Module manager: Mr Andrew Davies
Email: a.g.davies@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
As per entry to programmes where this module is optional. Successful completion of programme year 2 GSCE single sciences or combined sciences At least one science or mathematics A-level
| MEDP5331M | Medical X-ray Imaging |
This module is not approved as an Elective
X-ray imaging is the most common medical imaging technique, which plays a crucial role in modern medicine. This module explores the science and technology of medical X-ray imaging, showing how it can be used in treatment and diagnosis of disease. You will explore how images are acquired and how specialised X-ray systems are designed for different clinical applications, ranging from mammography to cardiac X-ray imaging. You will explore the digital detectors, computer processing and artificial intelligence systems that are in use in medical imaging. The module is aimed at students with an interest in physical sciences or engineering, with interests in medical physics or medical imaging. It offers an insight into an application where applied physics and engineering can provide enormous benefit to human health.
You will explore how X-rays are produced, how they interact with matter and how this can be used to capture images of the human body. We will explore how why X-ray images of the body appear as they do, and the increasing role of computer processing to improve image quality and the computer diagnosis of disease within X-ray images.
We use computer-based simulation software written by module team in Leeds support your learning with interactive activities, developing your ability to deepen you understanding of the scientific concepts and how they apply to clinical practice.
We explore how X-ray systems are designed for specific clinical uses, and how the optimisation of their design and use produces high quality images at low levels of radiation dose to patients.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Describe how the appearance of X-ray images is determined by the physical principles of X-ray production, interactions with matter and image formation process
2. Provide examples of the use of medical imaging in medicine, relating the specialised design of X-ray equipment to its intended clinical application
3. Appraise X-ray images in both quantitative and qualitative terms, relating these to radiation dose and image quality
4. Explain how images are acquired in digital format and how the digital image can be manipulated and displayed to clinical users
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
Assess the benefits to patients of medical X-ray imaging in relation to the harm and risk caused, explaining how X-ray systems and their use can be optimised to improve this balance.
Evaluate your own progress and achievements, using computer simulation tools in independent and directed problem solving activities.
1. X-ray production
2. Interactions of X-rays with matter
3. Radiation and its biological effects
4. Principles of image formation
5. Image capture
6. Digital image processing, display and storage
7. Image quality and radiation dose
8. Clinical applications of X-ray imaging
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Practical | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Seminar | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Independent online learning hours | 22 | ||
| Private study hours | 60 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 18 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Workbooks guide students through practical experiments using the computer simulators. Formative online MCQs and other automatically graded questions are provided on Minerva after each topic. In class discussion and use of online chat/teams also allow students to seek additional feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course MCQ | Following most lectures students will receive formative questions in a range of formats (calculations, MCQs, longer answer and so on). | 0 |
| Problem Sheet | Worksheets using computer simulators | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 0 | |
Each topic is followed by a formative online test using Blackboard tests. The tests use automatically marked question types (MCQs, calculations, fill-in-the-blank and so on), with marks and feedback automatically given to students. There are also a series of problem sheets that give students exercises that use the computer simulation software that supports their learning to explore and link key concepts in the module.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Open Book exam | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 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
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team