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The overall purpose of the programme is to develop radiography graduates who are patient-centred, competent and safe diagnostic imaging practitioners with a strong professional identity and understanding of their role in the wider healthcare context and their contribution as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Graduates of the programme will demonstrate well-developed autonomous learning skills and the capacity for continually developing their professional knowledge and practice, in an evidence-based, research oriented and international context. As the national radiography training centre, students will gain competency to practice as radiographers whilst on clinical placement in our dedicated hospital sites, ensuring graduate clinical excellence. We aim to provide a supportive learning environment to foster and develop excellence in radiography / diagnostic imaging which is both dynamic and research-informed to match the rapidly expanding and ever-changing field that is radiography. Our learning environment ensures appropriate access to cutting edge imaging technology across the national clinical sites and diverse and innovative approaches to both teaching and assessment are employed to ensure an optimum learning experience for all students. Teaching methods include both didactic and experiential learning through clinical placement with a focus on active learning through practical hands on skills labs, while assessment strategies include practical, oral and written assessments including individual and group work to foster team work and collaboration.
In the first year of the programme, the fundamental concepts of radiation science and technology are introduced. Students begin to study human anatomy, the practice of radiographic technique and experience their first patient contact in teaching hospitals. Students must take the core modules, and can choose any other five credit modules. BSc Radiography Stage 1 Outcomes • Understand the theoretical principles underlying ionising radiation, associated radiation risks and protection measure • Understand the structure and function of a medical imaging department and their role within it; • Exposure to the clinical environment, professional behaviour patient interaction and communication within the clinical environment; • Have a knowledge and understanding of specified radiographic examinations, related anatomy, radiographic image critique and exposure to diagnostic decision making; • Develop students' learning approaches and skills to include capacity for critical thinking, self-directed learning, group-learning & teamwork, awareness of the role of reflection in professional practice; • Understand their roles and responsibilities as students within the University and clinical settings.
In the second year, students begin to apply and analyse radiographic techniques regularly, and to develop and deepen their scientific knowledge. Students undertake a third anatomy module and focus upon physiology in preparation for further content taught in Stages 3 & 4 of the programme. Clinical placements during trimester one, and following the summer exam period, afford students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge. Students must take all core modules, and choose any other two five credit modules. Bsc Radiography Stage 2 Outcomes. • Understand the theoretical principles underlying medical imaging equipment; • Knowledge and understanding of human physiology to provide a basis for subsequent medical imaging modules; • Further exposure to the clinical environment professional behaviour patient interaction and communication in the clinical department; • A furthering of knowledge of digital imaging systems and PACS; • Ongoing and increasinly advanced knowledge and understanding of specified radiographic examinations related anatomy and radiographic image critique; • Further development of diagnostic image decision making. • Knowledge and understanding of fluoroscopic examinations and introductory exposure to these modalities clinically; • Undersatnding of radiographic image appearances and further development of diagnostic image decision making.
In the third year, student deepen their knowledge of skeletal radiographic technique and then undertake a 20 credit clinical block in the Autumn trimester. A module in Computed Tomography is undertaken in the Spring trimester and Paediatric Radiography is taken in Autumn. In the Spring trimester, students study modules in ultrasound, interventional radiology, start the first research module and the study of specific pathologies commences. Students must take all core modules and select one further 5 credit module. BSc Radiography Stage 3 Outcomes • Attain clinical competence for general and mobile radiographic examinations; • Knowledge and understanding of the theoretical principles and applications for CT & US, and introductory exposure to these modalities clinically, to include competence in conducting a non-contrast CT brain examination unaided; • Reinforcement and development of the knowledge and understanding of advanced radiographic techniques; • Reinforcement of critical evaluation and image appraisal skills, to form a basis for professional diagnostic decision making; • Introduction and development of research skills resulting in the formulation of a novel research proposal; • Knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of disease processes relevant to the human body; • Kowledge and understanding of Paediatric medical imaging.
**In addition to taking their core modules, students must choose one of the Pathway options and one 15 credit Trimester module**
In the final year, the aim is to develop the competence and confidence of the emerging graduate. Study of Pathology continues to underpin a critical approach to imaging techniques and image evaluation, and students are encouraged to engage with current issues in radiography. The research process commenced in 3rd year is completed, as part of one of the optional pathways, with the submission of the thesis. The second pathway will allow students to engage in modules related to current issues in healthcare, breast imaging, and radiography in Ireland. Students undertake a large clinical placement block to optimise their technical skills prior to graduation. Students may also have the opportunity to spend 3 months studying and undertaking clinical placements in another European country or focus on cardiac interventional imaging while in UCD. BSc Radiography Stage 4 Outcomes. • Advancement of research skills leading to the completion of a research proposal developed in Stage 3 or developing their knowledge and understanding of current issues of relevance to their future professional roles; • Knowledge and understanding of clinical pathology with a systematic approach blended with advanced diagnostic imaging pathyology; • Demonstrate critical thinking in relation to competence of professional practice to facilitate the graduating student as an independent reflective practitioner; • Knowledge and understanding of the theoretical principles clinical application and imaging pthways in oncological and clinical applications for MRI & Nuclear Medicine, and introductory exposure to these modalities clinically. • Knowledge, understanding and competence in the undertaking of quality assurance, quality control and clinical audit to facilitate safe practice; • Knowledge, understanding and practical exposure of IV cannulation and administration; • Reinforcement of medico-legal principles underpinning professional practice; • Mastery of clinical skills appropriate to a new graduate; • Active participation in an Erasmus Programme focusing upon areas of advanced radiographic practice in a European prospective.
| Award | GPA | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Programme | Module Weightings | Rule Description | Description | ||
| BHRAD001 | Stage 4 - 50.00% Stage 3 - 50.00% |
Standard Honours Award | First Class Honours | 3.68 |
4.20 |
| Second Class Honours, Grade 1 | 3.08 |
3.67 |
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| Second Class Honours, Grade 2 | 2.48 |
3.07 |
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| Pass | 2.00 |
2.47 |
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