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RDI-10016 - Module Specification
School of Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

RDI-10016 - Radiographic Axial Positioning and Image Evaluation
Coordinator: Alyssa Walker
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

The aim of this module is to enable you to understand the principles of positioning and image evaluation for a range of examinations in the axial skeleton, you will integrate these principles and be able to apply them to real world patient scenarios. The module will also introduce you to patient care, communication and safety requirements of diagnostic radiography to support safe, effective, and patient-centred care.

Aims
This module aims to develop students’ knowledge and skills in axial skeletal radiographic positioning, image acquisition, image evaluation, and identifying common pathological appearances. Students will explore factors affecting image quality, evaluate image quality, and consider appropriate corrective actions to support effective radiographic practice. The module also explores patient care, communication, safety, and IR(ME)R 2017 requirements to support patient centered care.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe how to position the patient and acquire standard radiographic images of the axial skeleton using appropriate imaging principles.: 1
Analyse the technical quality of plain radiographic images of the axial skeleton using a systematic image evaluation approach.: 1
Explain how poor radiographic technique can affect image quality and describe appropriate corrective actions for axial skeletal imaging.: 1
Identify whether radiological requests for axial skeletal imaging meet key IR(ME)R 2017 requirements, including justification, authorisation and patient identification.: 1
Describe the principles of patient care, comfort, dignity, communication and safety when undertaking axial skeletal radiographic examinations.: 1
Identify the main anatomical structures of the thorax, including the lungs, pleura, mediastinum and heart, and explain their basic physiological function in relation to chest imaging.: 1

Study hours

Active Learning hours 60hrs:
Lectures ~18 hours
Practicals ~ 22 hours
Seminars ~ 10 hours
Asynchronous work ~10 hours
Independent study 90hrs:
Preparation for tutorials/seminars ~ 58.5 hours
preparation for assessment and formative assessment attempt ~ 30 hours
1.5 hours exam

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Viva weighted 100%
In situ 25 minute VIVA
Insitu 25 minute VIVA Face to face 1:1 oral VIVA, completed on campus. Not eligible for 7 day extension. Students will be required to verbalize their reasoning. Student may be required to attend a holding room prior or after the examination. The viva examination will include but is not limited to assessing students’ understanding and application of the principles underpinning axial skeletal radiographic practice, including considerations of safe practice and patient care.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026