Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mathematics & Physics School
This course will provide students with a broad understanding of the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to image the human breast.
This course will include indications and considerations, fundamental and advanced imaging techniques, post processing, critical image evaluation and the role of complementary imaging techniques.
Additionally, theory & implementation of MR imaging methods currently used to maximise image contrast between signal from flowing blood & stationary tissues, such as time-of-flight and phase contrast imaging.
Mammography and ultrasound are the most common modalities utilised by the clinician to image the human breast. Both are fast, relatively cheap and are readily available in many imaging departments.
Increasingly, more sophisticated imaging techniques such as MRI are playing valuable complimentary roles in breast imaging, contributing additional information to a variety of clinical indications.
This course is an introduction to breast MRI, and will cover:
- Anatomy and physiology of the breast
- Common indications for breast MRIﾠ
- Equipment, patient preparation and positioning technique
- Mammography and Ultrasound
- MR technique
- Post processing
- Benign and Malignant appearances on MRI
- BI-RAD system for Breast MRI
- Role of MRI in the comprehensive work up of breast disease
ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
Undergraduate qualification in radiography, biomedical engineering or medical physics (or international equivalent).
Restrictions
Enrolment restricted to Master of Magnetic Resonance program suite students.
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- Another instance of the same course
This course is offered to Internal and external students.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Mrs Nicole Atcheson
Guest lecturer
Miss Sarah Daniel
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetables will be posted on the course Blackboard.ﾠAll tutorials are recorded and posted onto Blackboard.ﾠInternal students are expected to attend tutorials.
Tutorials are held atﾠCentre for Advanced Imaging, Building 57, Level 2 Seminar Room.ﾠTutorials commence Week 1.
Internal tutorial structure - attend in person plus recorded and posted on Blackboard External tutorial structure Tutorial recordings posted on Blackboard
Aims and outcomes
On completion of this course, students will be able to recognise normal anatomy and some common pathologies, be able to tailor the examination accordingly, and to critically evaluate the final images. Students will also have an understanding of required patient for a breast MRI examination.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Translate knowledge breast anatomy and physiology into clinical practice. Identify breast structures and common pathologies on breast imaging.
LO2.
Examine the indications for Breast MRI and apply the correct imaging protocol.
LO3.
Identify the requirements and procedures to perform Breast MRI, including communication skills, scheduling, forms, preparation, and positioning.
LO4.
Appraise MRI sequences used to diagnose breast disease. Examine the post processing tools utilised in evaluating breast MRI images.
LO5.
Illustrate the role of MRI in the imaging chain utilised to diagnose breast disease.
LO6.
Assess Breast MRI findings and their clinical significance.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution | Tutorial Padlet Activities | 20% |
Submission required prior to tutorial Week 2 - Week 13 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Research Essay | 20% |
12/09/2024 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Literature Review | 30% |
17/10/2024 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final examination
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Tutorial Padlet Activities
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Submission required prior to tutorial Week 2 - Week 13
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Participate in Tutorial Padlet Activities as required throughout the semester. Activity involves short response to task set on Padlet. There are 10 activities throughout the semester, each weighted 2%.
Submission guidelines
Padlet
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Please note: this is a class assessment item and students are NOT able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal. Please contact course coordinator directly to see if alternative arrangements are available.
Research Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
12/09/2024 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L06
Task description
Research and write an essay of 2000 words (+/-10%) on topics posted on Blackboard. Wordcount does not include footnotes and bibliography. This assessment requires independent research. Students must source texts independently so as to demonstrate original research.
Submission guidelines
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. (learn.uq.edu.au).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination 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.
Literature Review
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
17/10/2024 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Topics are posted on Blackboard. A critical evaluation of the literature relating to the selected. This assessment task is designed to improve the student's writing and critical thinking skills. Select a topic, formulate a research question and perform a literature review.
Research and write a literature review of 2500 words (+/-10%). Wordcount does not include footnotes and bibliography. This assessment requires independent research. Students must source texts independently so as to demonstrate original research.
Submission guidelines
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. (learn.uq.edu.au).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination 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.
Final examination
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Type: Exam – during Exam Period (Central)
Reading time: 10 minutes
Duration: 90 minutes
Description: The examination is a non-invigilated online exam. It will be centrally timetabled. You will have 10 minutes planning time followed by 90 minutes to complete the exam. A further 15 minutes are allowed during which you must upload your exam to Blackboard. You will be advised of the date and time in which to complete the examination once the examination timetable has been determined. Note that late penalties will be strictly applied as per university policy.
Hurdle requirements
Required to achieve a minimum of 40% in final exam to pass this course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Learn.UQ |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.
In the event of a late submission, you will be required to submit evidence that you completed the assessment in the time allowed. This will also apply if there is an error in your submission (e.g. corrupt file, missing pages, poor quality scan). We strongly recommend you use a phone camera to take time-stamped photos (or a video) of every page of your paper during the time allowed (even if you submit on time).
If you submit your paper after the due time, then you should send details to SMP Exams (exams.smp@uq.edu.au) as soon as possible after the end of the time allowed. Include an explanation of why you submitted late (with any evidence of technical issues) AND time-stamped images of every page of your paper (eg screen shot from your phone showing both the image and the time at which it was taken).
If you submit your online exam after the end of your specified reading time, duration, and 15 minutes submission time, the following penalties will be applied to your final examination score for late submission:
- Less than 5 minutes – 5% penalty
- From 5 minutes to less than 15 minutes – 20% penalty
- More than 15 minutes – 100% penalty
These penalties will be applied to all online exams unless there is sufficient evidence of problems with the system and/or process that were beyond your control.
Undertaking this online exam deems your commitment to UQ’s academic integrity pledge as summarised in the following declaration:
“I certify that I have completed this examination in an honest, fair and trustworthy manner, that my submitted answers are entirely my own work, and that I have neither given nor received any unauthorised assistance on this examination”.
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: 1% Demonstrates very limited understanding of the normal anatomy and common pathologies of the breast, and of the principles of tailoring a clinical examination accordingly, and of evaluating the final images. Is aware of a few of the aspects of appropriate patient care. This includes attempts at answering some questions, but demonstrates limited understanding of the key concepts. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 30% Demonstrates limited understanding of the normal anatomy and common pathologies of the breast, and is aware of some of the principles of tailoring a clinical examination accordingly, and of evaluating the final images. Is aware of some of the aspects of appropriate patient care. This includes attempts at expressing their deductions and explanations and attempts to answer a few questions accurately. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 47% Demonstrates some understanding of the normal anatomy and common pathologies of the breast, and is aware of the principles of tailoring a clinical examination accordingly, and of evaluating the final images. Is aware of all appropriate patient care. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50% Demonstrates an understanding of the normal anatomy and common pathologies of the breast, and can tailor a clinical examination accordingly, and is aware of the principles in critically evaluating the final images. Is very aware of all appropriate patient care. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65% Demonstrates a good understanding of the normal anatomy and common pathologies of the breast, and can tailor a clinical examination accordingly, and can critically evaluate the final images. Is very aware of all appropriate patient care. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75% Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the normal anatomy and common pathologies of the breast, and can tailor a clinical examination accordingly, and is proficient in critically evaluating the final images. Is very aware of all appropriate patient care. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85% Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the normal anatomy and common pathologies of the breast, and is highly proficient in tailoring a clinical examination and in critically evaluating the final images. Is very aware of all appropriate patient care. |
Additional course grading information
- A maximum of a grade of 3 will be awarded if less than 45/100 is achieved in the final examination.
- In order to pass this course, students must receive at least 45% of the available marks for the final examination and achieve aﾠ passﾠ grade (4) or better overall.ﾠ
- Total percentage mark for the course will be rounded up to the following number when decimals have fallen passed .5. For instance a total percentage mark of 74.778 will be rounded to 75.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Supplementary assessment in this course will be a 90 minute examination similar in style to the end-of-semester examination. A passing grade is required in this examination to be granted a passing grade in the course.
Additional assessment information
Submission of Assignments
Submission of assignments by EMAIL will NOT BE ACCEPTED.
All written assignments eg. essays, reports, proposals, literature reviews etc must be submitted through Turnitin. Students will be given the opportunity to submit a draft prior to the final submission.
Turnitin submission
- Access the Assessment folder on the course Blackboard site
- Upload an electronic version through the assessment Turnitin site
- You will be sent a receipt, retain the receipt as proof of submission.
- If you don't receive a receipt then your assignment has not been submitted - please re-submit.
- Students are given the opportunity to submit a draft prior to the final submission
Artificial Intelligence
The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute 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.
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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Computer | Learn UQ (Blackboard) is central to the study program. It is an authenticated website, only accessible to authorised students and staff. It provides a schedule of study (lectures), relevant references and we addresses. It is also the portal where assignments are submitted and tutorials are uploaded. http://learn.uq.edu.au | own item needed |
| Padlet UQ | Access to tutorial activities, posted weekly, via http://padletuq.padlet.org. A link is provided on Learn UQ. | own item needed |
Recommended
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Biodigital: 3D Human | http://www.biodigital.com/ provides 3D anatomy models. |
Additional learning resources information
Students are encouraged to use the UQ Library services.
Students are also encouraged to access a number of international databases available through the library.ﾠ The name and email address of the library contact person is distributed each semester, and students are assuredﾠof her willingness to answer any queries.
UQ library provides guides that will assist with assessments. https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/services-students
ﾠ
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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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 1 Module 1, Anatomy of the breast and discussion of learning objectives and how the semester will run. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2 Continuation of Module 1 Anatomy of the breast Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3 Module 2 Discussion on common reasons for breast MRI referrals Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4 Module 2 Common indications for breast MRI referral Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 5 Module 3 Equipment, patient preparation, positioning Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 6 Module 4, Mammography and ultrasound Review the imaging chain, how does each modality fit into the evaluation of the breast Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 7 Molecular Imaging of the breast- guest lecturer Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 8 Module5, MR Scanning Technique, Sequences will be discussed. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 9 Module 6, Post Processing techniques utilised in Breast MRI Learning outcomes: L04 |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 10 Module 6 & Module 7, MRI appearances and post processing Learning outcomes: L04 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 11 Complete Module 7 and Module 8, Bi-RADS for Breast MRI Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L06 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 12 Complete Module 8. review case studies. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 13 Completion of content. Revision, Exam Preparation Learning outcomes: 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.