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Anatomy and pathophysiology of the axial skeleton and abdominal cavity

Code: DRAD106

Credits: 22.5

Semester: Semester 2

This module is the second of the anatomy/pathophysiology modules in the Diagnostic Radiography programme.

On successful completion the student will have developed their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology of the axial skeleton (skull, spine and rib cage) and the organs of the abdominal cavity. This awareness will be gained through the use of both projection radiography (x-rays) and cross-sectional images in relation to normal radiographic anatomy and common pathologies of the axial skeleton and abdominal cavity.

The module will be delivered primarily via ‘Team Based Learning’ (TBL). This involves downloading PowerPoint presentations in advance, from the university virtual learning environment (VLE) and studying them prior to attendance. Each presentation will be related to one of the topics within the syllabus.  Students will be assigned into a small team of peers that they will work with during the whole of the module. During the timetabled sessions, teams are given a series of ‘true/false’ (T/F) and ‘multiple choice’ questions (MCQ), related to the material studied prior to the session. Initially students will answer these questions independently. Following this they will work within their group, discussing individual answers, and arriving at a definitive list of answers agreed within the group. This interaction with the material will engage students more fully in the module. The answers will then be revealed which may promote discussion around areas where there is lack of understanding, providing students with formative feedback on their answers.  

Each of the TBL sessions are supplemented with image viewing tutorials. These tutorials allow the student to see anatomical detail in context and appreciate its significance in identifying normal from abnormal in terms of anatomy and pathology. Teaching sessions in the  Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC) contribute to this module and enable the student to visualise the anatomical body parts, giving a clearer understanding of the detail.  

The module will be assessed via an electronic written examination which has a series of questions, to assess knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology. This will include answering questions on a range of radiographic images displayed on a PC via the virtual learning environment (VLE).

The content of this module (DRAD106) follows on from the first anatomy/pathophysiology modules (DRAD 100), which is taught in semester 1. These modules provide support for the second year anatomy/pathophysiology module (DRAD203), as well as the clinical modules within the programme.