The University of Sydney. Faculty of Health Sciences. School of Medical Radiation Sciences Dr Sarah Lewis

The University of Sydney Faculty of Health Sciences School of Medical Radiation Sciences Dr Sarah Lewis DETAILED COURSE PROPOSAL FOR THE MASTER OF DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY, MASTER OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE, MASTER OF RADIATION THERAPY MASTER OF DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY (HONOURS), MASTER OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE (HONOURS), MASTER OF RADIATION THERAPY (HONOURS) NOVEMBER 2005 1

1. Name of the Award course Master of Diagnostic Radiography Master of Nuclear Medicine Master of Radiation Therapy Master of Diagnostic Radiography (Honours) Master of Nuclear Medicine (Honours) Master of Radiation Therapy (Honours) 2. Abbreviated Name MDR MNM MRT MDR (Hons) MNM (Hons) MRT (Hons) 3. Date of Introduction 2007, Semester 1 4. Purpose of the Proposal To introduce new graduate entry courses, the Master of Diagnostic Radiography pass and honours, Master of Nuclear Medicine pass and honours and Master of Radiation Therapy pass and honours, all proposed by the School of Medical Radiation Sciences. The courses do not replace the current Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Sciences). 5. Justification The proposed courses will enable graduates to gain entry to the three main professions in the medical radiation sciences. The courses will facilitate attainment of professional competencies in a cohort of graduate students with relevant knowledge and pre-existing skills in areas such as independent learning. The courses will include academic content and diverse clinical experiences required for accreditation of the courses and recognition of graduates as eligible for provisional membership to the Australian Institute of Radiography (AIR) (the Diagnostic Radiography and Radiation Therapy professions) and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine (ANZSNM) (Nuclear Medicine profession). The MDR, MNM and MRT plus their honours options seek to prepare graduates for professional practice as a medical radiation sciences practitioner.. As these programs all lead to eligibility to practice there are similarities between the 3 programs and the undergraduate entry level course, in that students in all courses will be expected to achieve prescribed professional competencies through practical and theoretical skill acquisition. However, the pace of work in the MDR, MNM and MRT (plus honours options) is reflective of post-graduate expectations as is the level and complexity of the issues dealt with in the degree, including research project design. The School currently offers an undergraduate professional entry degree in all three profession (pass and honours). The proposed MDR, MNM and MRT offers students who already hold a relevant undergraduate degree, an alternative to the Bachelor s entry path into the professions. 2

The School of MRS, through the University of Sydney, wishes to be the first school in Australia offering graduate entry Masters programs into all three professions of the medical radiation sciences. Currently, there is no graduate entry degree for Diagnostic Radiography, Nuclear Medicine or Radiation Therapy in NSW. Curtin University (WA) presently has 2 students enrolled into the first year of graduate entry intake into the Master of Medical Imaging Science degree. Monash University has 38 students enrolled into the second year of graduate entry intake into the Masters of Radiation Therapy. This is a program that is delivered fully in distance education mode with students located (and in fact employed in practices) throughout Australia. This is not a model that the School of MRS wishes to emulate, due to poor opportunities for employment of students and the difficulty of ensuring consistent teaching and compliance with university procedures that would entail. The proposed Master s programs do not replace the current Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Science) Diagnostic Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy. The number of undergraduate students will need to be reduced by negotiation as clinical placements both in NSW and interstate are at a premium and almost all clinical centres are currently being utilised. The introduction of the graduate entry masters degrees satisfies the College of Health Sciences Strategic plan 2004-2008 in that they will: Provide diversity and range to the choices of postgraduate study. In 2007, the University of Sydney will become the only university in Australia offering graduate entry into all three professional fields of the Medical Radiation Sciences. The MDR, MNM and MRT will add strength to the current offerings within both the Faculty of Health Sciences and the wider University of Sydney. Additionally the Masters programs will offer students greater flexibility through providing an alternate pathway to the MRS professions (Goal 2 Excellence in Teaching and Learning) The Masters programs will build upon newly constructed inter-professional learning units of study within the School of MRS as well as a range of postgraduate units of study that are currently on offer at the Faculty of Health Sciences. Examples of current units include Body Function for Health Professionals (BIOS 5053), Evidence Based Health Care (HIMT 5067), Function and Dysfunction of Body Systems (BIOS 5051), Patient/Practitioner Communication (MRTY 5056) and Introduction to Epidemiology (HIMT 5027) - page 323-32 of the Faculty Handbook provides further details. This will ensure an integrated education and efficient usage of resources (Goal 2 Excellence in Teaching and Learning). 6. Consultation and External References a. Faculty Standing Committee Faculty Standing Committee approved in principle these degrees in June 2005. b. External Advisory Committee The School has an external advisory committee consisting of members of the medical radiation sciences professions in diverse contexts including the public and private sectors, as well as representatives from related professions such as Radiation Oncology and Sonography. Prior to commencing the detailed course proposal for our Graduate Entry level programs, the School consulted with the full External 3

Advisory Committee on 17 November 2004. On 5 October 2005, the External Advisory Committee viewed the detailed proposal to introduce a Masters professional entry degree in Diagnostic Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy and gave comments and directions. There were no major objections to the proposed courses. A copy of the minutes can be found in Appendix 4. c. Australian Institute of Radiography and Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine The School has notified the AIR and ANZSNM of its intention to offer graduate entry Masters degrees in Diagnostic Radiography and Radiation Therapy (AIR related) and Nuclear Medicine (ANZSNM related). A meeting was held on the 26 September 2005 which representatives from the AIR and ANZSNM attended to be briefed on the structure of the courses and to participate in discussions. Suggestions made by the professional body representatives were incorporated into the course proposals. The AIR and ANZSNM have asked to be regularly updated with developments to these proposed courses and a copy of AIR and ANZSNM accreditation guidelines have been received by the School. A copy of the minutes can be found in Appendix 5. d. Student Representative Committee A meeting of student representatives was held on the 6 October 2005 in order to seek input into the structure of the new courses. All students enrolled in any of the three years of the combined School of MRS undergraduate degrees were also invited to attend. Students raised a number of issues related to employment competition and clinical placements. However, the general consensus was that it was a positive move and one that would raise the profile of the professions. A copy of the minutes can be found in Appendix 6. e. Library The Health Sciences Library has reviewed the proposal and has certified that existing Library holdings, staffing, services and accommodation are, or will be, adequate to cover the demands of the new courses. The library impact statement can be viewed as Appendix 1. f. Documentation Documentation on the course structure and outlines of each unit of study are included in Appendix 3. g. CDAM A CDAM was held on the 11 October 2005, hosted by the School of MRS. The minutes can be viewed as Appendix 7. All matters of concern have been addressed and there were no major objections to the proposed degrees. 7. Course Structure The course structure for all three Master s degrees including their Honours pathways can be viewed in Appendix 3 (Handbook entry). The purpose of the proposed course is to enable students to gain entry into the Medical Radiation Sciences profession through specialised education taught at a Master s level. The MDR, MNM and MRT aim to prepare graduates to the level of a competent 4

beginner practitioner using an alternative pathway to the Bachelor s entry. This will be achieved through the acquisition of professional competencies via the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The proposed courses will satisfy all requirements of graduate students to be eligible for membership of the AIR and ANZSNM. Students completing the Master s degree in their respective specialities will be eligible for a provisional statement of accreditation from the Australian Institute of Radiography (AIR) or the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine (ANZSNM). The academic rationale for these Masters programs is structured around inquiry based teaching and learning and will make use of a large amount of self-directed learning. Students will learn and be taught through a blend of research-led teaching, self-directed learning and problem based learning. With a focus on inter-professional learning, students will use case problems to critically analyse and solve clinical questions relating to imaging and treatment whilst appreciating their role as a medical radiation science practitioner in the context of a wider health care team. Students will use the academic and generic skills they have acquired during their first degree to work at a pace and complexity reflective of post-graduate education. The three MRS professions of Diagnostic Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Radiation Therapy are completely independent with different professional accreditations. However, they have many common elements related to patient care and communication, anatomy, physiology, pathology and radiation physics. There are also inter-relationships between the professions, as Diagnostic Radiography and Nuclear Medicine Technology provide complementary imaging modalities, and both professions produce images that are frequently used in Radiation Therapy. These commonalities provide an ideal context for inter-professional learning. Thus a large amount of learning will be based on patient cases related to body systems. Students will learn the common aspects described above together, and will then move into their professional groups for the specialised theory and applications. The course will be offered at a postgraduate level and consists of four semesters full time study leading to the award of the degree, Master of Diagnostic Radiography, Master of Nuclear Medicine or Master of Radiation Therapy. The proposed general structure of the course is 2 years, full time with four semesters of 4 x 6 credit point subjects including theoretical and clinical units of study. The degree will be offered at the pass or honours level. The honours curriculum will enable students to meet application criteria for APA and UPA scholarships. At this stage, the School of MRS will focus on offering full time studies, however, part time may be considered at a later stage if demand is created. The proposed general structure of the course is 2 years, full time with four semesters of 4 x 6 credit point subjects including theoretical and clinical units of study. The course will be taught using a variety of teaching techniques such as Inquiry Based Teaching and Learning (IBTL), Self-Directed Learning (SDL), Problem Based Learning (PBL) and Evidence Based Practice (EBP). Assessment practices will include assignments, written examinations and practical examinations. Material will be delivered flexibly making use of WebCT and School Intranet with extensive use of software specific to the professional areas. This software already exists within the School. 5

7.1 Honours Program To be eligible to enter the Honours program, students must have achieved a Weighted Average Mark of at least 70% in their first semester of study. The Master of Diagnostic Radiography Honours, Master of Nuclear Medicine Honours and Master of Radiation Therapy Honours programs will be structured around 18 credit points of research studies including BACH5268 Developing a Research Project, Honours Dissertation A (MRSCXXXX) and Honours Dissertation B (MRSXXXX). Students who meet the Honours requirement will begin their research studies in Year 1 semester 2. Students will undertake BACH5268 concurrently with Honours Dissertation A where extended learning with an appointed supervisor into a specific project will occur. Consultation with Unit of Study coordinator Dr Kate O Loughlin regarding the suitability of this combination was held on the 4 November 2005 with a favourable outcome. Students will undertake Honours Dissertation B in Year 2 semester 1 where data collection, analysis and discussion will conclude the research project. The Honours Dissertation will follow the University policy regarding length of written output, that it should not exceed 20,000 words [http://www.usyd.edu.au/ab/policies/guidelines_terms.pdf]. Honours grades will be determined by the performance of students in the Honours Dissertation as well as related units of study and follow faculty guidelines on assessment of coursework Masters Honours [http://www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/policies/acdocs/mhonsmkngmatrix.pdf] 7.2 Admission Requirements The School of Medical Radiation Sciences endorses the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree, from the University of Sydney, as a suitable preparatory course for its graduate entry programs and we would consider this to be our primary source of applicants. However, criteria will be set which allow for the application and acceptance of other students on a case by case basis. The most suitable students would have a degree in another health science field, or a science degree. Students with degrees in the humanities would also be considered subject to their demonstration of a high level of motivation and willingness to update in certain academic areas. Eligibility of students to enrol will be via individual review. For all students, a credit average must be achieved in their undergraduate degree. For students with an undergraduate degree with decreased relevance but who clearly show aptitude, the school will strongly suggest enrolment in suitable courses that will allow a better stage of preparation. Examples include Summer School programs and bridging courses. Additionally, students who have a previous degree that either has a very low relevance or do not have a credit average may enrol in the undergraduate course and complete the first year of study to increase their relevance or grades and hence chances of successful application into the Master s program. However, there will be no advanced standing given in the Master s program for undergraduate subjects. An elective unit of study at a postgraduate level is also built into the first year of the Master s programs (pass) to allow students to undertake studies in areas for which they feel more formal education is warranted. These electives have been chosen as being appropriate to enhance student s learning in the basic sciences at a postgraduate level. Students wishing to articulate into the Honours program must select the UoS BACH 5268 Developing a Research Project instead of choosing an elective. The School of MRS has articulated the following broad learning outcomes and provided linkage to the skills, attributes and knowledge that a graduate of the three new courses 6

can be expected to achieve. The policy Generic Attributes of Graduates has been used as a reference. School of MRS Broad Learning Outcomes Demonstrate competency in their field as a member of a multi-disciplinary team Demonstrate analytical and critical reasoning skills Demonstrate the skills to be a self-directed learner Demonstrate an ability to engage in evidence based practice Demonstrate excellent communication skills Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and professional behaviour in clinical practice and research Demonstrate innovation. University of Sydney 5 Clusters of Abilities http://www.usyd.edu.au/ab/policies/generic_attributes_gra ds.pdf 1. Research and Inquiry Graduates of the University will be able to create new knowledge and understanding through the process of research and inquiry. This might be understood in terms of the following: be able to identify, define and analyse problems and identify or create processes to solve them be able to exercise critical judgement and critical thinking in creating new understanding be creative and imaginative thinkers have an informed respect for the principles, methods, standards, values and boundaries of their discipline and the capacity to question these be able to critically evaluate existing understandings and recognise the limitations of their own knowledge. 2. Information Literacy Graduates of the University will be able to use information effectively in a range of contexts. This might be understood as: recognise the extent of information needed locate needed information efficiently and effectively evaluate information and its sources use information in critical thinking and problem solving contexts to construct knowledge understand economic, legal, social and cultural issues in the use of information use contemporary media and technology to access and manage information. School of MRS Broad learning Outcomes matching Generic Attributes Demonstrate analytical and critical reasoning skills Demonstrate an ability to engage in evidence based practice Demonstrate the skills to be a selfdirected learner Demonstrate an ability to engage in evidence based practice Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and professional behaviour in clinical practice and research Demonstrate innovation 7

3. Personal and Intellectual Autonomy Graduates of the University will be able to work independently and sustainably, in a way that is informed by openness, curiosity and a desire to meet new challenges. This might be understood in terms of the following: be intellectually curious and able to sustain intellectual interest be capable of rigorous and independent thinking be open to new ideas, methods and ways of thinking be able to respond effectively to unfamiliar problems in unfamiliar contexts be able to identify processes and strategies to learn and meet new challenges be independent learners who take responsibility for their own learning, and are committed to continuous reflection, selfevaluation and self-improvement have a personal vision and goals and be able to work towards these in a sustainable way. Demonstrate analytical and critical reasoning skills Demonstrate the skills to be a selfdirected learner Demonstrate an ability to engage in evidence based practice Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and professional behaviour in clinical practice and research Demonstrate innovation 4. Ethical, Social and Professional Understanding Graduates of the University will hold personal values and beliefs consistent with their role as responsible members of local, national, international and professional communities. For example: strive for truth, honesty, integrity, open-mindedness, fairness and generosity acknowledge their personal responsibility for their own value judgements and behaviour understand and accept social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities be committed to social justice and principles of sustainability have an appreciation of and respect for diversity hold a perspective that acknowledges local, national and international concerns work with, manage, and lead others in ways that value their diversity and equality and that facilitate their contribution to the organisation and the wider community. Demonstrate competency in their field as a member of a multidisciplinary team Demonstrate the skills to be a selfdirected learner Demonstrate excellent communication skills Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and professional behaviour in clinical practice and research 8

5. Communication Graduates of the University will recognise and value communication as a tool for negotiating and creating new understanding, interacting with others, and furthering their own learning. use oral, written, and visual communication to further their own learning make effective use of oral, written and visual means to critique, negotiate, create and communicate understanding use communication as a tool for interacting and relating to others It is envisaged that these abilities will be interpreted differently in different faculties. The University's graduate attributes are ultimately developed through students' engagement with the teaching and learning experiences of their disciplinary courses, and their participation in University life. However the development of these abilities can be supported by foundation skills programs and presumes basic competencies. Demonstrate competency in their field as a member of a multidisciplinary team Demonstrate analytical and critical reasoning skills Demonstrate excellent communication skills Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and professional behaviour in clinical practice and research 8. Proposed teaching/delivery methods Research-led teaching will be emphasised in the learning and teaching strategies of the three Masters programs. These strategies will focus on inquiry-based learning and teaching such as problem-based learning, self-directed learning and evidence based practice. Inter-professional learning will be emphasised through critical analysis of problems or scenarios which involve components of both imaging and treatment and hence involve all three professions, Diagnostic Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Radiation Therapy. Inter-professional learning will also occur when students from the three disciplines complete common units of study such as patient care and communication, anatomy, physiology, pathology and radiation physics. Students will learn the common aspects described above together, and will then move into their professional groups for the specialised theory and applications. Students will use the academic and generic skills they have acquired during their first degree to work at a pace and complexity reflective of post-graduate education. Materials will be delivered via flexible design using WebCT and the School Intranet with extensive use of software specific to the professional areas. This software currently exists in the school. 9. Assessment Procedures The basis for the assessment of the professional aspects of the Diagnostic Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy programs is the competencies required for accreditation by the professional bodies. This assessment framework is therefore fundamental to the assessment procedures in the new curriculum. The strengths and limitations of a competency framework for assessment are, however, recognised and assessment will be complemented by procedures that will determine students 9

achievements in the generic knowledge, attitudes and skills expected by the University from a postgraduate student. Assessment procedures will include a range of assignments including portfolios, scenarios, essays, oral presentations, case reports, multiple choice and practical examinations. A level of performance commensurable with postgraduate studies will be expected in terms of depth and breadth of knowledge and analytical capacity. The Honours dissertation component of the course is similar in structure to the other offerings by the Faculty of Health Sciences and will be consistent with the Faculty guidelines on the format and assessment of Master s Coursework Honours Dissertations [http://www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/policies/acdocs/mhonsmkngmatrix.pdf] and [http://www.usyd.edu.au/ab/policies/guidelines_terms.pdf] 10. Overall Student Workload The student workload will be in line with expectations of the current policy of the Faculty of Health Sciences [http://www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/policies/acdocs/workload.htm]. Each Unit of Study will consist of 6 credit points and each semester has a total of 24 credit points as a full time load. This format is the recommended structure of the Faculty and is large enough to allow for appropriate formative assessment whilst acknowledging the workload of the student. In terms of defining credit points and workload expectation, one credit point is defined as 26 hours of average student effort, including both contact and non-contact hours across the semester. On a weekly basis, one credit point is equivalent to two hours of student workload. A student workload template is currently being developed by the Faculty of Health Sciences Learning and Teaching Committee and will be incorporated into the unit of study outline for each of the Units in the three degrees. This template indicates to students the expected time to be spent on each assessment task and facilitates consistency of student workload between units of study and courses. This template is introduced from 2006 onwards. The goal of the template is to place into practice Recommendation 3 of the FHS Student Workload Policy, whereby staff ensure that teaching and learning activities are consistent with the policy and provide guidance for students. 11. 11. Attributes of Graduates The teaching and learning objectives are specified in section 7 and they demonstrate alignment with the University s policy Generic Attributes for Graduates. The school has a template for all unit of study outlines which requires coordinators of the UOS to specify which generic attributes are included in each unit and how the generic skills will be addressed. In addition, the proposed courses have the mission of preparing graduates who: - are capable of entering Diagnostic Radiography, Nuclear Medicine or Radiation Therapy professional practice as competent beginning practitioners - have the skills to continue their professional learning to ensure their continuing development of competence and ability to deliver best practice in their professional services throughout their careers - are able to contribute to the growth and development of the medical radiation sciences professions through scholarly activities - have the potential to become leaders in their field. 10

12. Marketing and Recruitment Non-recent school leaver (NRSL) applications for the undergraduate courses always attract a large number of students who hold a previous first degree. Many students apply for all three undergraduate courses offered by the School of MRS. Anecdotally, many students with a previous degree also contact our postgraduate coursework administrator applying for the Master of Health Science program believing that they may obtain a right of professional practice and accreditation. These numbers are in the range of 20 inquiries per year. The table below lists the 2005 details. Student Numbers Students enrolled in 2005 NRSL who applied with degree NRSL with degree offered/accepted % of NRSL with degree in 2005 Diagnostic Radiography SH105 Nuclear Medicine SH106 144 39 70 73 38 50 18 2 5 12% 5% 7% Radiation Therapy SH107 Table 2: Students with a previous degree as non-recent school leaver applicant Once the course has been approved by Academic Board it will be marketed through Courses and Careers days, Sydney Uni Live, the school web page and by members of the Diagnostic Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy professions. Of specific target will be students who have completed the foundation program, Bachelor of Health Sciences, at the University of Sydney as well as those from other relevant university fields Australia wide such as science, nursing and the humanities. More detailed advice will be sought from the Marketing and Student Recruitment Unit once Academic Board approval has been given. 13. 13. Course Administration The School of Medical Radiation Sciences is responsible for the proposed courses. The Schools of Biomedical Sciences and Behavioural and Community Health Sciences will also provide teaching input. 14. Plans for Monitoring and Evaluation The courses will be submitted to ANZSNM and AIR in their first year of offering (2007) for accreditation. The accreditation process requires us to submit documentation demonstrating how we achieve specified competencies for all students. Accreditors will visit the School to consult with staff, students and the profession. The accreditation process can take up to 1 year and is programmed to be completed prior to the graduation of our first cohort of students. At various stages of the course development and delivery, the AIR and ANZSNM will require strategic documents. The courses will be monitored using the ITL assessment instrument, the USE. Currently, the School of MRS encourages student representatives from Diagnostic Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy at all stages to attend the School Board meetings and this structure will be extended to the Masters students. These 11

meetings provide an opportunity for student representatives to bring forward student concerns. 15. Planning Support Office Places in the courses are all full fee paying and do not attract HECS load and are not part of University profile discussions. 16. Transitional Arrangements The three courses are new developments and do not amend or replace any existing courses. There are therefore no direct transitional arrangements required. For students with an undergraduate degree with decreased relevance but who clearly show aptitude, the school will strongly suggest enrolment in suitable courses that will allow a better stage of preparation. Examples include Summer School programs and bridging courses. Additionally, students who have a previous degree but either have a very low relevance or do not have a credit average may enrol in the undergraduate course and complete the first year of study to increase their relevance or grades and hence chances of successful application into the Master s program. However, there will be no advanced standing given in the Master s program for undergraduate subjects. 17. University Calendar and Proposed Resolutions The use of the prefix code MRSC for all School of MRS units of study has been included in the descriptions of the new degrees but is subject to approval of the Faculty of Health Sciences Data Audit Committee. The tables outlining the UoS can be found on pages 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 in the attached Appendices document. 18. Availability of Teaching and Support Staff The School employs staff in each of the professional areas of Medical Radiation Sciences, who are active in their areas of specialisation. Presently, the school is adequately staffed to meet the demands of the proposed courses. Recently, the School of MRS has increased its number of senior staff and this has increased the research output of the school. These new staff members will have teaching commitments to ensure a research-led approach to the curriculum. 19. Availability of Teaching Space and other Relevant Facilities No additional requirements are necessary. The specialised and generic teaching rooms to accommodate these students are already available. 20. Timetabling Arrangements It is anticipated that academic units of study will be held during standard teaching university weeks 1-16. There will be a need for clinical units of study to be held during non university timetabled weeks. This will be largely dictated by the availability of appropriate clinical locations and student needs and in consultation with the University of Newcastle and Charles Sturt University, with whom a combined NSW MRS student clinical calendar is produced. 21. Equipment No new teaching or computer equipment is required to support this course. In terms of computer technology, students will have full access to computer facilities offered by the University of Sydney, including the on-line library resources. The library has already been consulted on these matters (see Appendix 1). Note that the proposed intake (60 students across the three professions) will be balanced by a reduction of 60 into the 12

undergraduate program, so student numbers will not increase overall. Existing equipment and library resources will therefore be adequate. 22. Fees The scheduled fees will be set following discussion with the Faculty Manager. All students who are residents of Australia will be required to pay full local fees. International students will be required to pay full international fees. The cost of the courses will be in line with other equivalent courses currently on offer through the Faculty of Health Sciences. All students would be full fee paying. The cost would be consistent with similar graduate entry Masters programs offered in the Faculty of Health Sciences ($13,000 17,000 pa). Currently international students are charged $17,000pa. In terms of alternatives/competition, Curtin University (WA) presently has 2 students enrolled into the first year of graduate entry intake into the Master of Medical Imaging Science degree and the fees are $12800 pa. Monash University has 38 students enrolled into the second year of graduate entry intake into the Master of Radiation Therapy and the fees are $15,000 per year. 23. Student Numbers The student numbers will be approximately 30 Diagnostic Radiography students and 15 each from Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy. Each year, the School of MRS receives a significant number of inquiries and successful applications from students who have already completed a degree. These students come from a variety of educational backgrounds. Many of these students have a relevant first degree (approximately 15%). In the recent 2005 intake, a number of students gained entry into the MRS undergraduate course from the Bachelor of Health Science degree. It is anticipated that there is a local and international demand for the Masters programs. 24. Dean s Delegate ssignature Associate Professor Martin Thompson Chair, Graduate Coursework Committee and Associate Dean, Graduate Coursework Faculty of Health Sciences 05/12/05 13

Appendix 1 Availability of library resources and library impact statement LIBRARY IMPACT STATEMENT Proposed Degrees: Master of Diagnostic Radiography Master of Nuclear Medicine Master of Radiation Therapy Master of Diagnostic Radiography (Honours) Master of Nuclear Medicine (Honours) Master of Radiation Therapy (Honours) I have examined the Library needs related to the proposal and certify that existing Library holdings, staffing, services and accommodation are, or will be, adequate to cover the demands that are inherent in it. Students will be supported by resources and services of the Health Sciences Library. Other collections, from the University of Sydney Library system, can also be utilised to support learning and teaching for these courses including the collections in the Medical, Burkitt-Ford and Nursing Libraries. Postgraduate students also have access to the University Library's document delivery and interlibrary loans service. This service obtains items, not held in the University Library, from other libraries on the client's behalf. Current collection, electronic databases access and support services are already in place to meet the needs of the new courses. The library has a strong collection of online and interactive resources on physical and clinical anatomy such as Anatomy TV, Visual Human and Clinical Atlas of human anatomy for students who may need additional support in this area. Items in high demand may need to be duplicated and it may be possible for this to be undertaken within the current monograph allocation, with the advice of academic staff. To ensure that sufficient resources are available it will be necessary for the Faculty to work closely with the Library to develop the collection. It is recommended that Medical Radiation Sciences and the Health Sciences Library continue to collaboratively develop an information literacy program to support the high-level research and information skills necessary for the students to successfully complete the courses. To support students studying in flexible mode faculty and library staff should collaborate on the development of online information skills learning modules within the Web CT environment We look forward to working in partnership with the staff and students to support this course and develop training and services appropriate to their needs. Libby O'Reilly Director, Health and Medical Libraries for the University Librarian 10th October 2005 14

Appendix 2 UAC guide Not applicable Appendix 3 Entry for Faculty Handbook (Postgraduate Section) The School of Medical Radiation Sciences is a leader in the provision of postgraduate education in the medical radiation sciences, with both coursework and research programs covering a wide range of medical radiation fields. There are four distinct postgraduate programs offered within the School: Graduate Entry Level Programs: Master of Diagnostic Radiography, Master of Nuclear Medicine and Master of Radiation Therapy, plus honours options for the three professional areas. Enquiries to Graduate Entry Coordinator: Dr Sarah Lewis These programs prepare entrants for practice in three professional streams diagnostic radiography, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. Postgraduate Coursework Programs in Medical Radiation Sciences Enquiries to Postgraduate MRS Coursework Coordinator: Ms Edwina Adams Postgraduate Program in Medical Sonography Enquiries to Sonography Coordinator: Ms Jane Fonda Postgraduate Research Programs Enquiries to Research Coordinator: A/Prof Steven Meikle Phone: 02 9351 9501 Fax:02 9351 9146 email: mrsinfo@fhs.usyd.edu.au Web: http://www2.fhs.usyd.edu.au/mrs Master of Diagnostic Radiography, Master of Nuclear Medicine and Master of Radiation Therapy The admission requirements for the three graduate entry Masters programs offered by the School of Medical Radiation Sciences are as below: Admission Requirements i) Bachelor s Degree in any field. ii) Students must have achieved a minimum grade point average of credit level throughout their studies and entry will be on a competitive basis. Students whose undergraduate degree is health or science related are likely to be more competitive. Transcripts and other evidence will be required to confirm applicant s academic backgrounds. For more details, please contact the School of Medical Radiation Sciences. iii) The English Language proficiency requirement is 7.0 for international students from a non- English speaking academic background. Master of Diagnostic Radiography The MDR aims to prepare graduates who hold an undergraduate degree for professional practice as a diagnostic radiographer. As this program leads to eligibility to practice, students in the course will be assisted in achieving prescribed professional competencies through practical and theoretical skill acquisition and by undertaking clinical fieldwork placements. Students visit centres which are part of both the public and private sector. During these placements they have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the career path they have chosen and its place in the modern medical environment. The pace of work in the 15

MDR is reflective of post-graduate expectations as is the level and complexity of the issues dealt with in the degree, including research project design. A Diagnostic Radiographer is a qualified health professional who utilises a range of modalities to provide images and data for the diagnosis and treatment of an injury or disease. The diagnostic radiographer has the skills and knowledge to produce medical images and critically analyse these images and data generated to determine whether they are diagnostically adequate and appropriate for radiological interpretation. In the radiology department the diagnostic radiographer will usually work with the radiologist, however, outside the department they may work with a range of medical specialists in a variety of areas. Diagnostic Radiographers are involved with many digital imaging systems, the most advanced being Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This is a very sensitive method of imaging some parts of the body and is a rapidly expanding speciality which allows the radiographer to be 'on the cutting edge' for advances in technology and associated research. Course Outline The course will be offered full time at a postgraduate level leading to the award of the degree, Master of Diagnostic Radiography. The degree will be offered at the pass or honours level. The general structure of the course is 2 years, full time with four semesters of 4 x 6 credit point subjects including theoretical and clinical units of study, as based on a 16 week teaching calendar. Clinical placements will occur both during semester times and outside normal semester times as detailed in the clinical placement calendars. Table 1: Master of Diagnostic Radiography Course Code: XXXX on campus, full time, 4 semesters Award Total 96 credit points Year 1 Semester 1 Unit Code CP MRSCXXXX Professional Practice 6 Radiography 1 MRSCXXXX Medical Radiation Science 6 1 MRSCXXXX Foundations of Health Care 6 Practice MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 1 6 Year 1 Semester 2 MRSCXXXX Professional Practice 6 Radiography 2 MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 2 6 MRSCXXXX Elective choose 1 6 MRSCXXXX Research Studies 1 6 Year 2 Semester 1 MRSCXXXX Professional Practice 6 Radiography 3 MRSCXXXX Medical Radiation Science 6 2 MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 3 6 MRSCXXXX Research Studies 2 6 Year 2 Semester 2 MRSCXXXX MRSCXXXX MRSCXXXX Professional Practice Radiography 4 Medical Radiation Science 3 Integrated Imaging and Treatment 6 6 6 16

MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 4 6 Electives may be taken from within or outside the Faculty of Health Sciences, subject to availability, prerequisites and minimum student enrolment. Students must discuss their choice of elective with their academic advisor prior to enrolment. Students may chose from the suggested pool of electives: BIOS 5053 Body Function for Health Professionals BIOS 5050 Clin Orientated Musculoskeletal Anatomy HIMT 5067 Evidence Based Health Care BIOS 5051 Function and Dysfunction of Body Systems BACH 5322 Sociology for Health Professionals HIMT 5027 Introduction to Epidemiology BACH 5146 Occupational Health MRTY 5056 Patient/Practitioner Communication BACH 5321 Psychology for Graduate Students Honours Program At the end of semester 1 year 1 and the completion of 24 credit points of study, students who meet the academic criteria may articulate into the Master s Honours program. To be eligible, students must have achieved a Weighted Average Mark of at least 70% in their first semester of study. Students will enrol in the UOS BACH5268 Developing a Research Project instead of choosing an elective as per the pass program. Honours students will complete the specific UOS Honours Dissertation A (MRSCXXXX) and Honours Dissertation B (MRSCXXXX). The Honours Dissertation will follow the University policy regarding length of written output, that it should not exceed 20,000 words [http://www.usyd.edu.au/ab/policies/guidelines_terms.pdf]. Honours grades will be determined by the performance of students in the Honours Dissertation as well as related units of study and follow university guidelines on assessment of coursework Masters Honours [http://www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/policies/acdocs/mhonsmkngmatrix.pdf] The Course Outline for the Master of Diagnostic Radiography (Honours) is presented in Table 2. Table 2: Master of Diagnostic Radiography (Honours) Course Code: XXXX on campus, full time, 4 semesters Award Total 96 credit points Year 1 Semester 1 Unit Code CP MRSCXXXX Professional Practice 6 Radiography 1 MRSCXXXX Medical Radiation Science 1 6 MRSCXXXX Foundations of Health Care 6 Practice MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 1 6 Year 1 Semester 2 MRSCXXXX Professional Practice 6 Radiography 2 MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 2 6 BACH5268 Developing a Research Project 6 MRSCXXXX Honours Dissertation A 6 Year 2 Semester 1 MRSCXXXX Professional Practice 6 Radiography 3 MRSCXXXX Medical Radiation Science 2 6 MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 3 6 17

MRSCXXXX Honours Dissertation B 6 Year 2 Semester 2 MRSCXXXX Professional Practice 6 Radiography 4 MRSCXXXX Medical Radiation Science 3 6 MRSCXXXX Integrated Imaging and 6 Treatment MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 4 6 Master of Nuclear Medicine The MNM aims to prepare graduates who hold an undergraduate degree, for professional practice as a nuclear medicine technologist. As this program leads to eligibility to practice, students in the course will be assisted in achieving prescribed professional competencies through practical and theoretical skill acquisition and by undertaking clinical fieldwork placements. Students visit centres which are part of both the public and private sector. During these placements they have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the career path they have chosen and its place in the modern medical environment. The pace of work in the MNM is reflective of post-graduate expectations as is the level and complexity of the issues dealt with in the degree, including research project design. A Nuclear Medicine Technologist works in the field of medicine that uses radionuclides in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. A Nuclear Medicine Technologist's responsibilities include the preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals to patients and the acquisition and computer analysis of diagnostic functional images using sophisticated instrumentation. Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals are prepared for administration and are used in the treatment of specific diseases. New developments in both instrumentation, for example, Positron Emission Tomography, and radiopharmaceuticals produced from a Cyclotron make this a rapidly evolving and exciting technology. Nuclear Medicine Technologists have responsibility for critically analysing images and data to determine whether they are of a high diagnostic standard; for performing quality control procedures in all aspects of their work and for ensuring that they provide a high level of patient care. Course Outline The course will be offered full time at a postgraduate level leading to the award of the degree, Master of Nuclear Medicine. The degree will be offered at the pass or honours level. The general structure of the course is 2 years, full time with four semesters of 4 x 6 credit point subjects including theoretical and clinical units of study, as based on a 16 week teaching calendar. Clinical placements will occur both during semester times and outside normal semester times as detailed in the clinical placement calendars. Table 3: Master of Nuclear Medicine Course Code: XXXX on campus, full time, 4 semesters Award Total 96 credit points Year 1 Semester 1 Unit Code CP MRSCXXXX Professional Practice Nuclear 6 Medicine 1 MRSCXXXX Medical Radiation Science 1 6 MRSCXXXX Foundations of Health Care 6 Practice MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 1 6 Year 1 Semester 2 MRSCXXXX Professional Practice Nuclear 6 Medicine 2 MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 2 6 18

MRSCXXXX Elective choose 1 6 MRSCXXXX Research Studies 1 6 Year 2 Semester 1 MRSCXXXX Professional Practice Nuclear 6 Medicine 3 MRSCXXXX Medical Radiation Science 2 6 MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 3 6 MRSCXXXX Research Studies 2 6 Year 2 Semester 2 MRSCXXXX Professional Practice Nuclear 6 Medicine 4 MRSCXXXX Medical Radiation Science 3 6 MRSCXXXX Integrated Imaging and Treatment 6 MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 4 6 Electives may be taken from within or outside the Faculty of Health Sciences, subject to availability, prerequisites and minimum student enrolment. Students must discuss their choice of elective with their academic advisor prior to enrolment. Students may chose from the suggested pool of electives: BIOS 5053 Body Function for Health Professionals BIOS 5050 Clin Orientated Musculoskeletal Anatomy HIMT 5067 Evidence Based Health Care BIOS 5051 Function and Dysfunction of Body Systems BACH 5322 Sociology for Health Professionals HIMT 5027 Introduction to Epidemiology BACH 5146 Occupational Health MRTY 5056 Patient/Practitioner Communication BACH 5321 Psychology for Graduate Students Honours Program At the end of semester 1 year 1 and the completion of 24 credit points of study, students who meet the academic criteria may articulate into the Masters Honours program. To be eligible, students must have achieved a Weighted Average Mark of at least 70% in their first semester of study. Students will enrol in the UOS BACH5268 Developing a Research Project instead of choosing an elective as per the pass program. Honours students will complete the specific UOS Honours Dissertation A (MRSCXXXX) and Honours Dissertation B (MRSCXXXX). The Honours Dissertation will follow the University policy regarding length of written output, that it should not exceed 20,000 words [http://www.usyd.edu.au/ab/policies/guidelines_terms.pdf]. Honours grades will be determined by the performance of students in the Honours Dissertation as well as related units of study and follow university guidelines on assessment of coursework Masters Honours [http://www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/policies/acdocs/mhonsmkngmatrix.pdf] Table 4: Master of Nuclear Medicine (Honours) Course Code: XXXX on campus, full time, 4 semesters Award Total 96 credit points Year 1 Semester 1 Unit Code CP MRSCXXXX Professional Practice Nuclear 6 Medicine 1 MRSCXXXX Medical Radiation Science 1 6 MRSCXXXX Foundations of Health Care 6 Practice MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 1 6 19

Year 1 Semester 2 MRSCXXXX Professional Practice Nuclear 6 Medicine 2 MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 2 6 BACH5268 Developing a Research Project 6 MRSCXXXX Honours Dissertation A 6 Year 2 Semester 1 MRSCXXXX Professional Practice Nuclear 6 Medicine 3 MRSCXXXX Medical Radiation Science 2 6 MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 3 6 MRSCXXXX Honours Dissertation B 6 Year 2 Semester 2 MRSCXXXX Professional Practice Nuclear 6 Medicine 4 MRSCXXXX Medical Radiation Science 3 6 MRSCXXXX Integrated Imaging and Treatment 6 MRSCXXXX Clinical Studies 4 6 Master of Radiation Therapy The MRT aims to prepare graduates who hold an undergraduate degree, for professional practice as a radiation therapist. As this program leads to eligibility to practice, students in the course will be assisted in achieving prescribed professional competencies through practical and theoretical skill acquisition and by undertaking clinical fieldwork placements. Students visit centres which are part of both the public and private sector. During these placements they have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the career path they have chosen and its place in the modern medical environment. The pace of work in the MRT is reflective of post-graduate expectations as is the level and complexity of the issues dealt with in the degree, including research project design. A Radiation Therapist is responsible for the accurate and precise planning, calculation and delivery of radiation to cure or relieve the symptoms of malignant disease. A Radiation Therapist is involved in the localisation of the treatment area using CT scans and treatment simulators, the design and calculation of the treatment technique using sophisticated 3 dimensional computerised planning systems, and the daily treatment of patients. They also provide emotional, social and educational support to their patients and because patients undergo treatment for several weeks, Radiation Therapists have the opportunity to develop friendly and supportive relationships with their patients. Course Outline The course will be offered full time at a postgraduate level leading to the award of the degree, Master of Radiation Therapy. The degree will be offered at the pass or honours level. The general structure of the course is 2 years, full time with four semesters of 4 x 6 credit point subjects including theoretical and clinical units of study, as based on a 16 week teaching calendar. Clinical placements will occur both during semester times and outside normal semester times as detailed in the clinical placement calendars. Table 5: Master of Radiation Therapy Course Code: XXXX on campus, full time, 4 semesters Award Total 96 credit points Year 1 Semester 1 Unit Code CP MRSCXXXX Professional Practice Rad Therapy 1 6 MRSCXXXX Medical Radiation Science 1 6 MRSCXXXX Foundations of Health Care Practice 6 20