRACTIONS

 

It is assumed that each college student, as an adult, is expected to adhere to standard classroom protocol to avoid distracting others while a class is in progress. This can include talking with others at inappropriate times, sleeping, eating, etc. Such behavior is not acceptable.

 

A more recent technology-driven distraction is the use of a cell phone during a class session. The use of a cell phone during a class session is absolutely not acceptable. The student should take time to silence his or her cell phone BEFORE the class session begins to avoid a difference of opinion with the instructor should the phone "ring" during the class session. Likewise, texting during a class session is absolutely not acceptable.

 

Grading Criteria

\ The final course grade will be computed as follows:

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1. \ All major examination point totals will be averaged and the average will count 50% of the final course grade.
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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.
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3. \ A final comprehensive examination will count 20% of the final course grade.
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\ The following grade scale applies to all scored actvities in this course:

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

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

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\ Decimal scores from all graded activities will be rounded as follows:
\ · 0.1 - 0.4 rounded down
\ · 0.5 - 0.9 rounded up
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\ The final course grade will be rounded in the same way.
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\ 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 any future challenge is not possible. 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.

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\ Under very 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”.
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\ If a student is absent on the day of a scheduled examination, quiz, or submission of an out-of-class assignment, the student may make-up the missed points only as follows:

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1. \ The missed work must be completed by 3:00 pm on the next course day following the absence.
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2. \ The missed work make-up score will be penalized 25% due to the absence.
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\ 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. Time extensions are approved only under very extraordinary circumstances. Each request will be handled on an individual basis and the decision of the instructor will be final.

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\ On a rare occasion, a student may know in advance of an impending and UNAVOIDABLE absence. If that absence is to occur 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.” An excused absence request will be handled on an individual basis and the decision of the instructor will be final. If approved by the instructor, an excused absence will not result in the loss of any points on the scored activity due to the absence.
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Attendance

Regular attendance is required to maintain satisfactory progress (grade of ‘C’ or better) in this very technical course. Attendance will be recorded at each lecture and lab meeting. It is the professional responsibility of the student to be present in class and lab each time it is scheduled to meet. Likewise, on-time arrival for class and lab sessions is absolutely expected. A person who is tardy to a lecture session will not be admitted to the classroom until the mid-class break.

 

An absence from a laboratory session may not be made up (regardless of circumstances) and will result in a 25% point penalty on the quiz that examines the missed laboratory information.

 

If a student achieves a “perfect attendance” record (including lecture and laboratory sessions), regardless of specific circumstances, the student’s final course grade will be increased by 2.0 percentage points provided the increase will raise the final course grade to the next letter grade.

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