Radiology I

Course Director:

Thomas M. Hanson DVM, MS Professor Diagnostic Imaging, SAMS, SVM, SGU Email Address: thanson3@sgu.edu
Office Location: Cassia building, True Blue Campus, Lower floor
Office Hours: by appointment via e-mail or zoom session

Administration:

Ms Ruth Thornhill
SAMS, Cassia building, lower floor, True Blue Campus Email Address: rthornhill@sgu.edu

Lectures:  In-person lecture delivery

Labs:  Interactive positioning and anatomy sessions

Examination- One quiz delivered within My Courses/Test and quizzes Final examination will be delivered by Examsoft

The student is required to read the following text sections, which will be provided on SAMS 501 My Courses/ Resources: Thrall, D.E. Textbook of Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology, 6th Edition, Elsevier/ Saunders, 2013: Chapter 1: Radiation Protection and Physics of Diagnostic Radiology, pages 2 to 21.

Students are NOT required to acquire a textbook. However, the following is recommended:

Thrall, D.E. Textbook of Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology, 7th Edition (or newer), Elsevier/ Saunders 2018. Includes chapters on physics of radiology and normal radiographic anatomy of Canine, Feline and Equine species. This is a very good reference for more in-depth reading. It covers all the material that will be discussed in lectures and labs. Available at the library.

Additional recommended textbooks:

Ayers, Susie. Small Animal Radiographic Techniques and Positioning, Wiley& Blackwell, 2012.

Thrall, D.E. and Robertson, I.D. Atlas of Normal Radiographic Anatomy & Anatomic Variants in the Dog and Cat. 2nd edition, Elsevier, 2016.

Websites:

These are definitively worth looking at:

Radiology website with normal radiographic anatomy of main domestic species of the University of Illinois: http://vetmed.illinois.edu/courses/imaging_anatomy/index.html

London Royal Veterinary College website on normal radiographic anatomy: http://www.onlineveterinaryanatomy.net/

1. Students who need accommodations should contact Student Accessibility and Accommodations Services (SAAS), located in the Welcome Center, inside the International Students Office.
2. Information can be found at mycampus.sgu.edu/group/saas

For the lab sessions, writing material and laptop of your choice are required

The student should, at the end of the course, be able to competently recognize the normal radiographic anatomy of cats and dogs, know the basic principles of how the images are created and know the basics of image interpretation. Students should be familiar with the standard projections, how they are obtained, and the anatomy demonstrated. The course offers the theoretical and practical basis for learning and understanding radiographic anatomy of the cat and dog. The course serves as a basis for Radiology II in Term 2 and clinical radiology in terms 5 and 6.

Lectures:-The course consists of 2 lectures of basic radiology physics, image formation and radiation safety. Six lectures of basic positioning and normal radiographic anatomy. The 6 lectures cover the anatomic regions of small animals that will be discussed in the labs that follow. Lectures will cover the forelimb, hindlimb and pelvis, vertebral column, the skull, thorax and abdomen in dogs and cats. Lecture schedule, times and course study plan is detailed in the appendices. Lecture attendance is expected, attendance will be taken.

Lab Classes:- There are 7 in-person labs. Physics of radiology and radiation safety will be reviewed in the first lab, after the completion of lectures 1 and 2. Subsequent labs will include and interactive exploration of imaging of the small animal abdomen, thorax, thoracic limb, pelvic limb, vertebral column and skull. For each anatomic region, students will explore the topics of patient positioning, normal radiographic anatomy, image quality and comparative anatomy.

• In assigned groups, student will research and prepare a series of questions on the aspects of imaging as stated above
• Time will be allotted for the preparation and coordination of the questions
• Questions will be answered by the attendees of the lab section.
• Due to the length and high interactivity of the Lab sessions, these sessions are not recorded. Therefore, attendance is mandatory and attendance will be taken.
• Note that Lab completion does not incur points towards the final course grade, however, materials discussed in lab can be tested on the quiz and exam.

The course should prepare the student to be competent in:

• understanding the basic principles of x-ray formation and x-ray interaction with tissues and the environment
• understanding the basic principles of image formation
• recognizing common artifacts
• learning about consistent radiographic technique to ensure good quality diagnostic radiographs
• knowing how to label and identify radiographs
• knowing the standard radiographic projections that are used to visualize the discussed anatomical regions in cats and dogs in practice and be aware of the importance of correct and consistent positioning
• understanding basic principles and the radiological terminology of image interpretation
• recognizing normal radiological anatomy in juvenile and adult cats and dogs and recognizing specific species differences
• awareness of the health hazards of using ionizing radiation and how to minimize them

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

• explain the basic principles of how an x-ray generator works and x-rays are generated
• explain the basic principles of how a radiograph is created
• discuss image quality, radiographic technique, sources of potential artefacts and their prevention
• list and identify the standard projections used in radiography of canine and feline anatomy and how these projections are obtained
• identify the normal radiological anatomical features and anatomical variations in the young and adult dog and cat
• apply the basics of image interpretation
• employ correct radiological terminology
• state the potential radiation hazards to personnel, patient and the public when using ionizing radiation to ensure its safe use in clinical practice

Lessons include the Lectures and Laboratory Sessions and together with the Course Level Outcomes are appended as a table as part of the course schedule

Radiology Labs:

Types of assessment: There will be 1 formative quiz during the course available in My Courses; Test and Quizzes tab . The quiz will consist of MC and identification question types. A number of the questions will include images. It will account for 22% of the overall points. The final examination will be cumulative and cover course material since the quiz and will account for 78% of the overall points. The final exam will be given via ExamSoft. The final exam may contain question types other than multiple choice. Resit/ Make-up and Completion exams may include question types other than MC. Students need to be familiar with the use of the test and quizzes software in My Courses and Examsoft prior to the examinations. A ‘practice examination’ can be downloaded in ExamSoft to practice image manipulation.

A grade reduction of 5% will be applied to that exam if students do not observe the parameters listed in the Assessment Policy for Students.

Examination material will be based on all of the information provided on My Courses, in lectures and radiology labs including lecture notes, lecture and lab Powerpoint pdfs, panopto recordings, self-study questions and any additional material as indicated on My Courses. Exam-type questions will be supplied to become familiar with the type of questions to be asked. An effort is made to communicate Exam details prior to the examinations. The only time when questions can be viewed is during the exam.

In all exams, a maximum of 1 point is awarded per question answered correctly. Questions may be complex and correct answers must be given to obtain the point.

If there are queries regarding exam content after the exam, these should be submitted in writing via the class representative(s) to the course director/ instructors. The content of such queries must be worded professionally and reviewed and edited by the class representative prior to submission.

The SGU SVM grading scale applies:

Examination details: SAMS 501, Radiology I

Examination/quizzes

Grading criteria: Grading is objective. There is a maximum of one point per correct answer, i.e. the number of total points making up the final course grade is the sum of correct answers achieved in the final exam and test quiz.

Note that Lab attendance does not incur points towards the final course grade, however unexcused lab attendance may negatively influence the final course grade

Student feedback for outcomes assessment evaluation

Students are encouraged to leave constructive comments, suggestions and criticism, at the end of the course, for faculty and instructors to review and consider. Professionalism is expected.

Students should read all the material provided in lectures and labs. When studying for examinations, all the material relating to that exam that is provided on MyCourses must be reviewed. Exam contents are summarised under XIII and will be announced prior to the exam. Since Radiology is the interpretation of diagnostic images, the images supplied in the lecture and lab material are good examples of the anatomy discussed and must be recognized. Reviewing images in the listed additional sources will increase confidence in recognition of the radiographic appearance of normal anatomy. Images presented on the quiz and final exam are not necessarily the same images from lecture and lab. If the visual aspect of Radiology is a challenge, drawing the regions/ projections may be of help to be able to visualise them. Reviewing 3D Anatomy specimens or models may help with understanding the three-dimensional aspects of radiology.

Students are requested to ask for support (request office hours, make use of DES) in a timely and professional manner, i.e. prior to the exam, so support can be given and potential problems can hopefully be solved.

The student should at the end of the course be able to competently recognize the radiographic anatomy of the dog and cat including some examples/ comparisons of these species, know the basic principles of how the images are created, the standard projections for each anatomical region and the radiographic appearance of the anatomy in the various projections, know the basics of image interpretation and follow good radiographic practice (including technique and radiation safety principles). Students are expected to read the supplied documentation. Review of corresponding material from Anatomy I prior to the lectures and review of the lecture prior to radiology labs is recommended. The material is provided on My Courses. The radiology labs cover the preceding lecture material unless the timetable does not allow it, and students are expected to be familiar with the material taught in lectures, so it can be applied during the lab classes.

Students are expected to behave professionally, courteous and respectful towards their peers, staff and faculty at all times. Cell phones should be turned off or set on silent during zoom sessions and office hours. The use of computers, tablets or phones for different purposes other than for following the lecture or Lab being given (i.e. Twitter, facebook, blogs et al) is unprofessional and should not occur. Personal video and audio recording of lectures or labs are not allowed, panopto recordings are created for each lecture and uploaded on MyCourses.

Students are expected to be available during the standard 8-5am AST school day, to attend, engage with online content, and participate in all classes and clinical rotations for which they have registered. Employment is not an excusable absence. Although attendance, engagement, and participation may not be recorded at every academic activity, attendance, engagement, and participation is graded for mandatory sessions. Students’ lack of attendance, engagement, and participation may adversely affect their academic status as specified in the grading policy.

If failure to attend, engage, or participate in individual classes, examinations, and online activities, or from the University itself is anticipated, or occurs spontaneously due to illness or other extenuating circumstances, proper notification procedures must be followed.

Participation policy: Students are expected attend all lectures and labs, and completed the learning modules in the time provided

Students who fail to attend an examination or submit an assignment by the deadline without a valid reason (see student manual: SGUSVM POLICY ON AN EXCUSED ABSENCE (EA) FOR STUDENTS) will receive a score of “0” points for the examination. Students who have technical issues during the examination MUST inform the Course

Director Dr. Hanson email address Thanson3@sgu.edu and IT (tellexaminationservices@sgu.edu OR support@sgu.edu OR call 1-631-665-8500 ext. 4444 (US, NU, International) OR 1-473-439-2000 ext. 4444 (Grenada), AND Dean of Students (DOS@sgu.edu ) during the open period for the examination. Failure to do so immediately will result in the student receiving a score of “0” points for the examination.

Scheduling of examinations (regular, re-sit, completion, comprehensive, or exemption) is at the discretion of the School. Portal/ Medical Excuse Submissions/ SVM Examinations will be accepted. If you don’t think you are healthy enough to take an exam, please notify the Dean of students PRIOR to the time of the exam. Excuses that are issued after the examination has started/ been given will not be accepted. If an extended absence is required, a leave of absence form from the Dean of Students office must be submitted. University protocol limits you to 2 medical excuses per year only, and then you need a medical leave of absence. Students who fail to appear for an examination without a valid reason (see student manual: SGU SVM POLICY ON AN EXCUSED ABSENCE (EA) FOR STUDENTS) will receive a score of “0” points for the examination 

Scheduling of examinations (regular, re-sit, completion, comprehensive, or exemption) is at the discretion of the University.

All students are responsible for knowing and complying with the University’s Code of Conduct and the guidelines. Students must read and then sign the Honor Code statement at the start of examinations to indicate that they will comply with the University Code of Conduct.

Prior to Exam Day

1. Each student is required to have a laptop for the purpose of taking computer- based examinations (e-Exams) at SGU. Students must ensure that their laptops meet the current minimum system requirements prior to exam day:
2. Examinees must use their MY SGU Member Center username and password to access the Custom Home Page (www.examsoft.com/sgu) created by ExamSoft for the University.
3. Examinees are responsible for downloading and registering the latest version of Examplify on their laptop prior to exam day. Once Examplify has been successfully downloaded, examinees are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the software by downloading and taking practice exams.
4. Examinees are responsible for setting their laptop up for ExamMonitor prior to the exam (see links below).
5. Examinees will be notified via MyCourses, of all exam related information. Email notifications will also be sent from ExamSoft Support to examinees, notifying them of examinations available for downloading.
6. Examinees experiencing difficulties with their laptop are encouraged to contact the IT department for assistance prior to exam day. Examinees needing a laptop must visit the Office of Institutional Advancement (OIA) to request an exam loaner.
7. Examinees should visit the following information to familiarize themselves with the online proctored exam format and set up their baseline photo.
   1. A Examsoft/ExamID quick guide for students (Please note that the current Examplify version is 2.3.8)
   2. The examsoft student perspective video 30mins
   3. The Examsoft/ExamID FAQ
   4. Examsoft information page
   5. The general Reminders/Guidelines

On Exam Day

1. All examinees scheduled to sit a computer-based exam are required to bring their laptops and all necessary accessories, (mouse, Ethernet cable and power cord/battery charger), for use on exam day.
2. An examinee who is experiencing a computer problem should notify the course director Dr Hanson immediately:- email address Thanson3@sgu.edu AND IT (tellexaminationservices@sgu.edu OR support@sgu.edu OR call 1-631-665-8500 ext. 4444 (US, NU, International) OR 1-473-439-2000 ext. 4444 (Grenada), AND the Dean of Students (DOS@sgu.edu ) during the open period for the examination. Failure to do so immediately will result in the student receiving a score of “0” points for the examination.
3. Examinees must reset the clock on their laptops to the correct local time and time
4. No communication of any kind is permitted between examinees once the exam has started
5. Examinees are not allowed to use a telephone or other communication device at any point during the examination.
6. Examinees found violating any of the Examination Policies and Procedures including attempting to disable or tamper with the exam’s security features will be subject to academic disciplinary action.
7. Permitted Items—only the following items will be allowed into the exam venue:
   • Laptop and accessories
   • SGU ID
   • Completely clear (see-through) bottle of plain water
   • Items specified by Course Director or permitted by Dean of Students (DOS) office

If there are queries regarding exam content after the exam, these should be submitted in writing via the class representative(s) to the course director/ instructors. The content of any such query must be worded professionally and if necessary edited by the class representative prior to submission. Students are encouraged to not send questions that may be answered by reviewing the teaching material provided.

Note: For Radiology examinations students should familiarize themselves with the use of image manipulation such as magnifying images and panning (using the cursor to ‘move’ the image which is larger than the actual display) the images, which will be needed to assess images, especially when small screens are used.

The materials (such as slides, handouts and audio/video recordings) provided to students who are taking courses at St. George’s University (SGU) are the intellectual property of the Faculty and/or Administration of SGU. Students are free to use these materials solely for the purpose of group or individual study. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited.