RAD 1813 - Radiographic Exposure

3 Credits

The course is designed to teach the nature and characteristics of radiation, x-ray production, and the fundamentals of photon interactions with matter. The content provides information about the intensity of the X-ray beam and how technical factors influence the beam. The course will challenge the student to design quality techniques for imaging patients utilizing the guiding principle “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” (ALARA.)

Prerequisite: RAD 1803 Radiographic Procedures III, RAD 2002 Clinical Education III; RAD 2911 Image Quality and Acquisition I

Corequisite: RAD 2504 Radiographic Procedures IV, RAD 2603 Clinical Education IV

Course Level Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Summarize the biological effects of ionizing radiation. (PLO 5)
Identify the quantities and units used for the measurement of radiation. (PLO 5, 10)
Evaluate the various types of x-ray tube filtration and analyze the impact of each on the x-ray beam. (PLO 10, 11)
Summarize dose limits for both occupationally exposed individuals and the general public. (PLO 5)
Identify the prime factors involved in x-ray technology and the mathematical formulas that assist in developing imaging techniques (PLO 6, 7)
Identify the different types of interactions that X-rays have with matter. (PLO 5, 10)
Utilize beam-restricting devices correctly and effectively. (PLO 11 )
Select appropriate techniques based on diverse patient pathologies that may affect the attenuation of the x-ray beam. (PLO 6, 11 )