Module manager: Andrew Davies
Email: a.g.davies@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
As per entry to programmes where this module is optional
MEDP2002
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will introduce students to medical physics, focussing primarily on diagnostic imaging. The module will illustrate different methods of diagnostic medical imaging, and describe how medical imaging plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The module is intended to appeal to those who might be interested in a career in medical physics, and there are a number of follow-on medical imaging modules at level three which will further develop students’ knowledge of medical physics.
This module will introduce students to the field of medical physics, providing an understanding of selected diagnostic medical imaging modalities and their applications. The module covers the physical principles of how images are acquired on three of the main imaging modalities, and how the anatomy and function of the human body can visualised and quantified using medical imaging. We will explore selected clinical applications, as well as considering the potential harmful side-effects of medical imaging.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
Appraise the use of relative merits of different medical imaging modalities for specific diseases or treatments
Apply the understanding of the physical principles of each imaging modalities to assess quantitatively and qualitatively how imaging parameters affect the acquired image
Assess the potential health benefits of the use of medical imaging against the risk of harm to individuals and populations
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Describe selected aspects of human anatomy and physiology that can be targeted using medical imaging
2. Describe and apply the scientific principles underpinning three selected medical imaging modalities in the image formation process, and apply these principles to explain the appearance of selected medical images
3. Provide examples of the use of medical imaging in a healthcare setting
The module will introduce how ionising and non ionising radiation be used for medical imaging. The risks to human health of exposure to ionisation radiation from medical imaging are explored, alongside the potential benefits that medical imaging can provide.
The physical principles of selected medical imaging modalities (such as X-ray imaging, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging), focussing on image formation are explored, showing how different anatomy, pathology and function of the human body can be visualised using medical imaging. For each modality, we will explore how the acquisition of images can be optimised for particular diseases or pathology.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 19 | 1 | 19 |
| Seminar | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Private study hours | 80 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
The teaching sessions are interactive, and students are encouraged to reflect, apply and seek feedback over their understanding. There are formative question and answers provided for students’ to self-assess their understanding. Students are encouraged to contact staff to discuss any part of the module they need support with. Example examination papers are also provided for students.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Unseen exam | 1.0 Hrs 30 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: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team