400

This course is designed as a continuation of RAD 104. Course focus will be on continued knowledge development of the factors governing and influencing the production of radiographic images. Topics include technique chart formation, recorded detail and image distortion, processor quality assurance (QA) concepts, radiographic QA and quality control (QC), and digital imaging principles. Causes of poor image quality and improvement of sub-optimal images will be emphasized throughout. The technical factor competency exam will be administered at the end of the course.

This course continues to provide a clinical setting in which students continue to develop proficient clinical skills. Students will continue rotating through modalities in order to gain knowledge of other aspects of medical imaging. Terminal competency evaluations will begin during this clinical course. Students will complete any remaining procedural and general patient care competencies.

A systematic study of the phylogeny, morphology and life histories of the major phyla of invertebrates, this course includes laboratory studies on selected invertebrate phyla.

Students examine the physical and chemical processes involved in the vital functions of cells, including ultrastructure, energy transformation, biosynthesis, photosynthesis, membrane transport and neuro-muscular physiology.

Radiographic anatomy and positioning skills are presented as they relate to performing radiographic procedures of the human body. Specific areas presented include the skull, facial and nasal bones, zygomatic arches, paranasal sinuses and mandible. Emphasis will be placed on the production of quality images while minimizing radiation exposure to the patient. Laboratory exercises will demonstrate the application of theoretical principles and concepts, while reinforcing didactic lecture content. Commonly encountered pathological conditions will be examined.

This course is designed to examine the equipment routinely used in the production of diagnostic images in greater depth. Various recording media and techniques are discussed. Topics include: radiographic equipment, image intensified fluoroscopy, recording media and techniques, image noise, specialized imaging equipment, and state and federal regulations. An overview of other imaging modalities will also be presented including IR, Mammography, Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, PET, BMD, CT and Sonography.

This course examines the radiographic anatomy and positioning skills required to perform radiographic procedures of the human skull, facial bones, and paranasal sinuses. Additional areas include the spinal column and pelvic girdle.  Emphasis will be placed on the production of quality radiographs while minimizing radiation exposure to the patient.  Laboratory exercises will demonstrate the application of theoretical principles and concepts and reinforce didactic lecture content.  Commonly-encountered pathological conditions will be presented.

This course is an introduction to conservation biology emphasizing ecological relationships between populations, biological communities and local and regional ecosystems. Stressors to biological diversity (exotic species invasions, habitat modification, etc.) will be discussed along with emerging solutions varying from structural (protected areas and reserve design), lifestyle (attitudes and environmental economics), to legislation.

Laboratory course emphasizing the use emerging technology of conservation biology (Vortex software, population modeling, and other tools) and examining primary literature in this area. This course will also include field trips to see conservation biology in action (Brookfield Zoo, Midewin Tallgrass Prairie, Chicago Botanic Garden, etc.).

This course is designed for Environmental Science majors wishing some exposure to the study of inland waters: lakes, rivers and wetlands. This course will cover physical, chemical, and biological factors affecting inland waters and discuss such human-environment interactions as water pollution, acid deposition, and habitat modification (both physical and ecological).

Laboratory course focusing on physical measurement, water quality, water chemistry, and ecological interactions taking place within inland waters. Field trips to area freshwater resources are planned.

This course lecture in laboratory study of the structure of vascular plants, with an emphasis on growth, development, reproduction, systems of translocation and environmental and evolutionary relationships.

Laboratory investigations into the structure of vascular plants will provide students with practical experience in the growth and development of these organisms as well as their role in environmental and evolutionary relationships.

This course is an upper-division elective for Biology majors and prepares students for graduate school in multiple disciplines. Three credit hours of lecture material cover regional anatomy throughout the human body and focus strictly on understanding only anatomy and its application to clinical problems. Students finishing this class should have a firm understanding of anatomical terms, planes, views, etc., and a solid foundation in the study of the vessels, nerves, muscles, and bones associated with all regions of the body.

This is a one-credit hour, laboratory-based class devoted to mammalian gross anatomy dissection. Dissection techniques and suturing are also learned on a variety of organs. This lab utilizes various programs such as virtual cadavers to emphasize human anatomy and the origin, insertion, and action of muscles. This class is meant to accompany BIOL 42200 lecture material.

This course is designed to present a survey of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. The morphology, virulence, diagnosis and treatment of these organisms are considered.

This upper-division course is designed to provide students with a systematic study of the cellular and molecular components of the immune system. Topics will include the cells and organs of the immune system, generation of B-cell and T-cell responses, immune effector mechanisms, and the immune system in health and disease.

Clinical rotations continue through the areas of general radiography, mobile, surgical, and pediatric areas. During this course, students gain proficiency and gradually transition from working under direct supervision to indirect. Advanced modality and evening trauma rotations begin during this course.  

Content is designed to examine and evaluate the management of neoplastic disease using knowledge in arts and sciences, while promoting critical thinking and the basics of ethical clinical decision making. The epidemiology, etiology, detection, diagnosis, patient condition, treatment, and prognosis of neoplastic disease will be presented, discussed, and evaluated in relationship to histology, anatomical site, and patterns of spread. The radiation therapist's responsibility in the management of neoplastic disease will be examined and linked to the skills required to analyze complex issues and make informed decisions while appreciating the character of the profession.

Content is designed to review and expand concepts and theories in the radiation physics course. Detailed analysis of the structure of matter, properties of radiation, nuclear transformations, x-ray production, and interactions of ionizing radiation are emphasized. Also presented are treatment units used in external radiation therapy, measurement and quality of ionizing radiation produced, absorbed dose measurement, dose distribution, and scatter analysis.

Content is designed to focus on the evolution of quality management (QM) programs and continuing quality improvement in radiation oncology. Topics will include the need for quality assurance (QA) checks; QA of the clinical aspects and chart checks, film checks; the various types of evaluations and tests performed on simulators, megavoltage therapy equipment, and therapy planning units; the role of radiation therapists in quality management programs; legal and regulatory implications for maintaining appropriate QM guidelines as well as the role computers and information systems serve within the radiation oncology department.

This upper division course introduces students to the wide range of ethical issues prominent in the natural sciences and relevant in the modern world. As society becomes ever more technologically and scientifically advanced, science must be increasingly aware of its central role in a variety of socio-economic arenas. Paradoxically, all too often knowledge considered to be an advancement in the scientific venue has sociological implications that leave much of modern society mortified. This class looks at topics that potentially fall into these categories and addresses the role of science/scientists in our rapidly evolving environment. Topics are presented in lecture, discussion and case study format and include both ethical and scientific considerations.

Content is designed to focus on various healthcare department operational issues. CQI project development and evaluation and assessment techniques will be emphasized. Human resource issues and regulations impacting technologists will be examined. Accreditation agencies and the role of the technologist in the accreditation process will be emphasized. Billing and reimbursement issues pertinent to the radiation therapy department will be presented.

Content is designed to provide sequential development, application, analysis, integration, synthesis, and evaluation of concepts and theories in radiation therapy. Through structured sequential assignments in clinical facilities, concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development shall be discussed, examined, and evaluated. This includes supervised clinical education, which offers a sufficient and well-balanced variety of radiation treatments, examinations, and equipment. Various rotations include: three general radiation therapy treatment rooms, Simulator/CT Simulator, Nursing Department, and Physics/Dosimetry Department.

Study of film critique, technical factors, and interpretation of quality sonographic images. Review of sonographic terminology, image quality factors, scanning protocols and techniques, and normal sonographic appearances of abdominal, OB-GYN, and vascular structures. Integration of clinical history and related organ systems to aid in the interpretation of images. Discussion of abnormal sonographic images and correlation of clinical data to develop diagnostic criteria.

Presentation of sonographic appearances of pathology relating to the pelvic organs, pregnant uterus and related structures. Fetal congenital anomalies and sonographic appearances are examined. Review of female hormone and reproductive cycle. Interpretation of patient charts, relating clinical history, lab and radiology reports, and surgical procedures to pathologic processes is studied. Discussion of differentiating characteristics of various pathologies and any related organ involvement.

Skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and decision-making are developed as well as oral and written communication skills. Career skills are enhanced through the interview process, resume writing, and administrative duties including: budgeting, medical and legal considerations, and political issues affecting health care. Special emphasis is placed on research methods, medical law and ethics, and scheduling guidelines. Focus on basic measures necessary to provide quality patient care. Basic principles of record keeping and maintaining confidentiality of information are explained.

Sonographic appearances of pathology relating to abdominal organs and superficial parts are studied. Discussion of differentiating characteristics and pathologic processes of various diseases. Pathology related organ involvement is identified. Interpretation of patient charts, relating clinical history, lab and radiology reports, and surgical procedures to pathologic processes. Pediatric pathologies are discussed.

This course is designed to present fundamental concepts and principles of computed technology and its role in medical imaging. Specific topics include physics and instrumentation of CT scanning, image production, and cross-sectional anatomy of the head, neck, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. Emphasis placed on patient consideration, patient safety, and radiation protection.

Continuation of the study of the fundamental principles of diagnostic ultrasound physics and instrumentation. Study of Doppler physics, spectral and color flow principles and instrumentation, artifacts and QA, plus a review of bioeffects, safety and AIUM guidelines.

The student continues to improve scanning skills under the supervision of faculty, sonography staff and clinical instructor. Emphasis remains on abdominal, small parts, and obstetrical-gynecological sonography. The student will have an opportunity to refine skills and increase self-confidence through progressively more independent scanning. All assigned SCAN proficiencies are completed. Pass-fail grading.

Study of pediatric and neonatal structures, and peripheral vascular procedures and sonographic patterns. Normal anatomy and images and protocols will be discussed. Comparison of normal sonographic patterns with pathologic appearances, differentials, related organ involvement, and prognoses. Relevant laboratory data and clinical symptoms will be correlated with pathologies. A vascular scanning lab in included in this course.

Supervised clinical education that gives the student the opportunity to perform a variety of patient procedures on both SPECT, SPECT/CT, PET and PET/CT imaging systems for all diagnostic, therapeutic, non-imaging, in-vivo and in-vitro procedures. Clinical competencies developed in patient care, positioning techniques, analyzing images, and the selection of imaging parameters and collimators. Knowledge of integrated computer systems designed for use with clinical gamma cameras, SPECT, SPECT/CT, PET, PET/CT images. The clinical practicum is designed to promote independent critical thinking, balanced responsibility, organization and accountability in the student. Students will demonstrate competence in all procedures presented.

Emphasis on theory and techniques of clinical procedures used in nuclear medicine imaging. Areas emphasized include patient care, developing acquisition parameters, imaging techniques, radionuclide identification, energies, half-lives, and principles of radionuclides in imaging and non-imaging procedures. Students will continue to develop an increased degree of competence in their performance of the skills related to critical thinking and problem solving.

Emphasis on the evaluation of the performance of scintillation cameras by assessing camera uniformity, detector spatial linearity, and resolution checks and SPECT quality control procedures. The quality control practicum will encourage the student to maintain principles of good record keeping by maintaining the required records for checking computer parameters settings and data interface. Knowledge of the operation and performance of survey meters, dose calibrators, scintillation probes, well counters, and film processors.

The chemical, physical, and biological properties of radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnosis and therapy. Emphasis is given to the preparation, calculation, identification, administration, and disposal of radiopharmaceuticals. Performance of all radionuclide quality control and quality assurance procedures. Principles of decay and half-life, tissue localization, chemical impurities, generator systems, dose preparation, and techniques of good laboratory practices and cell labeling.

Study of abdominal, OB, and superficial parts pathologies and sonographic patterns. Comparison of normal sonographic patterns with pathologic appearances, clinical symptoms and labs, differentials, and related organ involvement. Introduction to musculoskeletal imaging, organ transplant evaluation, and the abdominal cavity and GI Tract. Discussion of obstetrical procedures including the Biophysical Profile, post-partum examination, reproductive assistance, and assessment of Intrauterine Growth Restriction parameters. A discussion of RMI is presented.

Knowledge of cell structure and function as a basis for understanding cellular and organ responses to the effects of ionizing radiation, radionuclides, and radiation oncology and protection. Understanding of units of exposure, organ dose calculation and body distribution.

In this advanced period of clinical study, the student demonstrates full competency in various exams and advances toward more independent scanning under the supervision of sonography staff, clinical instructor, and clinical coordinator. Students will accomplish clinical competency evaluations of assigned structures. Emphasis on abdominal, small parts, OB-GYN sonography and pathology identification, diagnosis, and related organ involvement. Rotations in the practice of peripheral vascular exams, pediatrics, breast imaging, interventional sonography, and other specialties within the field may be arranged. Pass-fail grading.

Pathological conditions will be discussed as they present radiographically.  Emphasis will be placed on appropriate technical factor adjustments to compensate for additive and destructive disease processes.  The goal of this course is to increase the student’s awareness of pathology and how it impacts radiographic examinations.

A review of abdomen, OB-GYN, and ultrasound physics criteria pertinent to preparing for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography national certification examinations. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills and application of pathologic criteria to the clinical setting and registry exams. Weekly tests, quizzes, mock registry exams, and classroom participation are essential components of this course. Registry applications are provided and discussed.

Focus on the study of the structure and function of human cells, tissues, organs, and systems. Clinical interpretations of organ systems with emphasis on immunology, and anatomy and physiology, which will provide a basis for understanding abnormal or pathological conditions as applied to nuclear medicine. Causes, symptoms, and treatments of disease are discussed as well as its effects on the images. In addition, the student is scheduled to observe the interpretation of images with the physician staff.

This course provides the student therapist with advanced technical aspects of radiation therapy. Discussion will include modalities of treatment and the distinctive properties of each patient setup consideration. Also provides sessions on concepts of treatment techniques and treatment planning rationale.

Students will complete any remaining clinical procedural and general patient care competencies during this clinical course. Students will be rotated through areas where competencies are still needed. The focus of this clinical course will be for students to further develop their clinical skills in preparation for an entry-level position as a radiographer upon program completion. Terminal competency evaluations will conclude during this course. Students will continue modality (observation) rotations during this course and continue operating room, CT, and Interventional Radiology rotations.

This course is designed to review materials presented throughout the curriculum. The intent of this course is to prepare students for the certification examination in radiography administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). A hybrid of on-line activities, classroom discussions, with problem-solving / self-assessment activities will be utilized.

Great Books courses will examine pieces of literature, both current and historically relevant, that have had significant impact on the way we perceive the world around us. Course content may include multi-media presentations and ancillary compositions in addition to the text being examined. Great Books in Biology will cover topics in the living world in general from the micro to the macroscopic.

Great Books courses will examine pieces of literature, both current and historically relevant, that have had significant impact on the way we perceive the world around us. Course content may include multi-media presentations and ancillary compositions in addition to the text being examined. This class will focus on the interactions between microbes and other forms of life, particularly humans.

Great Books courses will examine pieces of literature, both current and historically relevant, that have had significant impact on the way we perceive the world around us. Course content may include multi-media presentations and ancillary compositions in addition to the text being examined. This course is an exploration of ecological concepts framed within the context of contemporary ecological research. The discussion format of the course gives students a chance to reflect upon ecological research/observations within this applied setting.

Great Books courses will examine pieces of literature, both current and historically relevant, that have had significant impact on the way we perceive the world around us. Course content may include multi-media presentations and ancillary compositions in addition to the text being examined. Great Books in Genetics will examine books that address topics brought about from the advancement of the field of genetics and the potential social, legal and ethical implications.

This upper division elective is a seminar style course that will introduce the student to the basic rationale for understanding current drug therapy. Emphasis will be placed on drug classifications, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic application(s). We will examine experimental design, address model validity, and develop a deeper appreciation of the difficulties that occur in whole animal/organism studies. Students will be expected to consider the influence(s) of age, sex, health and other environmental factors that affect the efficacy of pharmaceutical agents. Ultimately, student learning will be assessed through in-class discussion, clinically based critical thinking questions, student presentations, as well as traditional tests.

Students gain practical research experience by setting up experiments, testing hypotheses, collecting data, reporting results, and forming conclusions from their analyses. Research projects can be a continuation of pre-existing research projects or student-inspired. Successful projects are expected to be presented at scientific meetings and/or submitted for publication. This course is intended for Biology majors only.

Working in association with a member of the Biology faculty, the student will write a comprehensive literature review of a topic approved by the instructor. Upon successful completion of the paper, the student will submit and present this paper for approval by the Biology faculty. All students enrolling in Senior Thesis must have successfully completed at least one Biology Journal Club. This course partially fulfills the advanced writing requirement.

Special Topics courses are offered periodically, both in the fall and spring, to upper-division students who wish to expand their knowledge on a particular subject. Such courses are often presented in a seminar format and require significant student participation. These courses are designed to encourage a greater understanding of topics covered in earlier courses so as to prepare Pre-Professional students for future challenges.

Students wishing to undertake special studies in Biology may design a topic to fit their needs. The topic must be coordinated with the biology faculty.