CSN028 Advanced Ultrasound Topics A
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: | CSN028 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | CSN026 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,216 |
| International unit fee | $4,668 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Online
| Unit code: | CSN028 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | CSN026 |
| Coordinator: | Christopher Edwards | c8.edwards@qut.edu.au |
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:
- 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.
- Showcase and explain the various advanced scan techniques applicable to the imaging areas covered within this unit in a variety of mediums.
- Interpret and critically examine a range of standard measurements performed during ultrasound examinations and apply them to the real world environment.
- Apply specialised knowledge of the principles and techniques of medical ultrasound imaging to respond to clinical problems and maintain best practice.
Content
The unit covers the following topic areas:
Vascular
- Principles of non-invasive vascular diagnosis.
- Haemodynamics.
- Doppler ultrasound principles and instrumentation.
Vascular ultrasound assessment of:
- cerebrovascular system
- abdominal vasculature
- peripheral arterial vasculature
- peripheral venous vasculature
Musculoskeletal ultrasound
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound principles
- Upper limb (Shoulder, wrist and elbow)
- Lower Limb (Hip/groin, knee, foot & ankle)
- Miscellaneous soft tissue lesions
- Interventional procedures
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 and equipment quality assurance. This assessment item requires interaction with the ultrasound equipment available at your worksite. This project simulates real-world entrepreneurial challenges, providing you with the skills to conduct future in-house equipment evaluations to improve patient service and outcomes. The second learning milestone requires you to develop an oral presentation 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.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Oral presentation
Taking on the role of the diagnostic sonographer, you will develop and record a short video presentation 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 design should be relevant 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 video.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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
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)
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
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: Problem Solving Task, Oral presentation, Examination - Critically analyse complex sonographic appearances to resolve clinical challenges informed by evidenced based practice.
Relates to: Problem Solving Task, Examination - 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: Oral presentation, Examination - Practice as a collaborative, reflective and resilient clinical leader committed to sustainable healthcare delivery within ethical, legal and professional frameworks.
Relates to: Oral presentation