2023-2024

Radiological Sciences (Major)

Department

 

Brian Christy, Ph.D., Program Coordinator

Degrees offered

Major

Campuses

Main Campus

The School of Arts, Sciences, and Business offers a baccalaureate degree linked with a clinical certification program in various areas of Radiological Sciences in collaboration with The Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Medical Imaging. Through studies in liberal arts, science and mathematics, students in the traditional undergraduate program and the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies broaden their professional knowledge and competence, strengthen their critical thinking and communication skills, develop their leadership potential and deepen their ethical commitments. The technical curriculum provides both theoretical training and practical hands-on clinical experience. There is a strong emphasis on clinical education with the aim of producing graduates who are leaders in health care.

Summary

Traditional Undergraduate Program and College of Adult Undergraduate Studies

The typical Radiological Sciences student fulfills the requisite mathematics and science courses as well as the General Education Requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree at Notre Dame. All courses credited toward the Major must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Students who have not completed a clinical training program must complete all non-clinical requirements through the traditional undergraduate program prior to admission to the clinical program (see the Three-year Sample Program of Study below). The student seeking certification in Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Sonography or Echocardiography must complete at least 60 college credits before starting the clinical program. Students apply to the full-time clinical program in the fall semester prior to the start of the Program. College of Adult Undergraduate Studies students must complete clinical training and be certified technologists before entering into the program. A block of credits towards the bachelor's degree is granted for the clinical program. Further credits from prior education are awarded upon evaluation of transcripts and in consultation with the student's advisor.

Driven by an aging population and advances in technology, there is a great demand for professionals in this field. Students must demonstrate academic excellence, strong interpersonal skills, and knowledge of the profession. Under the guidance of the radiological sciences program coordinator, the qualified student begins the application process for clinical studies. Students must monitor the qualifications for admission to Programs in which they are interested to ensure they have met all the requirements for clinical training. They are expected to confer regularly with the coordinator as to their readiness and preparedness for clinical study. The clinical training site determines the admissions criteria for the clinical component, in accord with the professional accrediting agencies. Students are advised that admission to the clinical component of this program is highly competitive and determined by the hospital.

On completing the academic and clinical programs, students are qualified to become licensed medical imaging technologists by passing the National Registry Exam.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission and the Maryland State Board of Higher Education approve these programs for the education of veterans.

Students in a Bachelor of Science degree program follow the general education program for a Bachelor of Arts degree, except for Fine Arts and Foreign Language, which are recommended, but not required.

The student completes one of the following full-time clinical certification programs, as shown in the table below, to obtain the degree.

Clinical Certification Programs

  • Radiography - 18 months
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology - 18 months
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography - 18 months

Currently, the Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee (JRC) on Education in Radiologic Technology; the Nuclear Medicine Technology program is accredited by the JRC on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology; and the Diagnostic Medical Sonography is accredited by the JRC on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Program of Study

Pre-Clinical Certification Requirements

Required Courses in Core (Credits)

       CHM-108 Survey of General Organic and Biochemistry (4)
       PHY-101 General Physics I*  or **PHY-111 College Physics* (8 or 3) 
       BIO-201 and BIO-202 Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II (8)
       COM-201 Interpersonal Communication* or COM-106 **Fundamentals of Oral Communication (3)
       LCL-333 Medical Terminology (3)
       MAT-107 Elementary Functions* or MAT-211 Calculus I* (3 or 4)
       MAT-215 Basic Statistics* (3)
       PHL-339 Medical Ethics* (3)
       PSY-101 Introductory Psychology* (4)
       CST-130 Introduction to Computer Applications I or CST-141 Fundamentals of Information Systems (3)
       * Course also satisfies General Education Requirement
       ** CAUS students only

Business Concentration

The purpose of the Business concentration is to meet the needs of Radiological Sciences professionals in middle-level positions who find themselves supervising staff or who have substantial information systems responsibilities beyond the level of their preparation in typical clinical certification

Core Required Courses

       BUS-202 Principles of Management (3)
       BUS-203 Principles of Marketing (3)
       BUS-416 Managing Financial Resources (3)
       ECO-212 Introduction to Microeconomics (3)
       3 Business Electives chosen in consultation with the advisor at the 300 level or higher.

Three-Year Plan

Below is a sample Program of Study for the Radiological Sciences Major in the traditional undergraduate program prior to clinical training (required for Radiography, recommended for all modalities). Students should select courses with the assistance of the program coordinator. (See course descriptions for a list of required courses and a description of course and program options.)

Fall/Winterim
Spring
First year


BIO-111 Fundamentals of Biology
4 PHL-201 200-level Philosophy 3
ENG-101 College Writing
3 MAT-215 Basic Statistics 4
PSY-101 Intro. Psychology 4 COM-106 Hum Comm in a Digital World 3
NDMU-100 Perspectives in Education 4 BUS Elective 6
Gen Ed 3 Gen Ed 3
[18 credits]
[18 credits]
Second year


CHM-108 Survey of General, Organic and Biochem 4 BIO-202 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4
BIO-201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4 MAT-107 Elementary Functions 3
PHL-339 Medical Ethics 3 Physical Education 1
BUS- 202 Principles of Management 3 BUS-416 Managing Financial Resources 3
ECO-212 Introduction to Microeconomics 3 LCL-333 Medical Terminology 3
[17 credits]

[14 credits]


 
Third year


PHY-101 General Physics I 4 Gen Ed 6
BUS-203 Principles of Marketing 3 RST-105 Intro. to Biblical Studies 3
CST-130 Intro to Computer Applic I or
CST-141 Fundamentals of Info Systems
3 BUS Elective 3

Foriegn Language Requirement (level 101)

3 Foreign Language Requirement (level 102) 3
[17 credits]
[15 credits]

 


Courses

BIO-201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Integrates the study of structure with function of the human body. As a suite of courses, BIO-201 and 202 are intended for students interested in satisfying requirements for pharmacy, nursing, and various allied health programs. The content and level of delivery of both BIO-201 and 202 are structured so that they are compatible with similar courses offered by cooperating institutions. BIO-201 includes discussion of cellular, tissue, integumentary, skeletal, muscular and neural systems. Includes laboratory study of anatomical models of humans and skeletal components, and dissection of a cat. BIO-202 includes discussion of endocrine, circulatory, immunological, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Strongly emphasizes study of physiological functions that includes monitoring of body systems with analog and digital hardware. Each course includes three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. A competency exam covering basic chemistry and biology may be administered at the first class meeting and weighed in the final grade. To begin the course sequence, the student must complete BIO-111 or the equivalent with a minimum grade of C or obtain permission of the instructor. BIO-201 with minimum grade of C is a prerequisite for BIO-202. [ 4 credits each term ]

BIO-202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Integrates the study of structure with function of the human body. As a suite of courses, BIO-201 and 202 are intended for students interested in satisfying requirements for pharmacy and various allied health programs. The content and level of delivery of both BIO-201 and 202 are structured so that they are compatible with similar courses offered by cooperating institutions. BIO-201 includes discussion of cellular, tissue, integumentary, skeletal, muscular and neural systems. Includes laboratory study of anatomical models of humans and skeletal components, and dissection of a cat. BIO-202 includes discussion of endocrine, circulatory, immunological, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Strongly emphasizes study of physiological functions that includes monitoring of body systems with analog and digital hardware. Each course includes three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. A competency exam covering basic chemistry and biology may be administered at the first class meeting and weighed in the final grade. To begin the course sequence, the student must complete BIO-111 or the equivalent with a minimum grade of C or obtain permission of the instructor. BIO-201 with minimum grade of C is a prerequisite for BIO-202. [ 4 credits each term ]

BUS-202 Principles of Management

Examines organizational, human resources, operational, and functional aspects of ethically managing activities of diverse workforces in organizational settings. Analyzes traditional managerial functions of planning, organizing,leading and controlling within the context of changing demands in orgsnizations that compete effectively in an interconnected, global environment. [ 3 credits ]

BUS-203 Principles of Marketing

Introduces the language of marketing and examines the strategic marketing process. While formulating viable marketing strategies for diverse business situations, learners will gain experience gathering and analyzing industry  and market data, as well as implementing core-marketing concepts such as market segmentation, targeting, positioning, and the marketing mix in the formulation and implementation of real-world marketing strategies. This course culminates in the development of a marketing plan for a new product, service or retail establishment. [ 3 credits ]

BUS-416 Managing Financial Resources

Provides students with an overview of the accounting and financial tools necessary for managers. Addresses the development and analysis of basic financial statements, the development of budgets (both operating and capital), and other techniques of financial analysis for management decision-making. Prerequisite: general education mathematics requirement. Business majors may not take this course; students who have taken BUS-255 may not take this course. [3 credits] 

CHM-104 Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry

Emphasizes the fundamental concepts and principles that form the basis of general/inorganic chemistry and those that are particularly pertinent to the health sciences. The following topics are covered: methods of chemistry, understanding the Periodic Table, chemical bonding and properties, chemical reactions and calculations, acids and bases, solutions, behavior of gases, and quantitative and descriptive aspects of chemistry. Use of practical applications will aid students in understanding scientific problems. Laboratory engages students in a variety of chemical experiments that enhance the understanding of lecture topics. Lab and lecture integrated. Fulfills general education requirement in natural sciences for radiological sciences. [4 credits]

CHM-106 Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Presents the basic principles of organic chemistry which include identification and reactions of the fundamental groups, system of nomenclature and stereochemistry. Students also will investigate the properties and reactions of complex organic compounds such as carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. The laboratory engages students in techniques and methods that are used by chemists to identify, synthesize and purify organic compounds. Lab and lecture integrated. Prerequisite: CHM-104. [4 credits]

CHM-110 General Chemistry I

Focuses on fundamental chemical concepts and principles with emphasis on inorganic compounds. Explores descriptive and quantitative aspects of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, solutions, basic thermodynamics, electrochemistry, equilibrium, acids and bases, and kinetics. Laboratory is coordinated with lecture and emphasizes basic techniques such as titration, spectroscopy, and quantitative and qualitative analysis, along with inorganic synthesis and calculator-based experiments. Three lectures, one discussion period and one laboratory each week. High school algebra required. Satisfies the general education requirement in natural science. [4 credits]

CHM-111 General Chemistry II

Focuses on fundamental chemical concepts and principles with emphasis on inorganic compounds. Explores descriptive and quantitative aspects of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, solutions, basic thermodynamics, electrochemistry, equilibrium, acids and bases, and kinetics. Laboratory is coordinated with lecture and emphasizes basic techniques such as titration, spectroscopy, and quantitative and qualitative analysis, along with inorganic synthesis and calculator-based experiments. Three lectures, one discussion period and one laboratory each week. High school algebra required. Prerequisites: CHM-110 with a minimum grade of C or permission of Chair. Permission of the instructor is required to enroll in CHM-111 if the prerequisite CHM-110 was not fulfilled at Notre Dame. [ 4 credits ]

CHM-210 Organic Chemistry I

Focuses on functional group classification, nomenclature, synthesis, and reactions with a strong emphasis on reaction mechanisms of organic compounds. Laboratory is coordinated with lecture material and stresses basic techniques such as distillation, recrystallization, extraction, and chromatography, along with organic synthesis using  macroscale applications.  Three lectures, one discussion and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: CHM-111 with a minimum grade of C or permission of Chair. [4 credits]

CHM-211 Organic Chemistry II

Focuses on functional group classification, nomenclature, synthesis, reactions, and spectroscopic analysis with a strong emphasis on reaction mechanisms of organic compounds. Laboratory is coordinated with lecture material and stresses basic techniques such as distillation, recrystallization, extraction, and chromatography, along with organic synthesis using  microscale applications. Laboratory also includes an introduction to organic structure determination using a variety of spectral methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Three lectures, one discussion and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisites for: CHM-210 with a minimum grade of C or permission of Chair. Permission of the instructor is required to enroll in CHM-211 if the prerequisite CHM-210 was not fulfilled at Notre Dame. [4 credits]

COM-106 Human Communication in a Digital World

Examines the role that digital technology plays in the communication process. Students will explore how changes in technology impact that ways in which people communicate, both publicly and privately. How technology integrates into and impacts human interactions will be examined. Students will learn how to use technology to create effective communication messages for various contexts, as well as discuss how context impacts the ways in which communication messages need to be created and conveyed. This course will also provide students with the skills to critically analyze communication and media messages.  Fulfills the generaleducation requirement in oral communication. [3 credits]

COM-201 Interpersonal and Team Communication

Examines concepts, principles and skills central to interpersonal communication processes. Develops understanding of verbal and nonverbal dimensions of human interaction from both experiential and competency-based approaches. Consideration given to group dynamics. Students write reflective journals and participate in a number of workshop experiences. [3 credits]

CST-130 Introduction to Computer Applications I Applications

Emphasizes problem-solving skills for all disciplines, such as creating formatted documents, using spreadsheets to analyze information quantitatively, editing image visual computer presentations to accompany reports. In addition, course examines up-to-date computer security and privacy issues. Course focuses on computer competencies for the non-major. [3 credits]

CST-141 Fundamentals of Information Systems

Introduces the characteristics and architectures of information systems and their impact on businesses. Explores elements of computer hardware, a variety of software capabilities, telecommunications infrastructure and the system development life cycle. This is the gateway course in the major. Satisfies the technological competency requirement. [3 credits]

ECO-212 Introduction to Microeconomics

Examines the manner in which prices are determined and limited resources are allocated efficiently through mastery of basic supply and demand. Considers the behavior of producers and consumers under various competitive conditions. Assesses the role of government in responding to market failures. Fulfills general education requirement in social science. [3 credits]

LCL-333 Medical Terminology

Instructs the student on the identification of the four common word elements (prefix, suffix, root word and combining vowel), in a medical word in order to understand the medical term as a whole entity. This course will facilitate the understanding of the Latin and Greek language basis of medical terminology. [3 credits] 

MAT-107 Elementary Functions

Provides preparation for study of calculus, and is also designed for pre-service elementary educators with a strong interest in mathematics. Covers polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions and their applications. Graphing calculator is used throughout the course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of two years of high school algebra. Fulfills the General Education Requirement in Mathematics. [3 credits]

MAT-211 Calculus I

Introduces functions, limits, continuity, differential calculus of polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, as well as basic integration techniques. Applications are considered throughout the course with an emphasis on the life sciences. Weekly laboratory is an integral part of the course. Graphing calculators used to explore topics covered. Fulfills the General Education Requirement in Mathematics Prerequisite: Placement in MAT 211 or successful completion of MAT-107.  [4 credits]

MAT-215 Basic Statistics

Introduces the basic ideas of statistics: descriptive statistics, central tendency variability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, multinomial experiments, contingency tables and analysis of variance. A statistical software package is used. Designed for students in a variety of fields that rely on regular statistical analysis in decision-making. Fulfills general education requirement in mathematics. Prerequisite: Placement in MAT 215 or successful completion of MAT 100 or MAT 103 is recommended. [3 credits]

PHL-339 Medical Ethics

Explores the study of moral problems in medical practice and health care delivery while providing an historical overview of the field of medical ethics. Against the background of  traditional ethical theories, students will critically explore, examine, analyze, and engage in the study of issues that arise in medical ethics. Specific attention will be given to examining the major areas of discussion and debate within the realm of medical ethics and social justice/ responsibility such as paternalism and patient autonomy, disparities in health care, and issues of life and dealth, and, through critical analysis and applied ethical theory, to the critical oral and written evaluation of case studies specific to these issues. Prerequisite: PHL-201. Fulfills general education requirements for 300/400-level course and values and general education requirements for Pursuing Meaning and Purpose. [ 3 credits ]

PHY-101 General Physics I

Examines the fundamental physical laws of nature and their use in understanding natural phenomena. Course provides a knowledge base for study in all areas of science and mathematics. Topics include kinematics, conservation of energy and momentum, dynamics of motion, Newton's laws, rotational mechanics, and waves. Special topics such as the universal law of gravity and fluids will be covered depending on time and student interest. Development of the concepts of vector algebra and calculus are provided as needed. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory weekly. Course must be taken with PHY-101L. Pre-requisites: MAT-107 or MAT-110 or MAT-211. Students intending to continue with PHY-102 should take MAT-211[4 credits]

PHY-111 College Physics

Provides a survey of the field for students with interests in the health sciences. Topics include mechanics of motion, energy, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, atomic and nuclear structure, and radioactivity. Fulfills general education requirement in natural science. CAUS only. [3 credits]

PSY-101 Introductory Psychology

Examines psychology's perspective on human behavior through many human experiences: learning and memory, perception, motivation and emotion, personality, social interaction, normal and abnormal behavior, and human development. Draws from experience and fosters application to the students' own lives. This is a foundational course, and it meets prerequisite requirements for most psychology courses. Fulfills general education requirement in social science and thinking critically and analytically. Lecture and lab. [4 credits]