CSN021 Cardiac Ultrasound 1
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | CSN021 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | CSN025. CSN025 can be studied in the same teaching period as CSN021 |
| Equivalent(s): | PCN155 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,044 |
| International unit fee | $5,352 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Online
| Unit code: | CSN021 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | CSN025. CSN025 can be studied in the same teaching period as CSN021 |
Overview
Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) is a highly specialised technique for the assessment of cardiac structure and function. This unit of the course will develop your understanding of the two-dimensional, M-mode, spectral and colour Doppler components of the adult examination. Your conceptual knowledge and practical understanding of cardiac anatomy, physiology and electrocardiographic (ECG) interpretation will be enhanced with opportunity to apply these in your clinical practice.
On-campus attendance is required for two (2) days during the pre O-week period (Thursday and Friday) for the purpose of completing an OSCE assessment. The practical skills assessed in this OSCE will be explicitly demonstrated during the on-campus block and will be practiced by students during the first 3 months of training with their clinical supervisor.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe and demonstrate detailed and specialised knowledge of cardiac anatomy and cardiac physiology.
- Critically analyse and interpret the two-dimensional, M-mode, colour Doppler and spectral Doppler images and measurement techniques required during a standard cardiac examination.
- Apply advanced knowledge of statistical concepts to interpret and critically evaluate the research literature.
- Apply professional writing and communication skills to convey the results of a normal echocardiographic examination.
- Obtain and optimise 2D, colour Doppler and spectral Doppler echocardiographic images and perform fundamental measurements.
Content
The unit covers the following topic areas:
- Detailed anatomy of the adult human heart
- Physiology of the adult human heart
- The ECG: principles and rhythm interpretation
- Acoustic windows and standard imaging planes used in the cardiac ultrasound examination
- Standard two-dimensional views obtained from the parasternal, apical, subcostal and suprasternal positions, including 2D image optimisation, standard measurements and calculations performed in the adult patient as well as the limitations of this modality
- The historical role and application of M-mode ultrasound when assessing the adult human heart
- Principles of spectral and colour Doppler physics and instrumentation
- Standard spectral and colour Doppler examination, including optimisation
- Standard spectral Doppler measurements
- Sustainability of your practice through the awareness of Occupational Health and Safety practices including safe ergonomic practices and developing resiliency for working in challenging and rapidly changing health care environments
- Statistical concepts to interpret and critically evaluate the research literature
Learning Approaches
In this foundation unit you will complete both theoretical and practical requirements.
Theoretical: Self-Directed - You will have access to a range of self-directed resources and weekly lectures to provide a solid foundation of echocardiographic modalities - 2D, M-mode, colour and spectral Doppler. You will examine cardiac anatomy, cardiac physiology, artefacts and ECG interpretation. Additional self-directed resources, including online quizzes are available on the unit Canvas site enabling you to cement and assess your learning in this unit.
Practical: Supervised Clinical Experience & Case Study Portfolio submissions. The range and volume of clinical experience, under the supervision of a QUT approved Accredited Cardiac Sonographers or Echocardiologists, should reflect key competency areas of cardiac sonographers during this foundation semester. It is your responsibility to negotiate the breadth and depth of your clinical experience with your supervisor. Progress will be monitored and evaluated by the clinical supervisors, in consultation with QUT academic staff. Workplace experience, as part of a multi-disciplinary team in the clinical setting, is an important part of your learning journey. You will normally undertake supervised ultrasound training no less than 3 days per week (0.6FTE) whilst enrolled. Throughout the course, you are required to record evidence of your clinical experience and competency. Mandatory completion and submission of your Clinical Portfolio is required for satisfactory completion of the program. You are also required to submit a Case Study Portfolio to demonstrate the skills and competencies required to perform two (2) essentially normal ultrasound examinations on medically referred patients in your clinical setting. Each case study submission has a peer review component where you will give and receive feedback to two (2) of your peers. The GenAI tool, Acai (Academic AI) is used when completing this task in Feedback Fruits and includes a Feeback coach and Relection coach to provide you with AI-powered, real-time feedback to improve your feedback and reflection writing skills.
This unit is supported by an intensive block during O Week (2 days) which combines didactic lectures, tutorials, demonstrations, interactive scanning sessions and an Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) at the Gardens Point campus. You will have access to the OSCE marking criteria prior to attending the on-campus block and you will have the opportunity to work with your peers and experienced cardiac sonographers on formative learning experiences prior to the OSCE assessment.
You will explore strategies and techniques to develop your self care practices and ensure your resiliency personally and professionally. A physiotherapist will present on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders within the cardiac sonography profession and will provide you with preventative strategies. You will receive direct feedback on scan and machine optimisation to reduce individual risk at various touchpoints. In addition, a guest lecturer will discuss their experiences providing cultural safe care to diverse patients, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your own cultural backgrounds and begin to explore your own subconscious bias. These learning activities aim to ensure your longevity and sustainability providing optimal patient-centred care within the profession. There is also an online measurements tutorial website which allows you to practice your measurement techniques on real-life images in a simulated environment and receive instant feedback by viewing the expert-level measurement for that image. You will be introduced to QUT endorsed GenAI tools (CoPilot, Studiosity, Acai and Adobe Express) which have been reviewed in relation to data security, intellectual property and privacy concerns.
Academic Consultation and Peer Collaboration: QUT academic staff are available to discuss issues relating to the clinical practice requirements on an individual basis, as necessary. You will also engage with the teaching team and peers via the unit's online discussion forum and peer case study review activities. Weekly announcements via the Canvas site will keep you on track with upcoming lecture content and assessment reminders.
A course-specific, measurements tutorial website allows you to practice measurement technique on real-life images in a simulated environment and receive instant feedback by viewing the expert-level measurement for that image. You will become familiar with this program during the on-campus block.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
During the on-campus imaging workshops, you will participate in live-scanning sessions on volunteer patients. During these sessions, you will have the opportunity to receive feedback on your imaging and measurement technique from both peers and expert sonographers prior to completing the OSCE assessment task.
Throughout semester, you will have the opportunity to participate in online discussion board forums and online interactive sessions with course staff and peers. You will also engage in weekly, online quizzes which provide instant feedback on your learning. Drop-in sessions will be held to discuss real world clinical cases in context of the unit content, discuss upcoming assessment tasks and assist you in preparing for end of semester exams.
A course-specific, measurements tutorial website allows you to practice measurement technique on real-life images in a simulated environment and receive instant feedback by viewing the expert-level measurement for that image. You will become familiar with this program during the on-campus block.
Individual written and video feedback relating to case study submissions will be provided via the Canvas site for this unit. Formative feedback is provided anonymously by your peers using Feedback Fruits. The GenAI tool, Acai, will assist you in giving effective feedback by providing real-time feedback on writing skills. Feedback by experienced senior Cardiac Physiologists will be provided by a video screencast and this will allow you to see how measurements would be performed correctly, how the image control settings are manipulated and hear the commentary from the assessors on how to improve the examination. This aims to reflect real-world practice. Industry feedback is provided by clinical supervisors within the workplace. Results for all assessments will be displayed under My Grades on the Canvas site for this unit.
Assessment
Overview
You will undertake both written and clinical assessments related to the learning outcomes of this unit. This includes an OSCE designed to demonstrate your familiarity with the ultrasound machine, peer feedback, submission of a clinical case study, and a theory exam.
A previous theory exam paper is available on the Canvas site for this unit with an answer outline provided.
All assessment contributes to your grade.
Threshold assessment conditions apply in this unit for you to be eligible to receive a passing grade. You must achieve a satisfactory result (50% or above) for assessment items 2 (Case study and report) and 3 (Theory examination) in order to be awarded a grade of 4, or better, for this unit. If you do not achieve the pass level for these assessment tasks, you are able to make one resubmission of this work for the minimum pass level, only when the achieved mark/grade is within 10% (or 1 grade) of the pass level for the assessment item. You are advised to seek feedback on your submission from the unit coordinator prior to resubmission.
For the purposes of professional accreditation and demonstration of capabilities/competencies, students must achieve a satisfactory level of performance in both the theoretical and practical elements of the unit to achieve a passing grade.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: OSCE
Station based activities to complete fundamental images and measurements.
This OSCE assessment will require you to demonstrate fundamental imaging skills that you have learnt during the first three months of industry training. The marking criteria for this task will be available prior to the on-campus block. During day 1 of the on-campus block you will have an opportunity to obtain and optimise a number of fundamental imaging skills in small groups under the instruction of an experienced senior cardiac sonographer. During day 2 of the on-campus block you will complete a 20-minute OSCE examination in a one-on-one setting to demonstrate that you can obtain and optimise on-axis images and perform basic measurements.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited in this assessment.
Assessment: Case Study Portfolio
As a cardiac sonographer, you will be required to perform an ultrasound examination on medically referred patients in your clinical practice with normal findings and submit the ultrasound images from this study. You are required to critically review all images and measurements performed. This assessment includes peer feedback and reflection. You will be required to submit a selection of cardiac images, measurements and a report to two (2) of your peers and in turn you will review and provide constructive feedback on work provided by two (2) of your peers. You will then reflect on feedback you have received. The GenAI tool Acai (Academic AI) can provide AI-generated, real-time feedback to improve your feedback and reflection writing skills.
You must produce an echocardiographic report to clearly convey the findings of your case study to the reporting doctor using professional writing and communication. You will be assessed on the ultrasound images submitted, the critical analysis, the written echocardiographic report, and peer review participation. Specific requirements for this case study will be outlined on the Canvas site for this unit.
Case study -Learners are graded only on the parasternal and apical images for this assessment. This includes an evaluation of all 2D images, Colour Doppler and Spectral Doppler traces and measurements. You will not be assessed on any of the subcostal or suprasternal views. These views may be commented on only if the comments relate back to the parasternal and/or apical imaging.
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. See the relevant assessment details page for specific guidelines.
Threshold Assessment:
Threshold conditions apply. If you do not achieve the pass level for this assessment task you are able to make one resubmission of this work for the minimum pass level, only when the achieved mark/grade is within 10% (or 1 grade) of the pass level for the assessment item. You are advised to seek feedback on your submission from the unit coordinator prior to resubmission.
Assessment: Examination (theory)
An invigilated theory examination will occur during the central examination block. The examination will include a combination of multiple choice, short answer and calculations-based questions.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited in this assessment.
Threshold Assessment:
Threshold conditions apply. If you do not achieve the pass level for this assessment task you are able to make one resubmission of this work for the minimum pass level, only when the achieved mark/grade is within 10% (or 1 grade) of the pass level for the assessment item. You are advised to seek feedback on your submission from the unit coordinator prior to resubmission.
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.
Requirements to Study
Costs
Student registration with Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR): $110.00.
Travel costs associated with the on-campus, intensive block.
Resources
The QUT bookshop stocks the recommended text for this course. All ASE guidelines are free and available online.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Anderson, B. (2017). Echocardiography: The Normal Examination and Echocardiographic Measurements (3rd ed.). Brisbane: MGA Graphics. (This text is strongly recommended for all students)
Anderson, B (2014). A Sonographer's Guide to the Assessment of Heart Disease. MGA Graphics (This text is strongly recommended for all students)
Reference book(s)
Otto, C.M. (2023). Textbook of Clinical Echocardiography (7th ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier.
Other
American Society of Echocardiography Guideline and Recommendations: www.asecho.org
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.CS61 Graduate Diploma in Cardiac Ultrasound
- Apply advanced specialist knowledge of the principles and techniques of cardiac ultrasound digital imaging, anatomy and pathology.
Relates to: OSCE, Examination (theory) - Critically analyse clinical information to accurately differentiate normal cardiac anatomy and complex cardiac pathologies.
Relates to: Case Study Portfolio, Examination (theory) - Perform independent, culturally safe and patient-centred cardiac ultrasound examinations to a high level of technical proficiency and diagnostic accuracy.
Relates to: Case Study Portfolio - Communicate effectively with peers and multidisciplinary health professionals to explore the diagnostic value and limitations of cardiac ultrasound imaging.
Relates to: Case Study Portfolio - Practice as a reflective, ethical and collaborative professional committed to the sustainability of quality assured cardiac sonography practice.
Relates to: Case Study Portfolio