CSN025 Principles of Medical Ultrasound

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2021, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

The field of medical ultrasound is scientifically based in an environment that is rapidly changing and undergoing considerable technological advancement. An understanding of the physical processes of ultrasound, the equipment design features and the interactions of sound in human tissue are essential for professionals working in this field. This unit is offered as a foundation unit early in the program to ensure you have a fundamental understanding of the physical principles of ultrasound; the knowledge gained can then be applied to other units offered in the ultrasound courses.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the physical principles of diagnostic ultrasound.
2. Explain the components and performance of diagnostic ultrasound equipment.
3. Interpret, in detail, the principles of ultrasound B-mode and M-mode, as well as the principles of Doppler ultrasound and the application of CW, PW and colour Doppler in medical ultrasound.
4. Understand the causes of, and apply specialised problem solving skills to minimise sources of artefacts on an ultrasound image.

Content

Learning Approaches

The unit is delivered online via QUT's Blackboard website. It combines a series of online lectures and practical exercises for self-paced learning. An optional introductory lecture is provided during the on campus lecture block at the beginning of the semester, this lecture is available via the lecture recording platform (ECHO360) and is published on the blackboard unit site. Real world examples within the unit content combined with authentic problem based exercises support your learning and will develop your knowledge of ultrasound principles which can be apply to your day to day practice. Each learning module is supported by themed blackboard discussions to encourage you to develop a deeper understanding of the material.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

A structured approach to formative and summative assessment and marking will be applied to provide you with detailed feedback on your progress. You will be provided with feedback on each assessment item as you progress through the unit. Feedback at the completion of each problem solving exercise will be provided during semester to gauge your progress.

Assessment

Overview

For the purpose of professional accreditation, you must achieve a satisfactory result (50% or above) in each area of assessment in order to be awarded a grade of 4, or better in this unit.

Your ability to meet the various learning milestones embedded in this unit is critical to successful completion of this unit while ensuring that learning outcomes and aims have been met. The summative assessment items in this unit are designed to measure specific aspects of learning critical to success in the field of diagnostic ultrasound.

Formative assessment is via example quiz style questions embedded into each learning module as well as interaction with classmates and teaching staff via the unit discussion board.

Summative assessment will comprise of a series of problem solving exercises throughout the semester, and the end of semesters examination.

Threshold assessment conditions
In this unit, for you to be eligible to receive a passing grade, threshold assessment conditions apply. If you do not achieve the pass level for an 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.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Problem Solving Exercises

(Formative and Summative) - A series of problem-solving exercises presented as self-paced modules on the Blackboard site.

Threshold Assessment:

Threshold conditions apply to this item. 

Assessment: Examination

(Summative) - Examination combining MCQ, short answers and essay type questions.

Threshold Assessment:

Threshold conditions apply to this item. 

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

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.