MSc - Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (Pre-Registration)

University of Hertfordshire

This module continues the development of anatomy, physiology, and pathology knowledge for imaging professionals, and focusses on the thorax, abdomen, pelvis and head regions. Students will examine the complex anatomy of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and head regions. Students will build a deep understanding of the relationships between the organs and structures contained within these regions, in order to identify these on a range of X-ray and cross-sectional images in different anatomical planes. Students will explore the anatomy, physiology of the related systems. This will include the nervous, cardiovascular (including blood), lymphatic, digestive, genito-urinary (including reproductive) and endocrine systems. Common and identifiable pathologies of these systems will be included. Students will appreciate the relationship between pathology and physiological and anatomical changes, and how these present in the patient and relevant clinical tests. Assessment of normal and abnormal anatomy as demonstrated on a range of medical images will be included.

The aim of this module is to develop evidence-based practice and lifelong learning in health and social care. The module will incorporate preparing for level 7 study and will build on the students' previous knowledge of research methodologies and further develop their research skills to facilitate the students' understanding of the philosophy behind evidence-based practice in health care. The role of professional and regulatory bodies in the provision of healthcare services will be explored alongside the key principles of being an autonomous and accountable professional working in an interprofessional environment. The module content will introduce students to the context of the hospital environment, relevant legislation and mandatory training required for clinical practice. The concepts and complexities of client/customer care in relation to patient interactions in multiple contexts will be explored.

Students will deepen their understanding of diagnostic imaging theory and practice while exploring current developments and research. They will analyse the role of imaging in the diagnosis, management and treatment of pathology, emphasising critical evaluation of imaging modalities. The module also covers relevant legislation and guidelines, such as NICE. Throughout, students will develop their clinical skills and knowledge and understanding in areas of uncertainty, trauma and medical and surgical emergency situations and decision making and critical thinking in the choice of diagnostic imaging modalities.

This module will prepare students for future participation in radiography research. Building on the students' knowledge of research, students will undertake qualitative and/or quantitative research studies which will enable the students to critically discuss issues surrounding data collection, measurement, and clinically applicable outcome measures. This will include critical analysis of sources drawing on a range of research methodologies and incorporation of evidence into practice.

The focus of the module is to prepare students for their first employment with regards to their professional roles and responsibilities and to the professional statutory and regulatory body requirements. It explores the principles of management and leadership and the importance of interprofessional collaboration in patient and service user care. The module also explores the concepts of teamworking, mentorship, clinical governance (including service improvement and audit), and health promotion and education, as well as explore contemporary developments in radiography

This is the second of two preliminary clinical evaluation modules and builds on the students' previous knowledge and capability in image appreciation and evaluation of the axial skeleton, chest, abdomen and CT head anatomy and pathology. Pattern recognition and other skills relating to clinical evaluation and descriptive report writing of the axial skeleton (including spine and pelvis) will be explored. Students will also develop further confidence and appreciation of common pathologies of the chest, and abdomen, as seen on X-ray. CT of the head will be explored to enable students to appreciate and describe commonly encountered head pathology and trauma.

Students will investigate the production of X rays and their interaction with matter will be explored with respect to image production and radiation protection. The physical principles behind radiographic equipment will be explored to allow students to apply their knowledge of the X-ray tube design to conventional imaging, dental imaging, fluoroscopy, theatre and mobile equipment, mammography and computed tomography. Exposure factors and their impact on image production will be considered in depth. It will also consider radiation protection principles, and the radiographer's responsibilities according to radiation protection regulations including IR(ME)R 2017, IR(ME) Amendment Regulations 2018, and IRR 2017. The importance of stringent quality assurance systems will be emphasised, and students will be able to practice these within the X-ray labs. Medical informatics, IT systems and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) are all fundamental to diagnostic radiography and will be explored in this module.

This module will prepare students for working within a range of modalities in radiography by enabling development of understanding of key scientific principles and safety. Within the module, students will explore a range of imaging modalities (CT, MRI, US, RNI, hybrid imaging, PET and DEXA). Students will develop a deep understanding of how these work and will examine the key components of the equipment used within each modality. Image quality and optimisation this will be explored, so that students will be able to rationalise their practice on placement. Students will consider in depth the safe operation of the equipment and explore their roles and responsibilities regarding this. Safety legislation and guidance will be explored in relation to the modalities covered.