Module manager: Jane Harvey-Lloyd
Email: J.Harvey-Lloyd@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
See programme entry requirements.
| ARCS3277 | Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Pattern Recognition |
This module is approved as an Elective
Imaging examination volumes continue to rise both nationally and globally, with millions of procedures performed each year. As demand increases, healthcare professionals are required to interpret an ever‑growing number of radiographic images as part of routine clinical practice. This module provides an opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in the specialist area of medical image interpretation. It introduces key principles of interpreting projection (“plain film”) imaging and CT, with a focus on developing analytical skills to recognise anatomical structures and to identify how these may be altered by the presence of pathology across a range of imaging modalities.
This module is designed to help you gain an in depth understanding of the subject. This will be done by exploring the basis of systematic (image) review and the importance of search strategies in interpreting medical images, to develop individual frameworks for interpreting medical images.
Using specially developed workbooks and lectures from current radiographic reporters, we will build knowledge and confidence in interpreting medical images and increasing knowledge of anatomy on radiographic images.
On successful completion of the module, as a student, you will be able to:
1. Apply fundamental analytical skills and pattern recognition skills for medical image interpretation
2. Critically assess radiographic images in order to understand and interpret them
3. Describe the normal anatomical presentation of the body on diagnostic images
4. Recognise and explain general changes causing deviation from normal diagnostic imaging appearances
5. Identify and interpret the radiographic appearances of common pathology on radiographic images
This module covers the following skills learning areas:
Apply diagnostic reasoning when interpreting medical images.
Communicate your evaluation via structured formats using appropriate medical terminology.
Justify your normal versus pathological interpretation of images using evidence based reasoning.
Principles of Pattern Recognition, the diagnostic image and theories and factors influencing pattern recognition (to include basic changes as a result of pathology), radiographic anatomy, anatomical relationships and sectional imaging of the following systems: Musculoskeletal, Cardiovascular, Digestive, Respiratory and Central nervous.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lecture | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Practical | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Seminar | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Independent online learning hours | 10 | ||
| Private study hours | 115 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 25 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
A diverse range of learning activities will be incorporated throughout the module to support students in developing the requisite skills for successful completion of the summative assessment. These formative components are delivered through a variety of innovative and pedagogically sound approaches, including:
Practical anatomy session conducted in the dissection room, facilitated by a dedicated anatomist and a radiographer reporter. This session is designed to foster integrative learning by encouraging students to correlate physical anatomical structures with corresponding radiographic images.
Practice review cases encompassing multiple body regions and imaging modalities. These exercises aim to enhance students’ confidence and competence in image interpretation through repeated exposure and guided analysis.
Anatomy workbooks, which students are expected to complete independently. These workbooks serve to consolidate anatomical knowledge and promote the application of this knowledge to the interpretation of radiographic images.
Formative assessment work. There will be three formative activities associated with the summative assessment. This will allow the student to build confidence in both the possible methods of delivery and choose the one that appeals to them the most. Activity 1 – deliver a five-minute presentation on a chosen pathology to cover its imaging appearances, alternative imaging methods and possible differential diagnoses. Activity 2 – write a short case study (300 words) based on a chosen image to discuss the imaging appearances using a systematic review strategy. This can be any pathology and imaging method of the student’s choice. This will be reviewed by the module lead and feedback given. Activity 3 – write a systematic search strategy for an image of your choice to demonstrate your systematic image review skills. This will be reviewed by the module lead and feedback will be given.
Dedicated assessment support sessions, offering students the opportunity to engage in dialogue regarding the summative assessment. These meetings provide individualised feedback and facilitate the exchange of ideas to support academic development.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Case Study | Students may choose to present their case study in the form of an essay or a recorded presentation | 100 |
| Oral Presentation | Five-minute presentation on a pathology of the students choice to include discussion of the imaging appearances | 0 |
| Case Study | 300-word case study discussing imaging appearances of a chosen pathology demonstrating a search strategy | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 22/05/2026
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