QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING PROGRAM

COURSE SYLLABUS RS 240 - RADIOGRAPHIC EXPOSURE I-2013

INSTRUCTOR: WILLIAM F. HENNESSY, MHS; RT (R)(M)(QM); OAP ( C )
OFFICE: MNH-128D

PHONE - 582 - 5214 OR bill.hennessy@quinnipiac.edu

OFFICE HOURS: Mon: 8:30 9:30 am; Wed: 9:00 am 11:30 am / 1:002:30pm;
Fri: 09:00 am 12:00pm
Other hours by appointment
CLASS MEETS: MONDAYS 1:00 2:50 pm MNH-270
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to evaluate the photographic, geometric and
equipment influences utilized in general radiographic procedures, and their
effect on image acquisition and quality. Both analog and digital acquisition
concepts will be presented and discussed. With the integration of the ionized
labs, students will experiment, simulate and acquire radiographic images
with anthropomorphic phantoms, and assess these images for radiographic
quality based on learned theories and principles.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
This course is designed to provide the student with a thorough
understanding of radiographic exposure techniques, and to correlate this
knowledge with clinical applications. It is the intent of the course and the
instructor to produce a thinking technologist who will be capable of designing
and selecting sound exposure values, utilize proper radiographic equipment
and comprehend and modify for their effect on radiographic quality; evaluate
and critique images for optimal quality, recognize and correct for deficiencies
in quality based on current principles and practices based on scientific &
visual literacy and quantitative reasoning.
At the completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1.
2.
3.

Define and manipulate milliamperage (mA), exposure time, and

kilovolts peak (kVp), and understand the effects caused by these
factors to the image.
Define and explain Source-Image Distance ( SID), compensate for
changes in SID based on various clinical situations, and understand the
effects produce to the image by these changes.
Describe the constructive components of Computed Radiography
image receptors and conventional screens, manipulate exposure

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

factors based on imaging system speed selection, and assess the

effects of these systems for their effect on radiographic quality, and
Level I Quality Control Testing
Differentiate image acquisition concepts and applications between
analog and digital systems
Describe the constructive components of radiographic film.
Define and differentiate scale contrast and influences on this
photographic property caused by manipulation and application of
exposure factors and radiographic equipment.
Define the purpose and function of radiographic grid devices,
manipulate exposure values based on grid selectivity and utilization,
and explain their influence on radiographic image quality.
Identify, define and explain the effects produced to the image caused
by manipulation of the geometric factors, primarily recorded detail and
distortion.
Define and compensate exposure factors for basic pathological
conditions.
Define the basic components of Automatic Exposure systems, properly
utilize these systems, recognize and correct for selected technical
errors.
Identify the various types of beam restrictors and filtration devices,
and assess their effect on image quality, and Level I Quality Control
Testing.
Identify the common types of contrast media employed in basic
radiographic / fluoroscopic procedures and their influence on exposure
modifications.
Evaluate all technical considerations for the influence on the
photographic and geometric formation of an image.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY
Lecture, group discussion, audiovisual aids, practical lab experimentation,
lab assignments, radiographic critique, examination, directed reading
assignments in professional journals.
REQUIRED TEXT
Radiographic Imaging and Exposure; Fauber. T.; 4th edition 2012; Mosby
Publishing Co.
METHOD OF OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT
25% Test 4
25% Test 2
30% Tests 1 & 3

10% Lab Assignments

10% Quizzes and other assignments

COURSE / INSTRUCTOR POLICIES

Academic Progression Policy 2011 University Catalog page 126
The following is the Diagnostic Imaging Programs academic progression
policy:
The following grading policy is for all diagnostic imaging courses (RS prefix).
A minimum grade of a B- (80) is required in all RS courses; however, if a
student receives a C+ in one RS course, he/she may continue in the normal
academic/clinical progression and does not need to repeat the course. A
second C+ or less in any RS course will result in the student not continuing in
the normal academic/clinical progression and the second failed course must
be repeated when offered. Any third C+ or less in any RS course will result in
dismissal from the program.
This policy applies throughout a students enrollment in the university.
Grades received in all RS designated courses including RS 101 and any
advanced modality course are under this policy.
In addition, for final course grades ONLY students receiving a final course
grade of 76.5 or higher will have their final grade rounded to a 77 (C+).

**

All assignments must be submitted promptly when scheduled. Late

submissions will result in a 0 grade

**

No extra examinations, papers, etc., will be given to increase the final

calculated grade.

**

48 hour grade challenge policy: In the event that a student wishes

to challenge an exam question or final grade, the student must submit
a well written document with justification of a grade challenge in
writing (no email) to me within 48 hours of the graded assignment
being returned to the student.

**

This is the major you selected and students are expected to attend
class regularly. Absences are included in the final grade evaluation.
Lateness (10 minutes) is not only disruptive to the class, but will also
be included in the final grade calculation. Each absence and lateness
will result in the deduction of 1 point from the final grade average

**

No make-up exams or tests will be administered until final exams

week.

**

As with all RS course work, a minimum final grade of B- (80%) is

required.

**

Please turn off all cell phones and beepers prior to the start of class. If
an urgent call is expected due to a possible emergency situation,
please notify this instructor prior to the start of class.

**

For all examinations, all backpacks, books, electronics (computers,

phones, IPads), as well as cups or containers must be left at the front
of the room. No exceptions!!

**

Programmable and/or cell phone calculators are not permitted for use
in this class. Purchase a simple 4 function calculator.

**

Computers may be used in class for note-taking, review of images, etc.

It is NOT to be used for Facebook, e-mails, etc during class time. Any
violation of this policy will result in computers being banned FOR ALL
STUDENTS.

**
Please tend to your personal needs prior to the start of any
examination.
Students will not be permitted to leave class until they
have completed the
exam.
**

Students are required to utilize programmatic radiation

dosimeters for all lab sessions. Students who not possess a
dosimeter, or current dosimeter will be dismissed from the lab
and points deducted for attendance/ lateness.

POLICY ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Honesty and integrity in your academic work will develop into professional
integrity. You must understand and follow Quinnipiacs Academic Integrity
Policy (see the universitys Student Handbook; policy also available at
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1046.xml).
Lack of knowledge of the policy is not an acceptable defense to any charge
of academic misconduct. Read and know the policy.
You must always do your own work. All work you submit must be completed
by you for this specific class. You must properly cite the work of others.
Never turn in someone elses work, in whole or in part, as your own. Never
cheat on tests, papers, or assignments. Know what constitutes plagiarism,
cheating, and other forms of academic misconduct.
Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, plagiarism,
cheating, unauthorized collaboration, falsification, multiple submissions, and
any form of dishonesty or deception in fulfilling academic requirements.

The penalties for academic misconduct are severe. Failure to follow the
Academic Integrity Policy could lead to an F in the course and even
expulsion from the University. You must do your own work and must be
honest with the professor and your fellow classmates in all matters
concerning this course. By taking the course and by attending Quinnipiac
University you agree to these conditions.
Please see me at any time with questions.
RS 240 & RS 240L COURSE OUTLINE - FALL 2013
CLASS SESSION

TOPIC

READING ASSIGNMENTS

Review of Basic X-ray Production

Fauber pgs 13 - 39

Radiographic Quality / Photographic

mA; exposure time; kVp

Fauber pgs 77 - 88

SID / Anode Heel Effect / Inverse &

Direct Square Law

Test I

Contrast / Grids / Air Gap

Fauber pgs 89-96

Fauber pgs 96-112

Analog vs. Computed Image Receptors & Fauber pgs 65 68 &

143 155
Digital Image Acquisition
7

Test II

Recorded Detail / Distortion

9
again)

Pathology / Contrast Media

Fauber pgs 85-99 (yes

10

Automatic Exposure/Beam Restrictors/

Filtration

Fauber pgs 116-121

198-215

11

In class Assignment An Analysis of Radiographic Quality

12.

Test III

13

Fall Semester Break

Fauber pgs 57-64

14

Review

15

Final Exam