CSN036 Foundations of Ultrasound Imaging
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: | CSN036 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,590 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $6,000 |
| International unit fee | $5,832 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Online
| Unit code: | CSN036 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinators: | Heather Allen | h2.allen@qut.edu.au Christopher Edwards | c8.edwards@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This foundational unit will introduce the sonographic profession, regulatory bodies and professional standards, and equips practitioners with basic skills to perform high-quality, patient-centred ultrasound examinations. A particular emphasis of this unit is to provide a foundation for practical knowledge and skills. You will also obtain insights into the importance of scan ergonomics, sonographic anatomy and scientific literacy as they apply to the sonography profession. It is offered in the first semester to ensure you understand these primary skills before progressing to more advanced techniques.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Using a clinically informed approach apply knowledge and skills of ultrasound to identify and explain the normal anatomical and sonographic appearances during basic examinations.
- Explore the requirements for a culturally safe and professional environment for the patient and practitioner.
- Apply national and international models of ultrasound practice to inform patient-centred care.
- Critically analyse and reflect on the skills, attributes, roles, and responsibilities that inform best sonographic practice.
Content
In this unit, you will understand the essential role of diagnostic ultrasound and the professional responsibilities of the Sonographer in patient care outcomes. You will develop critical skills, including:
- Basic sonographic principles and Knobology.
- Sonographic anatomy
- Sonographic scan technique
- Professional communication including the knowledge and skills, to provide patient centred care that response to diverse culture needs of patients, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Ergonomics
- Early introduction to clinical techniques related to the following topics - Abdomen, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, FAST, Cardiac and interventional procedures.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in an array of case-based learning activities, online learning packages and small group clinical simulation activities. You will be guided through developing foundational sonographic skills and knowledge with a strong theoretical basis, complemented by practical sessions utilising sonographic equipment and procedures. Learning support will be introduced during the on-campus block via a workshop provided by the student support group. This workshop is recorded allowing you to review and revisit the material throughout the semester. The QUT library also provides optional, drop-in sessions focused on developing your academic and research skills.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Opportunities to receive feedback exist during all learning activities.
- Verbal, formative feedback is provided by peer and academic staff during and after clinical simulation activities and via other learning activities on Canvas.
- In addition to the assessment marking rubrics, written academic feedback is provided on summative assessment items.
- Students enrolled in CS60 receive industry feedback via their nominated clinical supervisor.
Assessment
Overview
Your ability to meet the various assessment milestones embedded in this unit ensures key learning outcomes are achieved.
The first learning milestone assessment has been designed to develop skills and knowledge for a basic practitioner. This assessment item requires direct interaction with modern ultrasound equipment. The second learning milestone requires you to engage in online discussions to develop an understanding of national standards and the importance of patient-centred care. Your final learning milestone assessment will be conducted in the central examination period and will assess whole-of-unit learning experiences.
Formative Assessment
On Campus:
You will have opportunities to practise your clinical skills in supervised settings, including the ability to interact with peers. Clinical skills sessions will help you identify your specific learning needs.
Summative Assessment
As detailed in Assessment Components. Online Discussions and Clinical Skills Portfolio are graded satisfactory / unsatisfactory. The final examination is graded on a 7 - point scale.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale and S (Satisfactory) / U (Unsatisfactory)
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Online Discussion
(Formative and summative) - You will be required to engage in a series of online discussions. These will demonstrate your ability to apply relevant ethical, legal and professional standards appropriate to medical ultrasound professional practice.
Specific requirements for these reports will be outlined on the Canvas site for this unit.
Assessment: Clinical skills demonstration and reflection
You have two options to complete this assessment. Students working in clinical ultrasound practice can complete a portfolio of cases verified by their clinical supervisors. Practitioners new to the industry are invited to attend a clinical skills day. Both groups will be required to perform ultrasound examinations as required in professional practice and submit a reflection on this work. You will be assessed on the quality of your ultrasound images submitted and critical analysis of the studies. Specific requirements for this portfolio will be outlined on the Canvas site for this unit. After completing the task, you must reflect on your performance by identifying areas requiring development.
Threshold Assessment:
You must complete this assessment and achieve a satisfactory result in order to pass the unit. You will be offered one re-submission following an unsatisfactory evaluation.
Assessment: Examination (invigilated)
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.
Requirements to Study
Costs
Students employed as sonographer trainees within a diagnostic imaging practice require accreditation with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR): $110.00
Travel costs associated with the on-campus workshops
Resources
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Curry, P., Prince M.(2021) Sonography - Introduction to Normal Structure and Function (5th ed.). Elsevier.
Rumack, C., Wilson, S., Charboneau, J., Levine, D. (2017). Diagnostic Ultrasound (5th ed.). Elsevier.
Woodward, P. Imaging (2017) Imaging Anatomy: Ultrasound, 2nd 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
- Acquire and apply advanced specialist knowledge of the principles and techniques of medical ultrasound imaging
Relates to: Examination (invigilated) - Review, analyse and synthesise information to identify complex sonographic appearances
Relates to: Clinical skills demonstration and reflection - Critically examine clinical ultrasound requests to perform independent examinations to a high level of diagnostic accuracy
Relates to: Clinical skills demonstration and reflection - Evidence effective skills in communicating the diagnostic value of the ultrasound image to multidisciplinary health teams
Relates to: Clinical skills demonstration and reflection - Practise within professional and ethical frameworks
Relates to: Online Discussion
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Online
| Unit code: | CSN036 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinators: | Heather Allen | h2.allen@qut.edu.au Christopher Edwards | c8.edwards@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This foundational unit will introduce the sonographic profession, regulatory bodies and professional standards, and equips practitioners with basic skills to perform high-quality, patient-centred ultrasound examinations. A particular emphasis of this unit is to provide a foundation for practical knowledge and skills. You will also obtain insights into the importance of scan ergonomics, sonographic anatomy and scientific literacy as they apply to the sonography profession. It is offered in the first semester to ensure you understand these primary skills before progressing to more advanced techniques.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Using a clinically informed approach apply knowledge and skills of ultrasound to identify and explain the normal anatomical and sonographic appearances during basic examinations.
- Explore the requirements for a culturally safe and professional environment for the patient and practitioner.
- Apply national and international models of ultrasound practice to inform patient-centred care.
- Critically analyse and reflect on the skills, attributes, roles, and responsibilities that inform best sonographic practice.
Content
In this unit, you will understand the essential role of diagnostic ultrasound and the professional responsibilities of the Sonographer in patient care outcomes. You will develop critical skills, including:
- Basic sonographic principles and Knobology.
- Sonographic anatomy
- Sonographic scan technique
- Professional communication including the knowledge and skills, to provide patient centred care that response to diverse culture needs of patients, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Ergonomics
- Early introduction to clinical techniques related to the following topics - Abdomen, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, FAST, Cardiac and interventional procedures.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in an array of case-based learning activities, online learning packages and small group clinical simulation activities. You will be guided through developing foundational sonographic skills and knowledge with a strong theoretical basis, complemented by practical sessions utilising sonographic equipment and procedures. Learning support will be introduced during the on-campus block via a workshop provided by the student support group. This workshop is recorded allowing you to review and revisit the material throughout the semester. The QUT library also provides optional, drop-in sessions focused on developing your academic and research skills.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Opportunities to receive feedback exist during all learning activities.
- Verbal, formative feedback is provided by peer and academic staff during and after clinical simulation activities and via other learning activities on Canvas.
- In addition to the assessment marking rubrics, written academic feedback is provided on summative assessment items.
- Students enrolled in CS60 receive industry feedback via their nominated clinical supervisor.
Assessment
Overview
Your ability to meet the various assessment milestones embedded in this unit ensures key learning outcomes are achieved.
The first learning milestone assessment has been designed to develop skills and knowledge for a basic practitioner. This assessment item requires direct interaction with modern ultrasound equipment. The second learning milestone requires you to engage in online discussions to develop an understanding of national standards and the importance of patient-centred care. Your final learning milestone assessment will be conducted in the central examination period and will assess whole-of-unit learning experiences.
Formative Assessment
On Campus:
You will have opportunities to practise your clinical skills in supervised settings, including the ability to interact with peers. Clinical skills sessions will help you identify your specific learning needs.
Summative Assessment
As detailed in Assessment Components. Online Discussions and Clinical Skills Portfolio are graded satisfactory / unsatisfactory. The final examination is graded on a 7 - point scale.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale and S (Satisfactory) / U (Unsatisfactory)
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Online Discussion
(Formative and summative) - You will be required to engage in a series of online discussions. These will demonstrate your ability to apply relevant ethical, legal and professional standards appropriate to medical ultrasound professional practice.
Specific requirements for these reports will be outlined on the Canvas site for this unit.
Assessment: Clinical skills demonstration and reflection
You have two options to complete this assessment. Students working in clinical ultrasound practice can complete a portfolio of cases verified by their clinical supervisors. Practitioners new to the industry are invited to attend a clinical skills day. Both groups will be required to perform ultrasound examinations as required in professional practice and submit a reflection on this work. You will be assessed on the quality of your ultrasound images submitted and critical analysis of the studies. Specific requirements for this portfolio will be outlined on the Canvas site for this unit. After completing the task, you must reflect on your performance by identifying areas requiring development.
Threshold Assessment:
You must complete this assessment and achieve a satisfactory result in order to pass the unit. You will be offered one re-submission following an unsatisfactory evaluation.
Assessment: Examination (invigilated)
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.
Requirements to Study
Costs
Students employed as sonographer trainees within a diagnostic imaging practice require accreditation with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR): $110.00
Travel costs associated with the on-campus workshops
Resources
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Curry, P., Prince M.(2021) Sonography - Introduction to Normal Structure and Function (5th ed.). Elsevier.
Rumack, C., Wilson, S., Charboneau, J., Levine, D. (2017). Diagnostic Ultrasound (5th ed.). Elsevier.
Woodward, P. Imaging (2017) Imaging Anatomy: Ultrasound, 2nd 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
- Acquire and apply advanced specialist knowledge of the principles and techniques of medical ultrasound imaging
Relates to: Examination (invigilated) - Review, analyse and synthesise information to identify complex sonographic appearances
Relates to: Clinical skills demonstration and reflection - Critically examine clinical ultrasound requests to perform independent examinations to a high level of diagnostic accuracy
Relates to: Clinical skills demonstration and reflection - Evidence effective skills in communicating the diagnostic value of the ultrasound image to multidisciplinary health teams
Relates to: Clinical skills demonstration and reflection - Practise within professional and ethical frameworks
Relates to: Online Discussion