Course coordinator
Dr Karine Mardon
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mathematics & Physics School
The course will cover most aspects of Molecular Imaging including optical imaging (i.e. luminescence and fluorescence), ultrasound photoacoustic imaging, single photon emission tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as hybrid imaging technologies (i.e. PET/CT, SPECT/CT, PET/MRI). The course will include the development of new molecular imaging probes, contrast agents and radiopharmaceuticals for Nuclear Medicine as well as the importance of quality control involved in clinical molecular imaging. This course will give an overview of the innovative clinical imaging applications in cancer, heart diseases, neurological disorders and other human conditions.
This foundation course is compulsory within the post-graduate Master of Molecular Imaging program.ﾠ It will provide the background knowledge that is essential to understand the material presented in later courses.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Bachelor's degree in applied science, medical imaging, chemistry, pharmacy, physics, computer science or electrical and biomedical engineering or an approved discipline.
UQ or equivalent GPA of 4 or above on a 7 point scale
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- Another instance of the same course
MOLI7102 EXTERNAL
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Karine Mardon
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Tutorials are held at the Centre for Advanced Imaging (building 57), Level 2 Seminar Room and start in week 1.
All tutorialsﾠareﾠrecorded and posted onto Blackboard.ﾠ
On week 8, Friday 18th of April is a public holiday (Good Friday) so there will be no tutorial.
Internal tutorial structure External tutorial structure
Aims and outcomes
On completion of this unit, students will have a thorough understanding of the clinical molecular imaging modalities and their possible applications.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Have comprehensive knowledge of clinical imaging modalities (MRI, PET,SPECT, CT, ultrasound and optical imaging).
LO2.
Demonstrate an understanding of the potential benefits and disadvantages of each molecular imaging modality in application to clinical disease.
LO3.
Explain basic physical principles involved in each molecular imaging instrumentation.
LO4.
Utilise basic chemistry for development of molecular imaging probes, contrast agents and radiotracers for particular imaging applications.
LO5.
Discuss the current and future roles of advanced molecular imaging techniques including up to date development of new probes for clinical imaging of diseases
LO6.
Evaluate and use recent innovations and development in imaging technology and image guided therapy
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique |
Assignment 1
|
23% |
Week 11, Fri 2:00 pm |
| Quiz |
Blackboard Online Quiz
|
15% |
Week 10, Fri 2:00 pm
Friday of Week 10 |
| Quiz |
Live Online pre-tutorial Quizzes
|
12% |
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025
Throughout Semester |
| Examination |
Final examination
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Assignment 1
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 23%
- Due date
Week 11, Fri 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Students are required to address a series of questions listed on Blackboard. The assignment will be available from Friday of Week 8.
Students are permitted to submit a draft for checking via Turnitin.
Submission guidelines
Please submit through TurnItIn
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension/deferral information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Blackboard Online Quiz
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Week 10, Fri 2:00 pm
Friday of Week 10
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Several questions will be randomly selected from a larger pool of questions.
Please allow an uninterrupted 30 minutes to take the quiz.
When the time runs out the quiz will automatically be saved and submitted as is. The quiz will be available for 2 weeks only, from week 8. Extensions will need to be applied for at least one week in advance.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
An extension is not available for this quiz due to the answers being discussed in the next available tutorial. However, successful applications for an extension in extenuating circumstances may be offered an alternative assessment. If there are extenuating circumstances why you were unable to complete your quiz then please email smp.student@uq.edu.au. You will need to do this within 5 calendar days of your quiz and include evidence (e.g., medical certificate).
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension/deferral information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Live Online pre-tutorial Quizzes
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 12%
- Due date
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025
Throughout Semester
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Pre-tuorial quizzes based on modules. Students will receive immediate feedback on their answers. Students will have opportunity to reflect and discuss their answers will be discussed in tutorials.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Students will receive immediate feedback on their answers. Students will have opportunity to reflect and discuss their answers will be discussed in tutorials.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Final examination
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
The final exam will be an in-person, paper-based exam. UQ Examinations will contact students directly to confirm arrangements, the student will either sit the exam at the St Lucia campus (lives within 200km radius of the campus) or will be directed to nominate an exam centre by a certain date.
Please ensure you update your semester address in Si-net at the start of the semester.
One reminder will be sent and students who fail to nominate an exam centre and will be automatically assigned to the St Lucia campus. Late nominations will not be accepted.
A list of examination centres is listed here, but note that Exam centre availability is subject to change at short notice.
Students enrolled internally, please refer to the course profile for Internal students for in-person examination arrangements.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension/deferral information relating to this assessment item.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates very limited knowledge of the clinical molecular imaging modalities and their applications. Shows very limited understanding of the basic concepts of the course. This includes attempts at answering some questions but demonstrates limited understanding of the key concepts. 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates limited understanding of the clinical molecular imaging modalities and their applications. Demonstrates limited knowledge of the techniques to solve problems. This includes attempts at expressing their deductions and explanations and attempts to answer a few questions accurately. 20% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates superficial understanding of the clinical molecular imaging modalities and their applications. Shows inappropriate knowledge of the rationale for using clinical molecular imaging modalities for different clinical cases. Demonstrates lack of clarity in communicating information relating to the field of clinical molecular imaging. 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates an understanding of the characteristics of clinical molecular imaging modalities and their possible applications. Demonstrates a knowledge of the rationale ﾠfor using appropriate clinical molecular imaging modalities applied to different clinical cases. 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates a good understanding of the characteristics of clinical molecular imaging modalities and their possible applications, and can assess with some directions whether a specific clinical molecular imaging modality is to be used in specific clinical cases. 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of clinical molecular imaging modalities and their possible applications, and can assess with limited directions whether a specific clinical molecular imaging modality is to be used in specific clinical cases. 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the characteristics of clinical molecular imaging modalities and their possible applications, and can independently assess with whether a specific clinical molecular imaging modality is to be used in specific clinical cases. 85% |
Additional course grading information
Students are required to achieve a mark of 45% in the final exam, and an overall mark of 50% to pass the course.
ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment in this course will be a 2-hour examination similar in style to the end-of-semester examination. To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Assignments:
- Plagiarism in assignments, or recycling of previously submitted work, will result in an academic penalty that could include a mark of zero for that assignment
Final Examination:
- In order to pass this course, students must receive at least 45% of the available marks on the final examination and 50% overall in the course.
Artificial Intelligence
Assessment tasks in this course evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
- Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
- If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
- If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
- If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
- For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum date applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for details. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
- Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
- If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
- There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.
Applications to defer an exam
In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.
Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
- There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
- Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
- All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
- You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
- If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request. ﾠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Good Friday Public Holiday |
Not scheduled |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
ANZAC Day |
Not scheduled |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Labour Day Public Holiday |
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
General contact hours |
Module 1 : Introduction Study the material and answer the pre-tutorial quiz Learning outcomes: L01 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 3 |
General contact hours |
Module 2 : Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging Study the material and answer the pre-tutorial quiz Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 6 |
General contact hours |
Module 3: Optical Imaging Study the material and answer the pre-tutorial quiz Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 8 |
General contact hours |
Module 4: Computed Tomography Study the material and answer the pre-tutorial quiz Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
Not Timetabled |
Mid-Semester break Mid-semester break |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 11 |
General contact hours |
Module 5: Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine Study the material and answer the pre-tutorial quiz Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
General contact hours |
Module 6: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study the material and answer the pre-tutorial quiz Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
General contact hours |
Module 7: Revision and Exam preparation Revision and Exam preparation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.