Principles of Radiographic Imaging I Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Washington Street Campus- Ware Student Commons- 210

Office Hours

Course Information

Recording Policy

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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Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

RADR-1313-001 Principles of Radiographic Imaging I

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: 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; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Essentials of Radiologic Science  1st edition

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\ Robert Fosbinder/Denise Orth

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

\ 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.

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  1. \ Learn the technical terminology, facts, theories, methods, and principles associated with radiographic image formation.
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  3. \ Apply the knowledge learned to concrete or particular situations in the clinical environment.
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  5. \ Evaluate the learning experience from the perspective of the specific course objectives.
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\ 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%:
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  • \ Be able to name and define each of the five image properties:
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\ A. Density
\ B. Contrast
\ C. Recorded Detail
\ D. Distortion
\ E. Fog
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  • \ Be able to list all variables that affect each of the five image properties and describe how each variable influences that property.
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  • \ Recognize and evaluate each of the following imaging errors when viewing the finished radiograph:
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\ 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

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  • \ Describe the construction and characteristics of x-ray film.
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  • \ List the four prime exposure factors.
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  • \ Discuss mAS and KVP in relation to beam quantity and quality.
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  • \ Describe characteristics of the imaging system that affect x-ray beam quantity and quality.
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  • \ Describe the process used to produce a sensitometric evaluation graph.
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  • \ Evaluate different types of sensitometric graphs.
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\ ASRT objectives:

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\ Discuss practical considerations in setting standards for acceptable image quality.
\ â—† Assess radiographic exposure on radiographic images.
\ â—† Analyze the relationships of factors that control and affect image exposure.
\ â—† Critique the radiographic contrast within various radiographic images.
\ â—† Analyze the relationship of factors that control and affect radiographic contrast.
\ â—† Critique recorded detail on various radiographic images.
\ â—† Analyze the relationships of factors that control and affect recorded detail.
\ â—† Differentiate between size and shape distortion.
\ â—† Perform calculations to determine image magnification and percent magnification.
\ â—† Summarize the relationship of factors that control and affect distortion.
\ â—† Summarize the relationship of factors affecting exposure latitude.
\ â—† Explain the rationale for using beam-limiting devices.
\ â—† Describe the operation and applications for different types of beam-limiting devices.
\ â—† Explain how beam filtration affects x-ray beam intensity, beam quality and resultant patient exposure.
\ â—† Describe the change in the half-value layer (HVL) when filtration is added or removed in the beam.
\ â—† Summarize the relationship of factors affecting scattered and secondary radiation.
\ â—† Evaluate the effects of scattered radiation on the image.
\ â—† Compare grid types.
\ â—† Select the most appropriate grid for a given clinical situation.
\ â—† Interpret grid efficiency in terms of grid ratio and frequency.
\ â—† Summarize the factors that influence grid cutoff.
\ â—† Evaluate grid artifacts.
\ â—† Explain the use of standardized radiographic technique charts.
\ â—† Explain exposure factor considerations involved in selecting techniques.
\ â—† Compare fixed kilovoltage peak (kVp) and variable kVp systems.
\ â—† Apply the reciprocity law to clinical situations.
\ â—† Apply conversion factors for changes in the following areas: distance, grid, image receptors, reciprocity law and 15 percent rule.

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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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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

1. Make every effort to resolve the concern directly with the course instructor/clinical 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 immediate supervisor of the instructor 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 immediate supervisor of the instructor, the student should seek satisfaction from the Health Science Dean 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, the student should seek satisfaction from the Vice-President 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 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.

 

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.


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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grading Criteria

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\ GRADING DISTRIBUTION

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\ The course grade will be computed as follows:

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\ Average of Unit Examinations = 40%

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\ Average of quizzes, homework and in-class assignments = 30%

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\ Final Comprehensive Examination = 30 %

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\ The following grade scale applies throughout this course:

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\ A = 91.5 – 100

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\ B = 82.5 – 91

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\ C = 74.5 – 82

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\ F = 74.4 or less

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\ Quizzes and in-class assignments can not be made up.

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\ In the case of a true emergency, and with advance notification to the instructor, arrangements for Unit Exams may be made at the instructor’s discretion and on a case by case basis.

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\ All assignments will have a due date. It is expected the work be turned in at least by that time. I do not accept late work. If the assignment is not turned in by the due date, a grade of zero will be assigned.

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Attendance

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\ Regular and punctual attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. It is the responsibility of the student to attend class. Class attendance will be recorded at each session. Only students that are present in class at the time an exam, quiz, or in class assignment is given will be allowed to participate. If the student is absent for one of these activities, they will receive a grade of zero for that assignment. Quizzes and in-class assignments can not be made up. In the case of a true emergency, and with advance notification to the instructor, arrangements for Unit Exams may be made at the instructor’s discretion and on a case by case basis.
\ All assignments will have a due date. It is expected the work be turned in at least by that time. I do not accept late work. If the assignment is not turned in by the due date, a grade of zero will be assigned.

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\ If a student has no more than one absence the lowest quiz grade will be dropped. Tardies count the same as an absence.

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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.

Most major examinations will be objective in design (e.g. multiple-choice). Most quizzes will be subjective in design (short answer and essay).
There will be a final comprehensive course examination which will include information form the entire course. The final examination grade make up 30% of the final course grade.

Weeks 1, 2, 3 — Unit 1 -- Introduction to imaging principles, math concepts

Week 3 — Unit 1 Exam

Weeks 4, 5, 6, 7 — Unit 2 -Introduction to  Prime Exposure Factors

Week 7 — Unit 2 Exam

Weeks 8, 9, 10 — Unit 3 - Optical Density

Week 10 — Unit 3 Exam

Weeks 11, 12, 13 — Unit 4 - Radiographic Contrast and noise

Week 13 — Unit 4 Exam

Weeks 14, 15 — Unit 5 -Recorded Detail

Week 15 — Unit 5 Exam

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.

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