Units
Principles of Medical Ultrasound
Unit code: CSN025
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the physical processes involved in producing an ultrasound image, the features of ultrasound equipment and the role and responsibilities of the sonographer in producing a diagnostic examination. Topics include general scanning principles and considerations, care of equipment, physics of ultrasound, ultrasound equipment features, image production and processing, artefacts, image recording methods, quality control, biological hazards and safety issues, principles of Doppler ultrasound, care of the patient and communication issues.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 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. An understanding of the physical processes of ultrasound, the equipment design features and the interactions of sound in human tissue are essential for professionals working in this field. This unit is offered in the first semester to ensure you have a fundamental understanding of the physical principles of ultrasound; the knowledge gained can then be applied to other units offered in the ultrasound courses.
Aims
The aim of the unit is to provide you with a detailed understanding of the physical processes involved in producing an ultrasound image, the features of diagnostic ultrasound equipment and the role and responsibilities of the Sonographer in producing a diagnostic examination.
Objectives
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
- Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the physical principles of diagnostic ultrasound.
- Explain the components and performance of diagnostic ultrasound equipment.
- Interpret, in detail, the principles of ultrasound B-mode and M-mode techniques, as well as the principles of Doppler ultrasound and the application of CW, PW and colour Doppler in medical ultrasound.
- Understand the causes of, and apply specialised problem solving skills to minimise sources of artefacts on an ultrasound image.
Content
The unit covers the following topic areas:
- Binary numbers, decibels, sound-tissue interactions, TGC
- Basic transducer design, bandwidth and intensity
- Beam profile and focussing
- Pulse/echo imaging, A -mode, B - mode, M-mode, line density
- Resolution
- Acoustic windows, Real-time transducers
- Signal pathways, Scan converters
- Signal processing, pre and post procession techniques
- Harmonics, Biological effects
- Artifacts
- Quality control and Future developments
- Introduction to Doppler
- Role of the Sonographer / Ergonomics
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The unit is delivered online via QUT's Blackboard website. It combines a series of online lectures and practical exercises for self-paced learning. An introductory lecture is provided during the on campus lecture block at the beginning of the semester.
Assessment
For the purpose of professional accreditation, you must achieve a satisfactory result (50% or above) in each area of assessment in order to be awarded a grade of 4, or better in this unit.-
Assessment name:
Problem Solving Exercises
Description:
(Formative and Summative) - A series of problem-solving exercises presented as self-paced modules on the Blackboard site.
Relates to objectives:
1-3
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
External
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
During semester
Assessment name:
Examination (written)
Description:
(Summative) - Written Examination, combining MCQ, short answers and essay type questions.
Relates to objectives:
1, 3, 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
References and Recommended Reading:
Gill, R. (2012). The Physics and Technology of Diagnostic Ultrasound: A Practitioner's Guide. High Frequency Publishing.
Kremkau, F.W. (2010). Diagnostic Ultrasound: Principles and Instrumentation (8th ed.). St Louis: Saunders Elsevier.
Hedrick, W.R., Hykes, D.L., & Starchman, D.E. (2005). Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation (4th ed.). St Louis: Mosby.
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: 11-Oct-2012
