Syllabus

X-Rays, Radiological Procedures and Radiography. Atomic and nuclear physics, structure, radiation and interactions with matter, biological effects of radiation X-ray production, formation of images, photographic films, intensifying screens, fluoroscopy, digital systems and computed imaging. Specifics of X-ray contrast including artificial contrast media including pharmacology, contra-indications, uses, and techniques. Recognition of normal anatomy, advantages and disadvantages of radiographic imaging, radiographic technique and general principles of tomography. Measurement of ionising radiation, legislation, X-ray equipment design.

Cross Sectional Imaging Modalities including the following:

Computed Tomography

Basic principles and operational characteristics, design, image processing algorithms, applications, new developments.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Basic physics of MRI (spin echo sequences, gradient echo sequences), MRI safety, Low and High Field Strength systems, volume acquisition, cardiac evaluation and functional spectroscopy of the brain.

Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound

Radioactivity and radioactive sources, radiation detectors and scintigraphic equipment, measurement of radioactivity, gamma ray spectroscopy, isotope generators and radiopharmaceuticals. Imaging devices: system performance, quality assurance, analysis, static and dynamic imaging, patient protection in nuclear medicine. Biological distribution of radionucleides, anatomy structure and function, applications of scintography.

Production, propogation and detection of ultrasound, imaging methods, doppler effect and flow sensitive imaging, safety issues.

Tissue determination by ultrasound, normal/abnormal anatomy in the abdomen and pelvis. Applications to the head, face, and neck. Ultrasound contrast agents, interventional and clinical uses of ultrasound, advantages and disadvantages.