Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

The field of medical ultrasound is scientifically based, in an environment that is rapidly changing and undergoing considerable technological advancement.

Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) is a highly specialised technique for the assessment of the human heart. This unit extends and builds on the content of CSN021 Cardiac Ultrasound 1 (formerly coded PCN155) by introducing the principles and clinical applications of Doppler Echocardiography in the assessment of the adult heart as well as basic haemodynamic principles and calculations.

This unit will also cover the applications of cardiac ultrasound in the assessment of hypertensive heart disease, ischaemic heart disease and cardiomyopathies in the adult patient.

Aims

The aim of the unit is to provide you with a detailed understanding of the principles and application of Doppler Echocardiography in the examination of the adult heart and the application of echocardiographic techniques in the assessment of hypertensive heart disease, ischaemic heart disease and cardiomyopathies. You will also be introduced to the basic haemodynamic principles.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Describe, in detail, the basic haemodynamic principles and calculations for the determination of intracardiac pressures, pressure gradients and stroke volumes; including the application of these techniques to the real world environment as well as the limitations of these techniques.
2. Describe, in detail, methods used for the comprehensive assessment of left and right ventricular size and systolic function
3. Apply specialised knowledge and understanding of the echocardiographic assessment used in the assessment of common cardiac pathologies including:
o systemic hypertension
o pulmonary hypertension
o Ischaemic heart disease;
o Complications of myocardial infarction;
o Various cardiomyopathies
o Diseases of the aorta.
4. Perform, interpret and critically analyse advanced Doppler haemodynamic calculations and determine the appropriate use of these calculations for a given clinical scenario

Content

The unit covers the following topic areas:

· Basic haemodynamic principles and the characteristics of blood
- Assessment of right and left ventricular size and systolic function
· Basic haemodynamic calculations including:
o estimation of intracardiac pressures and pressure gradients
o stroke volume calculations
· Echocardiographic assessment of:
o hypertensive heart disease
o Ischemic heart disease, including complications of myocardial infarction
o Cardiomyopathies
o Diseases of the aorta.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Blackboard materials for self-paced problem solving exercises. Lecture timing will be advised prior to the start of semester.

Assessment

Previous theory exam papers are available on the Blackboard site for this unit. An answer outline/guide for questions on the recent past exam paper will be provided to highlight the information required to answer these questions.Feedback relating to the problem solving exercises and multiple choice questions will be provided via the Blackboard site for this unit. Results will be displayed under My Grades on the Blackboard site for this unit.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: (Formative and summative). This case-based problem solving task involves the interpretation of 'real life' echocardiographic examinations, the performance of relevant echocardiographic calculations and recognition of the limitations of the examination in answering the clinical question.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Early & Mid Semester

Assessment name: Examination (theory)
Description: Summative - Theory exam.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 60%
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:

Oh, J.K., Tajik, A.J., and Seward, J.B. (2006). The Echo Manual (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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

Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography.

Recent and current journals related to cardiology and echocardiography.

BlackBoard site:

Course Material Database

Academic Integrity Kit

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: 19-Mar-2013