Program Overview
The DN410 Radiography program at University College Dublin is a four-year undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Radiography. It equips students with the skills to become patient-centered, competent, and safe diagnostic imaging practitioners in various healthcare settings. The program emphasizes clinical experience through hospital placements, fostering professional competence upon graduation.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The DN410 Radiography (MDS4) program is a full-time undergraduate program offered by University College Dublin (UCD). It is a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Radiography. The program is designed to develop patient-centered, competent, and safe diagnostic imaging practitioners with a strong professional identity. Graduates will be equipped to practice as radiographers in a variety of healthcare settings.
Objectives:
The program aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Develop graduates who are patient-centered, competent, and safe diagnostic imaging practitioners.
- Foster a strong professional identity and understanding of the role of radiographers in the wider healthcare context.
- Equip graduates with well-developed autonomous learning skills and the capacity for continual professional development.
- Ensure graduate clinical excellence through dedicated hospital placements.
- Provide a supportive learning environment that fosters excellence in radiography/diagnostic imaging.
- Employ diverse and innovative approaches to teaching and assessment to ensure an optimal learning experience.
Program Description:
The program focuses on general radiographic procedures, but also provides an overview of specialized modalities such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance, positron emission tomography, radionuclide imaging, and ultrasound. Students will gain practical experience through clinical placements in state-of-the-art imaging facilities at UCD's Health Sciences Centre and in designated hospitals. The program emphasizes self-directed learning and clinical experience, culminating in professional competence upon graduation.
Outline:
Program Structure:
The program is organized into four stages:
- Stage 1: Introduces fundamental concepts of radiation science and technology, human anatomy, radiographic technique, and initial patient contact.
- Stage 2: Focuses on applying and analyzing radiographic techniques, deepening scientific knowledge, and further developing clinical skills.
- Stage 3: Emphasizes clinical competence, advanced radiographic techniques, research skills, and the study of specific pathologies.
- Stage 4: Develops competence and confidence in emerging graduates, including advanced pathology, research completion, and a large clinical placement block.
Course Schedule:
The program follows a trimester system, with modules offered in Autumn, Spring, and Year-long (12 months).
Individual Modules:
The program includes a variety of core and elective modules, covering topics such as:
- Radiation Science and Technology: Principles of ionizing radiation, radiation risks and protection, medical imaging equipment.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: Clinical human anatomy, principles of physiology, cross-sectional anatomy.
- Radiographic Technique and Practice: Practice of radiography, clinical practice of radiography, advanced radiographic techniques, paediatric radiography.
- Imaging Modalities: Computed tomography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, interventional radiology.
- Research and Professional Development: Introduction to research, radiography research project, current issues in healthcare, breast imaging, radiography and culture across Europe.
- Other: Healthcare imaging and information systems, radiology informatics, study skills and professional skills, legal medicine and professionalism, systematic pathology, professional completion.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program employs a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Practical Assessments: Clinical skills demonstrations, image interpretation, fluoroscopic examinations.
- Written Assessments: Exams, essays, research papers, reports.
- Oral Assessments: Presentations, case studies, discussions.
- Group Work: Team projects, collaborative learning activities.
Assessment Criteria:
Assessment criteria vary depending on the module and assessment method, but generally include:
- Application of Knowledge: Applying knowledge to practical situations and clinical scenarios.
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing information, evaluating evidence, and forming reasoned conclusions.
- Communication Skills: Communicating effectively in written and oral forms.
- Professionalism: Adhering to ethical and professional standards.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Didactic Lectures: Providing theoretical knowledge and foundational concepts.
- Experiential Learning: Hands-on skills labs, clinical placements, simulations.
- Active Learning: Group discussions, case studies, problem-solving exercises.
- Self-Directed Learning: Independent study, research projects, online resources.
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty members with expertise in radiography, diagnostic imaging, and related fields.
Unique Approaches:
The program incorporates unique approaches to teaching and learning, such as:
- Clinical Integration: Strong emphasis on clinical placements and practical experience.
- Research Emphasis: Encouraging students to engage in research and develop research skills.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the DN410 Radiography (MDS4) program are qualified to work as radiographers in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals: General hospitals, specialized hospitals, private clinics.
- Diagnostic Imaging Centers: Independent imaging centers, outpatient clinics.
- Research Institutions: Academic institutions, research hospitals.
- Industry: Medical device companies, pharmaceutical companies.
Opportunities:
The field of diagnostic imaging is growing rapidly, offering graduates a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates may specialize in specific areas of radiography, such as:
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Ultrasound
- Interventional Radiology
- Nuclear Medicine
Outcomes:
Graduates of the program are highly sought-after by employers and are well-prepared for successful careers in radiography. They are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes to provide high-quality patient care and contribute to the advancement of diagnostic imaging.
Other:
International Study Opportunities:
The program offers international study opportunities through the Erasmus program, allowing students to spend a three-month elective in a European partner institution.
- Health Sciences Centre (First Floor: C134)
- Belfield, Dublin 4
- Web: www.ucd.ie/healthsciences
