CSB046 Complementary Imaging Techniques


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:CSB046
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:CSB012 and LQB390
Coordinator:Cameron Moore | cameron.moore@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

Medical imaging technologists are required to utilise a number of imaging modalities to assist in the diagnosis of disease. Proper utilisation of equipment and safe sustainable practice requires an understanding of the underlying physical principles. Knowledge of the clinical applications enables an appreciation of the overall medical imaging strategies available in a patient's clinical management in line with appropriate person-centred care. Content in this unit will explore the role of the sonographer as a career pathway and interdisciplinary nature of the application of ultrasound across a range of health multiple professions. Alignment to Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA) Professional capabilities (2020) and National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards (2021).

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Define the physical principles involved in ultrasound and nuclear medicine imaging.
  2. Evaluate the clinical applications of ultrasound and nuclear medicine
  3. Identify and describe structures on a abdominal, obstetric or pelvic ultrasound.
  4. Identify and describe pathological changes which may be identified in a range of ultrasonic examinations.
  5. Define the scanning techniques used in various ultrasonic investigations.

Content

  • Physical principles of image production
  • Properties of radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals.
  • sustainable waste management in nuclear medicine 
  • Common clinical applications including PET
  • Medical Ultrasound:
    o Physical principles of image production including biological effects, quality control, and ultrasound terminology.
    o Common Clinical applications of ultrasound in the upper abdomen, gynaecology, small-parts, obstetrics, neonatal applications, musculo-skeletal system and cardio-vascular system.
    o Ultrasonic anatomy of the abdomen and pelvis.
    o Common Ultrasonic pathology appearances in the fields of the abdomen and obstetrics and gynaecology.
  • Management of consumables
  • applications of Artificial Intelligence in complementary modalities
  • Digital information management across modalities
  • MRPBA Professional Capabilities (2020) and NSQHS Standards (2021)

Learning Approaches

A range of learning and teaching strategies will be employed in this unit; a mixed delivery encompassing formal lectures, self-directed and collaborative learning. This unit requires you to engage with the Canvas learning environment regularly. Specific learning materials including suggested reading, links to relevant internet sites and other electronic resources will be located on Canvas.

The unit is presented as formal lectures supported by lecture notes and practical activities. The lectures will expand your theoretical background knowledge achieved in the introductory unit CSB012. Access to Interactive radiographic resources through scheduled sessions in the Q Block Level 3 Simulation Computing Laboratory allows additional development of understanding of image appearances.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive feedback from staff regarding the problem solving exercises and the quizzes which will be discussed in class. You will receive immediate feedback on your laboratory practical exercises from reviewing the images produced, and from discussion with your peers and supervising staff during the practical sessions.

Assessment

Overview

You will be assessed on the theoretical aspects of both modalities and also image appearances of ultrasound techniques including common pathological appearances.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Comparative Report

Acting as a training health care medical imaging professional in a multi-disciplinary health care team environment, you will evaluate the diagnostic benefits and complementary nature of ultrasound and nuclear medicine for a range of pathological conditions and present this in a comparative report to the CSB046 unit coordinator.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details page for specific guidelines.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 20
Length: 2000 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2

Assessment: Problem Solving Task

A series of problem-solving exercises presented as activities during the tutorial sessions (Formative and Summative). During the practical sessions, students will be undertaking ultrasound imaging activities and reviewing images produced. The problem-solving task encompasses the entire practical activity.

 

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details page for specific guidelines.

Weight: 20
Length: Assessments are completed on a template
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 10 and 12
Related Unit learning outcomes: 3

Assessment: Examination

Theory examination with multiple-choice and short answer questions. 

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited in this assessment.

Weight: 60
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): During central examination period
Central exam duration: 1:40 - Including 10 minute perusal
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 4, 5

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)

Hedrick, W.R., Hykes, D.L., Starchman, D.E. 2005. Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation (4th ed.). Elsevier Mosby.

 Boone, J.M., Bushberg, J.T., Leidholdt, Jr, E. M., Seibert, J.A., 2021. The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging (4th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins

Reference book(s)

Bates, J. & Davidson, N.J. 2023. Abdominal Ultrasound: How, Why and When (4th ed.), Elsevier

Rumack, C.M., & Levine, D  2024. Diagnostic Ultrasound (6th ed.). Elsevier 

Sanders, R.C. 2016. Clinical Sonography: A Practical Guide (5th ed.). Philadelphia; Wolters Kluwer 

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.

CS48 Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours)

  1. Apply advanced scientific, technical, and clinical knowledge and skills with digital literacy in ethical medical imaging practice
    Relates to: Comparative Report, Problem Solving Task, Examination
  2. Integrate critical and reflective thinking, and clinical reasoning to identify, solve, and safely manage problems for diverse patient presentations in complex clinical practice contexts
    Relates to: Comparative Report, Problem Solving Task, Examination
  3. Conduct investigative research in medical imaging that contributes to innovation and sustainability of evidence-based practice, and disseminate the outcomes
    Relates to: Comparative Report