CSN027 Ultrasonic Examination 2
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: | CSN027 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | CSN025 and CSN037 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,468 |
| International unit fee | $5,040 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Online
| Unit code: | CSN027 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | CSN025 and CSN037 |
Overview
Specialised knowledge of the diagnostic potential of medical ultrasound imaging is essential for the operator to perform effective examinations. This unit introduces you to more advanced ultrasound examinations that are encountered in clinical practice. This includes the ultrasound techniques used to examine the breast, neck and peripheral organs and the associated ultrasonic appearance of normal and abnormal anatomy and pathology. It also describes the basic ultrasound techniques used to examine the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. These topics are offered in the first semester of the second year of the course so that you have had time to understand the fundamentals of Medical Ultrasound which are outlined in the subjects CSN037 Foundations of Ultrasound Imaging and CSN025 Principles of Medical Ultrasound.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology to the ultrasound examinations of a range of specialty areas outlined in the unit.
- Explore the effectiveness of various scan techniques used in small parts and obstetric ultrasound imaging.
- Interpret and critically examine a range of standard measurements performed during these examinations and apply them to the real world environment.
- Critically interpret evidence-based findings, draw conclusions, and communicate using appropriate digital capabilities and media.
- 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:
Small Part Topics
- Breast
- Neck (Salivary Glands and Parathyroid)
- Miscellaneous specialist scan techniques of the abdomen, chest and pelvis.
Obstetric Ultrasound Topics
- Normal foetal cardiac assessment
- Third trimester growth and wellbeing
- Multiple gestation
Learning Approaches
The unit will provide you with a range of ways to engage synchronously and asynchronously in online and face to face learning environments. Content, learning activities and assessment are intentionally designed in response to your diverse learning needs and preferences.
The unit is designed predominately for self-paced learning. Online lectures and interactive tutorials are included in each learning module to introduce the major concepts. Additional information will be provided in the QUT Readings, links to relevant internet sites and other electronic resources. You will have the opportunity to engage in online discussions about real-world case examples aimed to develop your deeper understanding of the material. Through engaging with the robust content material, peer-to-peer learning activities and the completion of authentic assessment items, you will continue to build your professional identity as a sonographer.
Learning support is provided during the on-campus block via a workshop provided by the student support group. This workshop provides support for students to conduct an effective literature review, this is recorded and can be reviewed throughout the semester. The on campus block also enables students to engage and learn directly from industry partners which builds their professional skills and profile, and provides networking opportunities which can be used to leverage future employment opportunities.
The QUT library also provides academic support and training to students throughout the semester via drop-in sessions.
Building on the knowledge gained in CSN037, this unit develops the application of GenAI, and you are encouraged to use GenAI tools to support the design and refinement of a digital poster. This includes generating visual ideas, drafting written content, and improving clarity and coherence of communication. In doing so, you will be taught to develop skills in evaluating and validating AI-generated content and integrating it with discipline-specific knowledge.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
A structured approach to summative assessment and marking will be applied to provide you with detailed feedback on your progress. You will be provided with summative feedback on each assessment item as you progress through the unit. Formative assessment feedback is provided via each assessment items marking rubric or model answer script. Feedback is also provided via interaction with your peers and teaching staff via the unit discussion board.
Assessment
Overview
The first assessment requires you to conduct a literature review on a topic that relates directly to topics taught within this unit. You will present your findings as an ePoster. The final examination will assess your whole-of-unit learning experiences and will be conducted in the central examination period.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: ePoster
Taking on the role of the diagnostic sonographer, you will develop an instructional ePoster for your department to educate staff on a particular scan technique, sonographic appearance or pathology related to topics covered in this unit. You will communicate your proposed solutions including an explanation of the interactions of ultrasound within the human body and how these can be adapted to optimise image quality and diagnostic accuracy. Your responses should be written for diverse healthcare teams and may include references to how your proposed approaches reflect evidence-based best practice. The digital design will be evaluated on its effectiveness to communicate to a broad diverse audience using visual design and UDL techniques (for example readability, accessibility) to maximise the impact of your ePoster.
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 (written)
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: Examination (written) - Critically analyse complex sonographic appearances to resolve clinical challenges informed by evidenced based practice.
Relates to: ePoster - 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: ePoster, Examination (written) - Practice as a collaborative, reflective and resilient clinical leader committed to sustainable healthcare delivery within ethical, legal and professional frameworks.
Relates to: ePoster