CSN026 Ultrasonic Examination 1

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Online

Overview

Specialised knowledge of the diagnostic potential of medical ultrasound imaging is essential for the operator to perform effective examinations. This unit provides a detailed understanding of the fundamental ultrasound examinations of the abdomen and pelvis, including obstetric ultrasound, and an introduction to vascular, musculoskeletal and small parts ultrasound. It is offered in the second semester to ensure you understand these primary skills comprehensively before progressing to more advanced techniques.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Apply advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology related to the specialty areas of ultrasound.
2. Showcase and explain the various scan techniques applicable to imaging these areas.
3. Critically analyse and interpret a range of standard measurements performed during ultrasound examinations.
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. These activities are complemented by ongoing online materials for self-paced learning. A variety of online teaching tools are used to support each learning module and to reinforce the major concepts. These are timed with themed online discussions involving real world case examples to enable you to develop a deeper understanding of the material. Real world live scanning workshops during the on campus block combined with authentic assessment items build your professional identity as a Sonographer.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Formative and summative feedback is provided throughout the semester, where work is reviewed and assessed. Structured written feedback is provided on the case report to gauge your progress during the semester. Feedback is also offered via interaction with classmates and teaching staff via the unit discussion board. This unit also includes a structured peer review process for the case report assessment, allowing you to review peer submissions, provide feedback and reflect on your learning. 

Assessment

Overview

The first learning milestone requires you to submit a case report from a female pelvis examination completed in the workplace. As part of this assessment, you must critically review relevant images and measurements performed during these studies. Your final assessment will be conducted in the central examination period and will assess whole-of-unit learning experiences.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Case Report

(Formative and Summative) Taking on the role of a diagnostic sonographer, you are required to submit a structured report of a female pelvis examination that you have completed in the workplace. A draft report is submitted as part of a structured peer review process, the final version is as a summative assessment. Specific requirements for these case studies and instructions on how to use the peer review digital teaching tool Feedback Fruits will be outlined on the unit site.

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

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)

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

CS60 Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound

1. Review, analyse and synthesise information to identify complex sonographic appearances
   Relates to: Examination
2. Practise within professional and ethical frameworks
   Relates to: Case Report