Module: Physics of Medical Diagnostics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Physics of Medical Diagnostics
Module Code	PHY1012 (ITS: PS429)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module aims to give the student a working knowledge of the main topics of physics in diagnostic and radiation based therapies. Furthermore, the research paper assignment will promote oral presentation skills and skills in searching the literature.

Learning Outcomes

1. The student will have detailed knowledge of the fundamental physical principles underpinning the main medical diagnostic techniques: x-ray radiography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, gamma-ray PET-CT imaging and ultrasound imaging. The student will be able to write down the fundamental equations underlying these techniques and solve numerical problems based on these equations.
2. Detailed knowledge of the experimental techniques and modern technologies used to routinely carry out x-ray, PET-CT, NMR and ultrasound imaging diagnostics. The knowledge of all the essential orders of magnitude of the machine parameters (currents, voltages, power, relaxation times, exposure times, etc...) will be considered essential.
3. Critically analyze the calculations to determine if the results are reasonable for human function.
4. Source research papers on a particular topic and summarize the work presented (CA)
5. Demonstrate oral communication skills (CA)

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	4	In class tutorial assignments
Assignment Completion	15	Project work
Assignment Completion	15	Project presentation
Independent Study	75	No Description
Lecture	16	Core Lecture material
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20706	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jean-Paul Mosnier	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Project	Biomedical Physics Project 10,000 word written report and short in-class presentation.	100%	Once per semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

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Indicative Reading List

Books:

N. Barrie-Smith and A. Webb: 2010, Introduction to Medical Imaging, Physics, Engineering and Clinical Applications, Cambridge University Press,
Kane and Sternheim: 0, Physics (3rd edition), Wiley,
Marion and Hornyak: 0, General Physics with Bio-science essays (2nd edition),
Urone: 0, Physics (with health science applications),
Cutnell and Johnson: 0, Physics (4th Edition),
Sherwood: 2009, 5. Human Physiology: from cells to systems (7th edition), Brooks-Cole,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None