Get Through First FRCR: MCQs for the Physics Module PDF

Preface

To keep pace with technological advances in the workplace and evolving legislation, and as a means of examining all radiological basic science in one sitting, the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) recently expanded and updated the syllabus for the Part 1 FRCR Physics exam. From March 2009, Part 1 candidates are now examined in all areas of medical physics relevant to radiology. Most notably, the syllabus once again includes ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition, the new exam reflects the continued uptake of digital imaging systems in many departments around the world. From March 2010, a second module in Radiological Anatomy will also be examined in parallel to the Physics module. This book deals only with the Physics module.

All information relating to the exam can be found on the RCR website. The current format is of 40 stems each with 5 subheadings, giving a total of 200 questions. Answers are either ‘True' or ‘False'; there is no penalty for an incorrect answer so all questions should be attempted. As a candidate you have 2 hours in which to complete the exam. Postgraduate exams can be daunting and while structuring your individual study preparation is a personal choice there is no doubt that answering practice MCQs in parallel with traditional revision techniques will enhance your likelihood of success.

The questions in this book are arranged in a similar format to the exam and we have carefully tried to cover the entire syllabus. Our questions are designed as aids to the revision process, with each question intended to supply a learning point and each chapter to highlight the areas of knowledge required. By working through each chapter we hope you will gain confidence in your knowledge of the key topics as well as identify areas that may require further study. Full answers are given to all the questions, and while they are not intended to be complete descriptions of a subject they should form the basis of further revision. Given the complexity of the subjects covered in this book we accept there will inevitably be some debate or disagreement over our answers. We hope this will stimulate discussion around the subject and may ultimately enhance understanding. To provide additional feedback, each group of questions is assigned a difficulty level, ranging from (easiest) to most difficult).

The included mock exam should be attempted under exam conditions and is more representative of the level of difficulty likely to be encountered. Allow 2 hours for completion and score +1 for each correct answer and 0 for incorrect answers. The content of the mock exam is representative of our own experience; it should be noted, however, that the College may choose to examine candidates on any aspect of the curriculum.

The authors are all Specialty Registrars on the South East Scotland Radiology Training Scheme and have all contributed equally to the writing of this book. All were successful in passing the new FRCR Part 1 examination at their first sitting. Jerry Williams is the Head of the Radiology Physics Training Programme for South East Scotland. In addition he is the co-author of Farr's Physics for Medical Imaging. We are indebted to him for his guidance and help with the writing of this book. Special thanks also go to Nick Weir, a medical physicist based in Edinburgh, for his help with the MRI chapter.