Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) is a highly specialised technique for the assessment of the human heart. This unit of the course provides an understanding of two-dimensional echocardiography and M-mode (motion mode) echocardiography in the assessment of the adult heart. In addition, this unit includes a detailed understanding of the two-dimensional, M-mode (motion mode) and spectral and colour Doppler components of the examination as well as a detailed knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology and electrocardiographic (ECG) interpretation.

Sonographers also require a good understanding of the role of the sonographer, and the operator dependent nature of ultrasound scanning and interpretation of images, in order to be able to perform a professional, diagnostic examination.

Aims

The aim of the unit is to provide you with a detailed understanding of cardiac anatomy and physiology and the two-dimensional and M-mode techniques involved in conducting an ultrasound examination of the adult heart. You will also be introduced to the role and responsibilities of the sonographer in producing a professional, diagnostic examination.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Describe and demonstrate detailed and specialised knowledge of cardiac anatomy, and cardiac physiology.
2. Identify, and describe in detail, the two-dimensional, M-mode and spectral and colour Doppler examination of the heart.
3. Effectively demonstrate the ability to perform a comprehensive and diagnostically accurate echocardiographic examination.
4. Demonstrate an advanced level of written communication skills to convey the results of a wide range of echocardiographic examinations.
5. Critically analyse and interpret images and measurements performed during these examinations.

Content

The unit covers the following topic areas:

· Detailed anatomy of the adult human heart
· Physiology of the adult human heart
· The ECG: principles and rhythm interpretation
· Acoustic windows and standard imaging planes used in the cardiac ultrasound examination
· Standard two-dimensional views obtained at the parasternal, subcostal, apical and suprasternal positions, including the 2D image optimisation, standard measurements and calculations performed in the adult patient as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this modality
· The role and applications of M-mode ultrasound, including the M-mode optimisation, standard measurements and calculations performed in the adult patient as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this modality
· Principles of spectral and colour Doppler physics and instrumentation
· Standard spectral and colour flow Doppler examination, including optimisation
· Standard spectral Doppler measurements
· Awareness of Occupational Health and Safety practices

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit combines on-line lectures, tutorials, practical sessions and in-class demonstrations. Computer-based materials are available for self-paced review and further studies.

You will also be provided with a clinical procedures record workbook at the commencement of this unit. This workbook will act as a record of your clinical experience throughout the second year of the course. You are required to be engaged in supervised cardiac ultrasound training no less than 3 days per week (0.6FTE) whilst enrolled in the course. It is a requirement that all experience gained in the first semester be entered into the clinical record workbook as this will form part of your assessment for the unit CSN031 Cardiac Ultrasound Clinical Practice 1 in second semester.

Assessment

You will be expected to undertake a number of assessments related to the learning outcomes of this unit (see below).

Previous theory exam papers are available on the Blackboard site for this unit. An answer outline/guide for questions on the most recent past exam paper will be provided to highlight the information required to answer these questions.

All assessment contributes to your grade.

Note: You must achieve a satisfactory result (50% or above) for assessment items 2 (Reports) and 3 (Theory Examination) in order to be awarded a grade of 4, or better, for this unit.Individual formative feedback relating to the case reports submitted will be provided via the Blackboard site for this unit. Results for all assessments will be displayed under My Grades on the Blackboard site for this unit.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: (Formative and Summative) -This problem-solving exercise is an ultrasound machine oriented exercises that encourage the development of advanced equipment knowledge, understanding and critical thinking.
Relates to objectives: 2
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: During semester

Assessment name: Reports
Description: (Formative and Summative) - You will be required to submit two case studies demonstrating the performance of a standard adult echocardiographic examination, including at least M-mode and two-dimensional components of the examination. As part of this assessment, you are also required to critically review all images and measurements performed during these studies. Specific requirements for these case studies will be outlined on the Blackboard site for this unit.
Relates to objectives: 3-5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: During semester

Assessment name: Examination (theory)
Description: (Summative) - End of Semester Examination.
Relates to objectives: 1-2
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central exam period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Recommended Text:

Anderson, B (2007). Echocardiography: The Normal Examination and Echocardiographic Measurements (2nd ed.). Brisbane: MGA Graphics. (This text is strongly recommended for all students)

Other References and Recommended Reading:

Any detailed cardiac anatomy and physiology text

Otto, C.M. (2004). Textbook of Clinical Echocardiography (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.

Journal articles provided on the CMD or linked via the relevant Blackboard web site.

Risk assessment statement

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

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 12-Dec-2012