Radiographic Imaging Equipment Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

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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Course

RADR-2309-001 Radiographic Imaging Equipment

Prerequisites

Course Description

Equipment and physics of x-ray production. Includes basic x-ray circuits. Also examines the relationship of conventional and digital equipment components to the imaging process.

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, Fosbinder and Orth, 1st edition.

Remember to bring required textbook to each class session.

Supplies

The student will need a calculator that can perform fundamental mathematics operations, including square root. A personal cell phone CANNOT be used to math calculations during class time. The student calculator described above will be permitted for use

Student Performance

End-of-Course Outcomes: Compare and contrast conventional and digital equipment; explain the physics of x-ray production; describe basic x-ray circuits; and relate conventional and digital equipment components to the imaging process.

RADR 2309 is included in the Radiography curriculum to provide the future Radiographer with the entry-level knowledge and skills necessary to understand the operation of the exposure equipment in order to use the equipment effectively and to be able to troubleshoot equipment problems.

 

• Define potential difference, current and resistance.
• Identify the general components and functions of the tube and filament circuits.
• Compare generators in terms of radiation produced and efficiency.
• Discuss permanent installation of radiographic equipment in terms of purpose, components, types and applications.
• Demonstrate operation of various types of permanently installed and mobile radiographic equipment.
• Discuss mobile units in terms of purpose, components, types and applications.
• Describe functions of components of automatic exposure control (AEC) devices.
• Describe the proper use of an AEC device.
• Explain image-intensified and digital fluoroscopy.
• Identify components of diagnostic x-ray tubes.
• Explain protocols used to extend x-ray tube life.
• Indicate the purpose, construction, and application of video camera tubes, CCD, and TV monitors.
• Differentiate between quality improvement/management, quality assurance, and quality control.
• List the benefits of a quality control program to the patient and to the department.
• Discuss the proper test equipment/procedure for evaluating the operation of an x-ray generator.
• Evaluate the results of basic QC tests.
• Discuss the basic principles of operation of various imaging modalities and radiation therapy.
• Describe fundamental atomic structure.
• Explain the processes of ionization and excitation.
• Describe the electromagnetic spectrum.
• Describe wavelength and frequency and how they are related to velocity.
• Explain the relationship of energy, wavelength and frequency.
• Explain the wave-particle duality phenomena.
• Identify the properties of x-rays.
• Describe the process of ionization and excitation.
• Describe charged and uncharged forms of particulate radiation.
• Differentiate between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
• Describe radioactivity and radioactive decay in terms of alpha, beta and gamma emission.
• Compare the production of bremsstrahlung and characteristic radiation.
• Describe the conditions necessary to produce x-radiation.
• Describe the x-ray emission spectra.
• Identify the factors that affect the x-ray emission spectra.
• Discuss various photon interactions with matter by describing the interaction, relation to atomic number, photon energy, and part density, and their applications in diagnostic radiology.
• Discuss relationships of wavelength and frequency to beam characteristics.
• Discuss the clinical significance of the photoelectric and modified scattering interactions in diagnostic imaging.
• Describe the components of the CT imaging system.
• Explain the functions of collimators in CT
• List the CT computer data processing steps.
• Define algorithm and explain its impact on image scan factors and reconstruction.
• Define raw data and image data.
• Describe the following terms in relation to the CT data acquisition process:
  • Pixel
  • Matrix
  • Voxel
  • Linear attenuation coefficient
  • CT/Hounsfield number
  • Partial volume averaging
  • Window width (WW) and window level (WL)
  • Spatial resolution
  • Contrast resolution
  • Noise
  • Annotation
  • Region of interest (ROI)
• Name the common controls found on CT operator consoles and describe how and why each is used.
• Identify the types and appearance of artifacts most commonly affecting CT images.
• Name the radiation protection devices that can be used to reduce patient dose in CT and describe the correct application of each.
• Describe the general purpose of commonly performed CT studies.
• Discuss general radiation safety and protection practices associated with examinations in CT.

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.

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.

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:

1. All major examination/Computer Unit presentation point totals will be averaged and the average will count 50% of the final course grade.
2. All quizzes/discussions and any out-of-class assignment point totals will be averaged and the average will count 20% of the final course grade.
3. A final comprehensive examination will count 30% of the final course grade.
    

The following grade scale applies to all scored activities in 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 grade 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 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.

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”.

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

1. The missed work must be completed by 3:00 pm on the next course day following the absence.
2. The missed work make-up score will be penalized 20% due to the absence.

Quizzes/in class assignments/discussions cannot be made up-student must be present to participate

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.

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.

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

 

Attendance

Regular and punctual attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement in this very technical course. It is the responsibility of the student to attend class. Class attendance will be recorded at each session. Only students who are present in class at the time a quiz/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/in class assignments/discussions cannot be made up. 

For each student who has no more than 1 absence or 1 late arrival, or leaving the class 15 minutes before the end of the scheduled class time,  the lowest quiz grade will be dropped. Late is defined as coming into the classroom 15 minutes after the start of the class. 

 

Calendar

Additional Information

 

Grievance Policy

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.

STUDY TIPS FOR SUCCESS

If you want to earn a passing grade for this college course, it is highly recommended that you consistently should use some type of study system. Such a system, designed for college-level work, should include most or all of the following tips:

Plan to study lecture information no less than twelve clock hours each 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 twenty consecutive minutes without taking a short break;

Re-write lecture notes within twelve hours of the time the notes were first recorded;

Consult your textbooks as needed for additional information;

Consider making study note cards (“flash cards”) to learn “factual” information;

Don’t get comfortable while studying;

Avoid distractions while studying;

Study aloud (if your location permits); and, 

Review previous notes often throughout the semester.

Stay organized and stay on schedule. Preparation for a major exam should begin at least one week in advance of the test date. Select manageable note and textbook sections to study each day.

Study with a positive attitude and keep the lines of communication open between yourself and the course instructor.

 

 “What gets in the way of effective performance in the classroom? I believe that "anxiety" is the culprit. Many students put themselves down by believing that they are "stupid" and "ineffective," especially in comparison with their peers. These feelings of inadequacy can lead to the paralyzing anxiety that "blocks" successful performance in the classroom – especially on tests. In order to overcome anxiety, I recommend the following:

 Gain temporary control of your anxiety by practicing relaxation techniques during especially anxious times. Deep breathing combined with muscular tensing and relaxing can be helpful. Massage and meditation can help too.

 Work on feeling better about yourself. Try replacing negative thinking with positive thoughts. Praise yourself once in a while and forgive yourself for mistakes.

 

In general, try being your own best friend!"

By Dr. Salene Cowher  

GOOD PREPARATION IS THE BEST DEFENSE FOR TEST ANXIETY.