CSN026 Ultrasonic Examination 1
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| Unit code: | CSN026 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | CSN037 and CSN025 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,468 |
| International unit fee | $5,040 |
Unit Outline: Flexible Period - 10A 2026, Online (Start Date: 13 Jul 2026)
| Unit code: | CSN026 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | CSN037 and CSN025 |
Overview
Specialised knowledge of the diagnostic potential of medical ultrasound imaging is essential for the operator to perform effective examinations. This unit provides a detailed understanding of the fundamental ultrasound examinations of the abdomen and pelvis, as well as an introduction to vascular, musculoskeletal and small parts ultrasound. Normal morphological assessment is also addressed. It is offered in the second semester to ensure you understand these primary skills comprehensively before progressing to more advanced techniques.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology related to the specialty areas of ultrasound.
- Showcase and explain the various scan techniques applicable to imaging these areas.
- Critically analyse and interpret a range of standard measurements performed during ultrasound examinations.
- Apply specialised knowledge of the principles and techniques of medical ultrasound imaging to ensure diagnostic quality and best practice.
Content
The unit covers the following topic areas:
- Common pathologies involving the liver, kidneys, biliary tree, pancreas and spleen
- Ultrasonic appearances female pelvic pathology
- Introduction to Small Part Ultrasound (Neck and Scrotum)
- Introduction to Vascular ultrasound principles, including the scan techniques for basic aorta, DVT and carotid ultrasound
- Second trimester morphology ultrasound
Learning Approaches
The unit combines an optional intensive block of lectures, tutorials and in-class demonstrations at the start of the semester. These activities are complemented by ongoing online materials for self-paced learning. A variety of online teaching tools are used to support each learning module and to reinforce the major concepts. These are timed with themed online discussions involving real world case examples to enable you to develop a deeper understanding of the material. Real world live scanning workshops during the on campus block combined with authentic assessment items build your professional identity as a Sonographer.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Formative and summative feedback is provided throughout the semester, where work is reviewed and assessed. Structured written feedback is provided on each problem-solving task and case report to gauge your progress during the semester. Feedback is also offered via interaction with classmates and teaching staff via the unit discussion board. This unit also includes a structured peer review process for the case report assessment, allowing you to review peer submissions, provide feedback and reflect on your own learning.
Assessment
Overview
The first assessment will be an online problem-solving task involving reviewing and assessing authentic case-based ultrasound images. You will be asked to provide critical feedback on diagnostic quality, sonographic features and pathology identification. The second learning milestone requires you to submit a case report from a female pelvis examination completed in the workplace. As part of this assessment, you must critically review relevant images and measurements performed during these studies. Your final assessment will be conducted in the central examination period and will assess whole-of-unit learning experiences.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Case Report
(Formative and Summative) Taking on the role of a diagnostic sonographer, you are required to submit a structured report of a female pelvis examination that you have completed in the workplace. A draft report is submitted as part of a structured peer review process, the final version is as a summative assessment. Specific requirements for these case studies and instructions on how to use the peer review digital teaching tool Feedback Fruits will be outlined on the unit site.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. You may use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools to prepare for, generate and refine content for this assessment task. AI-generated content may be inaccurate, unreliable, or biased. It is your responsibility to critically evaluate any information you use.
You must clearly acknowledge and appropriately reference any AI-generated content following the guidance in Cite | Write (APA, Harvard, AGLC or Vancouver). You may be asked to demonstrate authorship of your assessment. Find out more on keeping good records to authenticate authorship.
Assessment: Examination
You will complete a multiple-choice and short-answer written examination during the centrally time-tabled exam period.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited in this assessment.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Curry, P., Prince M. (2020) Workbook and lab manual for sonography: introduction to normal structure and function (5th ed.). Elsevier.
Curry, P., Prince M.(2020) Sonography - Introduction to Normal Structure and Function (5th ed.). Elsevier.
Rumack, C. M., & Levine, D. (Eds.). (2023). Diagnostic ultrasound (Sixth edition.). Elsevier.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.CS60 Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound
- Apply specialist scientific and digital knowledge of the principles and techniques of medical ultrasound.
Relates to: Case Report, Examination - Critically examine ultrasound requests and clinical information to perform adaptive independent examinations to a high level of diagnostic accuracy
Relates to: Case Report - Critically analyse complex sonographic appearances to resolve clinical challenges informed by evidenced based practice.
Relates to: Case Report, Examination - Communicate complex diagnostic information effectively using oral, written and digital formats responsive to the clinical and cultural needs of diverse patients, interprofessional health teams and community.
Relates to: Case Report - Practice as a collaborative, reflective and resilient clinical leader committed to sustainable healthcare delivery within ethical, legal and professional frameworks.
Relates to: Case Report