Montgomery College
Takoma Park Campus
Radiology Technology Program
Syllabus RT 101
Fall 2008
Course Title: Radiologic Technology I Credit Hours: 4
Pre/co-requisite: Mathematics foundation Instructor: Rose Aehle, MS RT(R,M)
Office# (240)567-5564
Fax# (240)567-5561
rose.aehle@montgomerycollege.edu
Office hours: M,W 12:00-1:00
Web:www.montgomerycollege.edu/rt
Class Hours: Lecture CRN 20671 M,F 1:00 pm to 2:15 pm
Lab- CRN 20670 M 2:16 pm to 3:55 pm
Lab CRN 20672 F 2:16 pm to 3:55 pm
Texts: Radiologic Science for Technologists, Physics, Biology and Protection 9th
Edition, Bushong, Mosby, 2001 (Text and Workbook)
Radiographic Imaging and Exposure
Terri Fauber
Digital Radiography and PACS
Christi Carter
Course Description: An introductory course to the science of medical radiographic exposure techniques. Topics such as X-ray formation, X-ray interaction with matter, components necessary for image formation, automatic processing, densitometry, radiation protection, scatter radiation, factors controlling scatter radiation, digital/computed radiology and mobile radiography will be covered. In addition, basic atomic structure and fundamental physics will be covered at the start of the course to ensure the student has a basic foundation upon which to build. (CE) PREREQUISITE: Admission to the RT program or permission of the department. PRE- or COREQUISITE: Mathematics foundation. Assessment levels: EN 101/101A, RD 120. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory each week.
Course Outcomes: (Objectives based on required texts)
The student will be able to
(History)
1. Identify the difference between matter and energy
2. Define electromagnetic radiation and specifically, ionizing radiation.
3. Explain how x-rays were discovered accidentally.
4. Discuss human injury caused by radiation.
5. List basic radiation protection equipment.
6. Describe a brief history of modern radiography (to include DR and CR) and discuss what behaviors are required of a radiographer.
7. Discuss time, distance and shielding in reference to radiation protection.
(Radiographic units)
1. List and define units of radiation measurement and absorbed dose
( Foundational physics)
1. Discuss the derivation of scientific systems of measurement
2. List the three systems of measurements.
3. Identify nine categories of mechanics
4. Relate the history of the atom .
5. Identify the structure of the atom.
6. Describe electron shells and instability within atomic structure.
7. Discuss radioactivity and the characteristics of alpha and beta particles that can ionize matter.
8. Explain the difference between particulate and electromagnetic ionizing radiation.
(Electromagnetic Radiation)
1) Define and identify photons and their relationship to electromagnetic radiation
2) Compare wavelength, frequency and amplitude as it relates to the electromagnetic spectrum
3) Identify the properties of the electromagnetic spectrum
4) Discuss the concepts of wave-particle duality, visible wave properties and radiation attenuation.
5) Calculate the inverse square law
6) Devine the properties of matter and energy
(X-ray room and tube components)
1. Identify the components of the console or control panel.
2. Explain the operation of the high-voltage generator, including the autotransformer, the filament transformer and the rectifiers.
3. Relate the major differences between single and three phase power, including voltage ripple.
4. Define the power rating unit.
5. Describe the six support designs for the x-ray tube.
6 List the parts of the housing that protects the x-ray tube.
7. Identify the components for the glass or metal envelope that make up the x-ray tube.
8. Discuss the cathode and filament currents.
9. Describe the parts of the anode and the induction motor.
10. Define the line focus principle and the heel effect.
11 Identify the three causes of x-ray tube failure.
12. Explain the use of tube rating charts to prevent tube failure.
(Radiation production and interactions)
1. Discuss the interactions between electrons and the x-ray target.
2. Identify the graphs depicting the x-ray emission spectra for characteristic and Bremsstrahlung radiation.
3. Explain how mAs, kVp, added filtration, target material and voltage ripple affect x-ray emission spectra.
4. Describe each of the five x-ray interactions with matter.
5. Define and compare differential absorption and attenuation.
6. Explain the effect of atomic number and mass density of tissue on the differential absorption of the x-ray beam.
7. Discuss why radiologic contrast agents are used to highlight soft tissue structures and organs in the human body.
(Quantity and Quality)
1. Define radiation quantity in relation to intensity in roentgens.
2. Define radiation quantity in relation to mAs.
3. List and discuss the factors affecting the quantity of x-rays in the beam
4. Explain x-ray quality or penetrability.
5. List and discuss the factors affecting the quality of the x-ray beam
(Radiographic Image production and processing)
Filmless systems
1. Discuss the implications differences and functions of CR systems and DR systems
2. Recognize, define and apply common terminology specific to digital systems
3. Describe the steps of image production in a CR system
4. Describe the steps of image production in a DR system
5. Discuss post processing options
6. Recognize the importance of exposure level numbers and its relationship to exposure
7. Evaluate and contrast how the image is captured in CR and in DR
8 Discuss image receptors in CR. Identify the construction of a image receptor in CR
9. Describe PACs and its value in a filmless system
10 Define quantum mottle and it’s association with filmless systems
Conventional Film systems
1. Discuss the construction of radiographic film.
2. Describe the formation of the latent image.
3. List and define the characteristics of x-ray film.
4. Identify the types of film used in diagnostic imaging departments.
5. Explain proper film storage and handling procedures.
6 Discuss the historical development from hand processing to automatic processing.
7 Explain the systems of the automatic processor, including the transport system,
the temperature- control system, the circulation system, the replenishment system, the dryer system, and the electrical system.
8. List and describe the layers that make up an intensifying screen.
9. Compare the characteristics of screen versus non screen imaging regarding intensification factor.
10. Identify the screen characteristics of x-ray absorption, the x-ray to light conversion efficiency, and the speed of screens.
11. Discuss film-screen combinations, including calcium-tungstate and rare-earth systems.
12. Describe the handling and cleaning of intensifying screens.
(Scatter Production and Grids/Beam restriction)
1. Identify two kinds of x-rays that are responsible for remnant radiation.
2. List three factors that contribute to scatter radiation.
3. Discuss three devices developed to minimize scatter radiation.
4. Recognize the relationship between scatter radiation and image contrast.
5. Explain the components of grid construction.
6. Calculate grid ratio, grid frequency, contrast improvement factor, Bucky factor and selectivity
7. Describe eight different types of grids.
8. Discuss the five common errors using grids.
9. Evaluate the circumstances for proper grid selection.
10. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the use of grids in relation to patient radiation exposure.
(Technique, patient factors)
1. List the four prime exposure factors.
2. Discuss the relationship between mAs and kVp in relation to beam quality and quantity.
3. Describe equipment characteristics that are secondary factors in changing the quantity and quality of the x-ray beam.
4. List the four patient factors and explain their affects on radiographic technique.
5. Discuss the four image quality factors of optical density, contrast, image detail, and distortion and how they are used to describe the characteristics of a radiograph.
6. Identify the three types of technique charts.
7. Explain the three types of automatic-exposure controls.
Each and every student is expected to behave in ways which promote a teaching and learning atmosphere. Students have the right to learn; however; they do not have the right to interfere with the freedom of the faculty to teach or the rights of other students to learn. Students will be treated respectfully in return for respectful behavior.
All in-class discussions should be carried out in a way that keeps the classroom environment respectful of the rights of others. This means that, for example, students should not interrupt someone else who is talking regardless of whether that person is the instructor or another student. Students should not monopolize class time by repeatedly interrupting and asking questions in a manner in which hinders the learning process of others. Students are also expected to conduct themselves in ways which create a safe learning and teaching environment that is free from such things as violence, intimidation, and harassment, including sexual harassment. Should a student be disruptive in class, then he/she will be asked to leave. The instructor reserves the right to have the student removed by Security if refusal occurs. Cell phones and pagers should be kept on vibrate mode and students who must speak on a cell phone, must do so outside of the classroom to prevent disruption to the rest of the class.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND MISCONDUCT
Students are expected to maintain the integrity of the test taking environment by doing their own work and not allowing others to copy one’s work. Talking and referring to texts are strictly prohibited during an examination. Non-compliance to these standards may result in a failing grade of the examination.
In addition, the program maintains a strict adherence to the student code of conduct which may be accessed through Montgomery College’s Home page at www.montgomerycollege.edu. Once you enter the home page, click on the Current Student tab on the top of the screen. Click on the Quick Link entitled Codes and Policies. This will direct you to the Student Code of Conduct which is a word document.
Student e-mail
Student e-mail (montgomerycollege.edu) is an official means of communication for the College. It is expected that you check your student e-mail regularly and frequently, as you are responsible for information and announcements that will be sent to you from the College.
For this class, student e-mail will be used only for situations where timing is essential. Most information is discussed in class and all assignments will be turned in as hard copy during regular class times. If you contact me through e-mail, you must use your student e-mail account (rather than a yahoo account) so that I can recognize you as a student. If you e-mail me, please follow-up with a voice mail message using the following number: 240-567-5564
Parking is at a premium on this campus. Because this class begins at 1:00 in the afternoon, all students should park in the Bonifant Dixon Street Public Parking garage on the designated levels and take the shuttle to campus. Please note that the shuttle from this garage begins running at 8:00 am and is going to run continuously until the 5:00. Parking is also available at parking meters around the campus. Students have to pay at the meters, the student parking permit does not allow for parking at meters without paying. If a student chooses to park at a meter, student must put a sufficient enough of money on the meter so as not to leave class in order to feed the meter. If a student leaves the class or lab to do so (except during a break), the attendance grade will be reduced for that day’s attendance.
Tobacco Free Policy at Montgomery College
On August 1, 2008, Montgomery College implemented a Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy which prohibits smoking or the use of other tobacco products on any of its campuses or other property. Students who smoke or use tobacco products will be considered in violation of the student conduct code and their behavior will be reported to the Dean of Student Development’s office for the appropriate disciplinary action including probation, suspension, or dismissal. If you have any questions about this new policy, please contact the Vice President and Provost’s Office, the Office of the Dean of Student Development or the Campus Security Office
Attendance:
The student is expected to attend every class. If illness occurs, the student should call and inform the instructor prior to the starting time of class. NO EXAM MAKEUPS will be given with out prior permission from instructor.
The attendance policy is the same as that stated in the Montgomery College Catalog,. The student is urged to review the last sentence concerning " Administrative Drop " for unexcused absences. This policy will be strictly enforced. Frequent or habitual lateness, as well as lack of class participation will be factored into the final grade.
Beepers and telephones are not to be used in class unless on the “vibrate mode”. These present a distraction to both the faculty and students alike.
Cancellation of Class:
You will be able to determine the College's operational status during inclement weather or other
emergencies through the following means:
· Check the College's Web site at http://www.montgomerycollege.edu or log on to MC e-mail. A college-wide e-mail will be sent to announce closures or delays.
· Call the College’s main phone number, 301-279-5000, to hear an updated message, in the event of closures or delays.
· Tune in to area radio or television stations, including Montgomery College Television, cable channel 10, in Montgomery County. Dozens of commercial radio and TV stations are also notified. Among the stations with most frequent updates are: Television -- NBC Channel 4/WRC; Fox Channel 5/WTTG; Channel 7/WJLA; Channel 9/WUSA; and cable News Channel 8. Radio -- WTOP (1500 AM and 107.7 FM), WMAL (630 AM),.
STUDENT WITH DISABILITIES
Any student who may need an accommodation due to a disability, please make an appointment to see Cathy Wilson (240-567-1475) during my office hour. A letter from Disability Support Services(R-CB122; G-SA175; or TP-ST120) authorizing your accommodations will be needed. Any student who may need assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation must identify to the Disability Support Services Office; guidelines for emergency evacuations for individuals with disabilities are found at: www.montgomerycollege.edu/dss/evacprocedures.htm.
Grading:
93-100 A Any student receiving a grade below “C” in this
86-92 B course must repeat it satisfactorily before taking
78-85 C successive courses.
77 and below F .
Grades will be determined by:
Attendance 5%
Workbook 5%
Critical thinking assignments 5%
Exams (3) 50%
Math Modules 5%
Cumulative Final Exam 30%
100%
Attendance: (5%)
The attendance policy for this course is the same as that stated in the Montgomery College Catalog. The student is urged to review the last sentence concerning unexcused absences and administrative drop from the course. If a student cannot make class, it is their responsibility to call the College and relay that message to the faculty. For every unexcused absence in the lab portion, 4 points per absence and/ or tardiness will be taken off the final grade. Punctuality is stressed and all unexcused latenesses will be factored into the final grade (4 points off each tardy arrival).
Workbooks Assignments (5%)
1. Must be turned in on time. There will be a 50% deduction for late assignments. Incomplete assignments will receive no credit.
2. Workbook chapters are due as noted on scheduled exam day.
Critical Thinking Assignment-Journal articles (5%)
The ability to critically think is essential for the successful completion of the Radiologic Technology program. Critical thinking concepts such as self assessment, evaluation, problem solving, deductive reasoning are but a few strategies employed in the diagnostic imaging environment. Use of these and other critical thinking strategies assist in the application of the book knowledge to the clinical setting. To this end throughout the two years in the program students will be required to complete specific didactic and clinical assignments used to assess critical thinking in the classroom and in the clinical rotations. In addition to critical thinking questions imbedded into each didactic exam, a percentage of the final grade for each class (including the clinical courses) will include the grade(s) from each critical thinking assignment. Students are encouraged to maintain a critical thinking folder to assess their progress in using critical thinking skills.
RT 101 Critical thinking assignment
Two journal article assignments related to the field radiology from the current Radiology periodicals found in the classroom, media center or other sources or from the Internet will be due this semester. Journal assignments may be on any topic as it relates to radiology. Date for submission of these assignments are noted in the course outline. Printed copies of article from periodicals and from the Internet must accompany the assignment. If a copy of the article does not accompany the review, the assignment will be given a grade of a zero. Students are reminded that this is an individual project. Review of the plagiarism policy signed by the student is suggested.
Guidelines for the assignment are as follows:
Assignment must be typed with a 12 font only
Assignments should be a minimum of 3 pages long
A copy of the article must be attached. If the publication date is not printed on the
article, this should be submitted in bibliography style.
Assignments should briefly review the article submitted and students are
encouraged to submit their opinions or any other points of interest as part of the
assignment. (See last page for the grading rubric)
Math Modules (5%)
The purpose of the math modules as a component to the RT 101 is to address mathematics specific to the field of radiography.
The math modules are designed as a review of radiographic mathematics . PRIOR TO WORKING ON THESE MODULES the student should refer to Chapter 2 of Radiologic Science for Technologists, 9th Edition by Stewart C. Bushong . This text is required for RT 101. Students are not to use the textbook when working on these modules and this is an independent assignment.
The math modules are located in the Math-Science Learning Center in Science North, Rooms 101-102. The math modules are to be completed in the Math Science Learning Center. No math module may be taken out of the Center. Modules must be completed in order. Modules will be available to start beginning the week of September 8 and it is recommended that students start the math modules at this time.
IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO COMPLETE THESE MODULES IN A TIMELY MANNER. All modules should be completed by the November 6, 2008
At the end of the semester and upon completion of the math modules, an assessment form will be forwarded to the RT 101 instructor who will then forward this information on to each student.. This assessment will offer feedback as to areas where the student might wish to pursue additional individual tutoring on specific math concepts. It is the student’s responsibility to do so if the student is struggling with a math concept. .
All students must complete the math modules. The completion of the math modules is designated with a percentage toward the RT 101 final grade so failure to do these assignments may result in unsuccessful completion of RT 101.
MATH-SCIENCE
LEARNING CENTER
SCIENCE NORTH BUILDING
ROOM 101
HOURS of OPERATION
FALL 2008
Monday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Examinations (50%)
A minimum of three examinations will be given to assess student comprehension of presented materials. The dates and objectives covered in examination form are noted in the class schedule in this syllabus. Examinations will include multiple choice questions and may include matching, sequencing, true or false, fill in the blank and/or short essay questions. The point value is indicated on the examination. Multiple choice, true or false, matching questions are worth one point. Grades are calculated based on the number of points earned divided by greatest possible points. For example if the test has a total of 89 points and a student earns 79 possible points (79/89) the student’s score would be 88.7% which will be rounded up to an 89%. All examinations are reviewed in class after graded and open for discussion of content only. Concerns about calculation of grade or possible misgrading may be addressed individually with the instructor after class. Tests are kept in the student file. Students are not given them to keep.
Comprehensive Final Examination (30%)
The final examination is given on the date as dictated by the collegewide final schedule found in each semester’s Montgomery College Credit Course Schedule and noted in the class schedule. The examination covers all material reviewed in the semester. Questions are primarily designed in multiple choice fashion although some other forms of questions may be designed.
Chapters marked with an asterick indicate only portions of the chapter will be discussed. Students are encouraged to refer to the Radiologic Web page for the outline of chapters that will be covered in each class and are indicated in the table of contents. These outlines are of the power points presented for each class.
Tentative Course Outline
Week 1 Lecture Lab
Fri. 9/5 Introductions,Paperwork, Syllabus Hands on practice-lab
Week 2
Mon 9/8 Implications of Academic Dishonesty
Dean Jennie Wells
Chptrs. 6/7 Bushong* Hands on practice lab
Chptrs 1/4/5 Fauber*
Fri 9/12 Ch. 1 Bushong Time Management
Ch. 2 Bushong Paula Ottinger
Week 3
Mon 9/15 Ch 2-3 Bushong Time Management
Fri 9/19 Ch 3-4 Bushong Exposure Practice
JOURNAL ARTICLE #1 DUE
Week 4
Mon 9/22 Ch 4 Bushong/ Ch 1 Fauber Exposure Practice
Fri 9/ 26 Test (Chapters 1,2,3, 4,6,7) NO LAB
Fauber 1,4,5
WKBK due
Week 5
Mon 9/29 Ch 6* Bushong NO LAB
Ch 7 Bushong
Ch 2* and 11* Fauber
Fri 10/3 PARTY
Week 6
Mon 10/6 CH 8 (Bushong) Educate the eyes
Ch 2 Film Critique
Fri 10/10 Ch 9 Bushong Educate the eyes
Film Critique
Week 7
Mon 10/13 Ch 9-10 Bushong Missing Factors
Fri 10/17 Ch 10 Bushong Missing Factors
JOURNAL ARTICLE #2 DUE
Week 8
Mon 10/20 Review NO LAB
Fri 10/24 Exam (Chpts 6,7,8,9,10-Bushong) NO LAB
(Chpts 2,11 Fauber)
(missing factors)
Week 9
Mon 10/27 Ch 6 Fauber Ch 1,4 Carter
Fri 10/31 Ch 7 Fauber Ch 1,4 Carter
Week 10
Mon 11/3 Ch 7 Fauber Ch 4-5 Carter TBA
Fri 11/7 Ch 1,4-5 Carter TBA
Week 11
Mon 11/10 Ch 5-6 Carter Missing Factor
Fri 11/14 Ch 7 Carter Missing Factor
Week 12
Mon 11/17 CH 7 Carter Exposures
Fri 11/ 21 Review Exposures
Week 13
Mon 11/24 Exam (Chpts 1,4-7 Carter) NO LAB
(Chpts 6-7) Fauber
Fri 11/28 No Classes/Thanksgiving Holiday
Week 14
Mon 12/1 Ch 15, Bushong Designing a technique chart/
Proportional Anatomy
Fri 12/5 Ch 15 Bushong Designing a technique chart/
Proportional Anatomy
Week 15
Mon 12/8 Review Review
Fri 12/12 Review Review
Finals: Wednesday, December 17th 12:30-2:30
.
Faculty reserves the right to modify course content and evaluation procedures as deemed
necessary.
RT 101 Critical Thinking Assignment-Journal Article Grading Rubric
Please note that if the assignment is handed in without the a copy of the article attached an
automatic grade of zero will be assigned and the rubric below will not be considered for the
review.
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Met |
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Not met -20 |
Comments |
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Used correct font |
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Used correct size of font |
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Two to three pages in length
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Spelling/ neatness
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Met |
Partially Met -1 to 10 |
Not met -10 to -20 |
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Reviewed all main points of the article
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Main points reviewed were written in the student’s own words |
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If quoting from article, appropriate usage of quotations and notation of author was used |
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Student evaluated and analyzed the article by drawing conclusions, theorizing and/or assessing content to their current level of education in the field of radiography |
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