RDI-10012 - Foundations of Research and Radiographic Science
Coordinator: Phillip Andrews Tel: +44 1782 7 34560
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

This module enables students to understand the science and equipment involved in the production of radiographic images, exploring the nature of X-radiation; its production and the interactions it undergoes when incident upon objects including the human body, and from this to the detection of X-rays and the creation of optimal images and the factors which affect this. Radiation protection of the staff, public and patients is examined. Students will learn about research and its relevance to practice together with the different types of data (qualitative, quantitative) and levels of measurement together with the basic writing and analytical processes. Integrating the experimental and research methods with the underpinning science allows for practical understanding of theoretical concepts and sets the principles of research firmly in the context of radiographic practice.

Aims
The aim of this module is to enable students to understand the underpinning science and imaging equipment involved in the production of radiographic images. As part of this module students will be introduced the basics of research methods, data collection and analysis. Scientific elements of the taught syllabus will be tested experimentally in the X-ray suite to integrate and apply science within the experimental research.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Explain the basic types of research (qualitative, quantitative), basic research methodologies and the properties of data (types and distributions): 2,3
Demonstrate introductory skills in planning and implementing research studies: 3
Explain how radiographic science underpins the production of radiographic images: 1,2,3
Describe and explain the key components of the equipment used to produce radiographic images: 2
Demonstrate understanding of the requirement for radiation protection of patients, staff members and the public: 2
Demonstrate understanding of the effect of the manipulation of exposure factors on image quality and radiation dose in a range of situations: 1,2,3

Study hours

Scheduled Hours
Practicals ~ 20 hours (20 x 1 hrs)
Lectures (live in situ or synchronous online) ~ 30 hours
Tutorials/seminars ~ 20 hours
Independent study
Asynchronous directed material ~ 30 hours
Preparation for tutorials/seminars ~ 80 hours (1 hr for each hr of directed learning)
Prep and writing for Assessment 1 ~ 30 hours
Prep and writing for Assessment 3 ~ 30 hours
Review of all material, preparation and completion of Assessment 2 ~ 60 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Short Paper weighted 25%
1000 word equivalent assignment
A challenging concept within the module should be presented in an easy to understand way for peers. Students will be offered a choice of formats (including written, audio, video) for submission suited to an authentic context

2: Exam weighted 40%
90 minute in situ examination
90 minute examination: this will contain 10 MCQ questions and 11 short answer questions worth 5 marks (x6 compulsory) or 10 marks (x5 from a choice of 8). The exam will include compulsory topics relating to the module content. Tests knowledge of radiographic science underpinning production of radiographic images, including exposure factors; radiation protection; knowledge of key components of radiographic equipment; correct use of terminology (radiation science and research principles). This exam establishes important foundational knowledge for the practice of radiography required for HCPC registration and to comply with Society of Radiographers guidelines. It will be held in situ as the format precludes open-book examination.

3: Report weighted 35%
1500 word experimental report
A 1,500 word report describing a radiographic dose experiment undertaken in the Darwin X-ray Suite.