2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MEDP3532 X-ray Computed Tomography

10 Credits Class Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Stephen Kengyelics
Email: s.m.kengyelics@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 Jan to 30 Jun View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

For BSc Medical Imaging students the entry requirements are as per the programme entry requirements. For all students, prior attendance of MEDP3531 Medical X-ray Imaging is compulsory.

Pre-requisites

Mutually Exclusive

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module describes the scientific principles and techniques employed by modern computed tomography systems. Students will develop an appreciation of the wide range of computed tomography technology available and see how this technology is applied in a number of clinical areas.

Objectives

This module will provide a detailed understanding of the physical principles of medical X-ray computed tomography and give an appreciation of its role in patient diagnosis and treatment.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the physical principles under-pinning modern computed tomography
2. Recognise the most important technologies currently utilised in computed tomography
3. Describe the different designs of current computed tomography imaging equipment and techniques employed
4. Describe the chain of physical and technical processes contributing to the successful formation, acquisition, processing and display of computed tomography images
5. Recognise relevant physical characteristics of computed tomography images
6. Recognise the fundamental trade-off between image quality and radiation dose to the patient
7. Appreciate the complimentary roles computed tomography plays alongside other medical imaging modalities in medical diagnosis

Skills outcomes

The underlying science of computed tomography imaging is fundamental to a wide range of clinical applications in radiology and radiography. The module will benefit radiology and radiography practitioners, and will benefit those involved in computed tomography and X-ray imaging research.

Syllabus

Basic Principles of Computed Tomography Imaging

- Physical principles of computed tomography systems
- Major components of a scanner
- Operation of scanner and image data acquisition
- Types of scanner (Helical/Spiral, Multi-slice, & Multi-spectral)
- Image reconstruction methods
- Image quality & patient radiation dose trade-off

Advanced Computed Tomography Systems

- Multi-slice CT
- Evolution of multi-slice CT scanners
- Dual source CT scanners
- Multi-spectral CT scanners

Clinical Applications

- Application of CT in a range of clinical uses

Radiation Dose & Quality Assurance

- Radiation dose measurement
- Factors affecting dose in computed tomography
- Methods of dose reduction
- Radiation protection principles
- Quality control for CT

Teaching Methods

Private study

Students will consult a range of online material, books, and journal articles to support their learning, and develop a depth of understanding based around the taught materials. Students must also prepare for the examination.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Each lecture is accompanied by a number of formative questions (and answers) which students can use to gauge progress. The three computer sessions, and two tutorials also provide with opportunity for feedback.

Methods of Assessment

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 04/06/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team