CSN028 Advanced Ultrasound Topics A

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Online

Overview

Specialised knowledge of the diagnostic potential of medical ultrasound imaging is essential for the operator to perform effective examinations. This unit extends and builds on the content of the units CSN026 Ultrasonic Examination 1 and CSN027 Ultrasonic Examination 2 and covers additional Vascular and Musculoskeletal topics. This unit is offered in the second year of the course in order for you to apply knowledge gained in the first year to more advanced topics.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Showcase and explain the various advanced scan techniques applicable to the imaging areas covered within this unit.
2. Apply advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology to the ultrasound examinations of a range of the speciality areas with a particular focus on vascular and musculoskeletal applications.
3. Interpret and critically examine a range of standard measurements performed during ultrasound examinations and apply them to the real world environment.
4. Apply specialised knowledge of the principles and techniques of medical ultrasound imaging to ensure diagnostic quality and best practice.

Content

Learning Approaches

The unit combines an optional intensive block of lectures, tutorials and in-class demonstrations at the start of the semester which are complemented by ongoing online materials for self-paced learning. Various online teaching tools are used to support each learning module and reinforce your understanding of the major concepts. Canvas discussions focus on real-world case examples to encourage you to develop a deeper understanding of the material. Real-world live scanning workshops during the on-campus block combined with authentic assessment items aim to build your professional identity as a sonographer. The case report portfolio uses a structured peer review process, providing you with the opportunity to review peer submissions, provide feedback and reflect on your own learning and sonographic practice.

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 QUT library also provides academic support and training to students throughout the semester via drop-in sessions.

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 receive feedback on each summative assessment item as you progress through the unit.  Formative assessment feedback is provided via a structured peer review process as part of the literature review assessment. Feedback is also provided via interaction with classmates and teaching staff via the unit discussion board.

Assessment

Overview

Summative

The first learning milestone assessment has been designed to enhance your knowledge of Doppler controls available on modern ultrasound equipment. This assessment item requires interaction with the ultrasound equipment available at your worksite. The second learning milestone requires you to submit a literature review on a topic you choose from a standard series that relates directly to topics taught within this unit. Your final learning milestone assessment will be conducted in the central examination period and will assess whole-of-unit learning experiences.

Formative

A draft written assignment of your literature review is submitted via a structured peer review process. You will provide and receive formative peer feedback before submission of a final summative assignment later in the semester.  

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Problem Solving Task

(Summative) - A problem-solving exercise requiring interaction with ultrasound equipment available at your worksite. This assessment will improve and evaluate your knowledge of Doppler controls on modern ultrasound equipment. Your final report mirrors a quality assurance activity aimed at improving Doppler measurement accuracy within the workplace. 

Assessment: Literature Review

You will submit a written literature review on topics related to this unit. A draft review is submitted as part of a structured peer review process, the final version is as a summative assessment. Specific requirements for this literature and instructions on how to complete the digitally-based peer review will be outlined on the unit site.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Examination

You will complete a multiple choice and short answer written examination conducted during the centrally time-tabled exam period. This will assess all unit lecture content.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

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.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Jacobson, J. (2017). Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (3rd Ed.). Elsevier.

Pellerito J. Polak, J.F. (ed.). (2019). Introduction to Vascular Ultrasonography (7th ed.). Elsevier

Pozniak, M.A., Allan, P.L. (2013) Clinical Doppler Ultrasound. (3rd ed.) UK: Churchill Livingstone.

Risk Assessment Statement

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

Course Learning Outcomes

CS60 Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound

1. Acquire and apply advanced specialist knowledge of the principles and techniques of medical ultrasound imaging
   Relates to: Problem Solving Task
2. Review, analyse and synthesise information to identify complex sonographic appearances
   Relates to: Examination
3. Evidence effective skills in communicating the diagnostic value of the ultrasound image to multidisciplinary health teams
   Relates to: Literature Review