CQUniversity Unit Profile
ECHO13006 Adult Echocardiography
Adult Echocardiography
All details in this unit profile for ECHO13006 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
Corrections

Unit Profile Correction added on 21-03-24

The start time for assessment item 1 (In-class Test 1) in the unit profile states 9AM local campus time. This is incorrect, assessment item 1 is timetabled for 11am start local campus time.

Students will be notified of the time change through multiple channels including Moodle and tutorials.

General Information

Overview

Accurate analysis and assessment of complex cardiovascular disease and their pathological processes is a core part of all echocardiographic examinations. In preparation for clinical placement you will attain the knowledge and skills needed to analyse complex cardiovascular disease. This will include consideration of the echocardiographic generated images and assessment measures, haemodynamic calculations, pressures and valve prosthetics. You will apply knowledge to practical echocardiographic tasks in the laboratory setting, and utilise simulated clinical scenarios and case studies to analyse diagnostic data to provide differential diagnoses within an ethical framework of best practice and patient safety. You will demonstrate the professional knowledge, attitude and skills required to perform a complete echocardiographic study within a time frame related to clinical expectations. This unit prepares you for the clinical environment using the Assessment of Readiness for Clinical tool (ARC) in conjunction with other assessment tasks. Attendance at practical activities is a requirement of this unit.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 12
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.25

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-requisites MPAT12001 Medical Pathophysiology AND ECHO12003 Principles of Cardiac Assessment OR ECHO12008 Doppler Echocardiography AND ECHO12005 Cardiac Clinical Unit 2

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2024

Brisbane
Sydney

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 12-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. In-class Test(s)
Weighting: 50%
2. In-class Test(s)
Weighting: 50%
3. Practical Assessment
Weighting: Pass/Fail
4. Performance
Weighting: Pass/Fail
5. Reflective Practice Assignment
Weighting: Pass/Fail

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student Unit and Teacher Evaluation (SUTE)

Feedback

Expectations in ECHO13006 were of greater intensity than experienced in previous CV69 units. While many students recognised the importance of this requirement in preparation for subsequent clinical placement blocks, some students felt this approach was unnecessary.

Recommendation

Students may not properly appreciate the degree of professionalism and accountability required as a cardiac sonographer. A team review of professional behaviour expectations across all scanning units will be undertaken, with consideration of industry feedback from subsequent clinical units.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

In-class tests were felt to be too intense an assessment by some students.

Recommendation

Due to earlier COVID social distancing constraints and a move away from formal examinations by CQUniversity, this was the first invigilated theory assessment this student cohort had encountered in the CV69 course offering. Students were not familiar with the supervised (on campus, closed book) testing format and were likely ill-prepared for this as a result. Impressions will likely change as future student cohorts are introduced to invigilated exams from second-year units prior to enrolment in ECHO13006.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Students felt some lecture resources needed to be reviewed and improved, and that tutorials were too long.

Recommendation

A review of the unit lecture recordings will be undertaken, to identify where improvements can be made. Tutorial format will be reviewed, with consideration taken to reducing tutorial length.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Differentiate between the aetiology, pathophysiology and echocardiographic assessment process associated with a variety of cardiovascular disease processes
  2. Perform and interpret measurements and advanced haemodynamic calculations applied to 2D, colour and spectral Doppler derived echocardiographic measures
  3. Differentiate prosthetic valve and valvular surgical intervention functionality and disease processes
  4. Analyse case-based clinical information to formulate differential diagnoses and plan patient management
  5. Perform an echocardiographic examination efficiently and effectively
  6. Display professional behaviour, teamwork and communication skills consistent with safe practice
  7. Apply reflective feedback to professional practice improvement.

Linked to National and International Standards
1. ASAR Accreditation Standards for Cardiac Sonography - critical practice Unit 8 - Cardiac, Foundation units of competence - 1 - 5.
2. European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging Core Syllabus
3. American Registry for Cardiac Sonography Core Syllabus

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 - In-class Test(s) - 50%
2 - In-class Test(s) - 50%
3 - Practical Assessment - 0%
4 - Performance - 0%
5 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 0%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

A Sonographer's Guide to the Assessment of Heart Disease

Edition: 1st (2014)
Authors: Bonita Anderson
MGA Graphics
BRISBANE BRISBANE , QUEENSLAND , AUSTRALIA
ISBN: 9780992322205
Binding: Hardcover
Prescribed

Basic to Advanced Clinical Echocardiography

Edition: 1st (2020)
Authors: Bonita Anderson, Margaret M. Park
Wolters Kluwer
USA
ISBN: 9781975136253
Binding: eBook
Supplementary

ASE's comprehensive echocardiography

Edition: 2nd (2016)
Authors: Lang, Goldestein, Kronzon, Khandheria, Mor-avi
Elsevier Saunders
Philadephia Philadephia , PA , USA
ISBN: 978-0-32326011-4
Binding: Other

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Mahomed Osman Unit Coordinator
m.osman@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 04 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Aortic and Pulmonary Stenosis

Chapter

See e-Reading list

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lab Agreement and Consent Form due Wednesday 6th March, 12pm AEST
Week 2 Begin Date: 11 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Mitral and Tricuspid Stenosis

Chapter

See e-Reading list

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 18 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Valvular Regurgitation

Chapter

See e-Reading list

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 25 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Prosthetic Heart Valves

Chapter

See e-Reading list

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 01 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Chapter

See e-Reading list

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 08 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 15 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Cardiomyopathies

Chapter

See e-Reading list

Events and Submissions/Topic

In-class Test 1 Wednesday 17th April at 9am local campus time

Week 7 Begin Date: 22 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Pericardial Heart Disease

Chapter

See e-Reading list

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 29 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Pericardial Tamponade and Constrictive Pericarditis

Chapter

See e-Reading list

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 06 May 2024

Module/Topic

Endocarditis, Cardiac Transplantation

Chapter

See e-Reading list

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 13 May 2024

Module/Topic

Systemic Disorders with Cardiac Manifestations 1

Chapter

See e-Reading list

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 20 May 2024

Module/Topic

Systemic Diseases with Cardiac Manifestations 2

Chapter

See e-Reading list

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 27 May 2024

Module/Topic

Revision

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Echocardiographic Skills Assessment scheduled week 12

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 03 Jun 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Professional Behaviour and Lab Documentation due Monday 3rd June 5pm AEST

Formative Feedback and Self-Reflection due Monday 3rd June 5pm AEST

In-class Test 2 Tuesday 4th June at 9am local campus time

Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Jun 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

The unit coordinator for ECHO13006 Adult Echocardiography is Mahomed Osman. The most efficient and preferred method of contacting Mahomed is via the Q&A forum located on the unit Moodle site. If the query is personal in nature, please contact Mahomed directly via email (m.osman@cqu.edu.au) or phone (07 3023 4160). Mahomed works from the Brisbane campus and is available Monday to Friday.

 

Other academic staff may provide presentations and host tutorials as part of this unit's delivery. Contact details for other academic staff can be found on the Moodle site.

 

Lectures are used to present core information for weekly study, outlining the main theories and principles of the topic under consideration. Weekly revision material is provided and should be attempted to assist in preparation for the in- class tests and other assessments. Note that no new lecture material will be presented during week 12 of term as this week will be used to prepare for the final in-class test.

 

ECHO13006 tutorials focus on discussing the weekly content including revision questions, developing echocardiographic image interpretation skills, and contextualisation of key concepts in preparation for related assessments and clinical placement. Live Zoom tutorials provide an opportunity for discussion and interaction with other students and the tutor. It is important students take advantage of these interactive sessions and participate fully in order to broaden knowledge and experience with the course material. Any questions posted to the Q&A forum or emailed to the unit coordinator will be used to guide tutorial content.

 

Note: Links required for accessing live Zoom tutorials are provided on the Moodle site. Tutorials are recorded for educational purposes and these recordings may be uploaded and appear on Echo360, Moodle, YouTube and Microsoft Teams. Students who do not wish to be recorded are advised to turn off their webcam, audio or both during Zoom sessions. Participation will signify consent to the recording and publication for educational purposes.

 

Please ensure you review the 'Welcome' video and 'Breakdown of Assessments' video, available on the Moodle site, for further unit specific information.

Assessment Tasks

1 In-class Test(s)

Assessment Title
In-class Test 1

Task Description

This test will be an online test performed in-class with closed book conditions at the campus of your enrolment. It will assess all content from weeks 1 to 5 inclusive. Room details will be published on the unit Moodle site.

 

The test will assess the theory and application of content and haemodynamic concepts taught in lectures, discussed in tutorial delivery and practised in the simulated laboratory setting. Questions may require you to perform mathematical calculations, interpret patient data, illustrate concepts or provide explanations and discussions. Questions similar in style to those found in the in-class test are provided in weekly revision material on the Moodle site. Exemplar questions will also be discussed during the tutorial and laboratory sessions, to help students prepare for this assessment task. 

 

This in-class test will assess the students' ability to:

  • differentiate and discuss the aetiology, pathophysiology and echocardiographic assessment processes associated with a variety of cardiovascular diseases;
  • analyse case-based clinical information to formulate differential diagnoses;
  • interrogate measurements supplied;
  • accurately apply appropriate haemodynamic calculations and interpret resulting values;
  • demonstrate clinical reasoning;
  • use appropriate terminology and descriptors as well as grammar and spelling.

 

This test will be 180 minutes in duration. You will require a simple calculator (not a scientific calculator) for this test.


Assessment Due Date

Week 6, Wednesday 17th April at 9am local campus time.


Return Date to Students

Results will be available within two weeks of the due date.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

This test will be conducted at campus of enrolment, with invigilation and formal examination conditions as detailed in the CQU Assessment Procedures. The test must be performed at the timetabled date and time. As per CQU Assessment Procedures, this task is to be completed during the defined period. There is no opportunity to apply a late penalty.

 

If you arrive late, you may enter the test room up to 30 minutes after the start of the test; you will still be required to submit your test at the preset completion time. You will not be allowed entry more than 30 minutes after the test starts. In the absence of an approved extension, you cannot complete this assessment at a later time, and you will receive a mark of zero (0) for the assessment if you have not completed it by the scheduled date and time.

 

The allocated number of marks for each question is indicated on the Moodle online test interface. Marks are allocated based on accuracy, depth and breadth of the required response.

 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
In-class Test 1 to be performed at campus of enrolment.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Differentiate between the aetiology, pathophysiology and echocardiographic assessment process associated with a variety of cardiovascular disease processes
  • Perform and interpret measurements and advanced haemodynamic calculations applied to 2D, colour and spectral Doppler derived echocardiographic measures
  • Differentiate prosthetic valve and valvular surgical intervention functionality and disease processes
  • Analyse case-based clinical information to formulate differential diagnoses and plan patient management

2 In-class Test(s)

Assessment Title
In-class Test 2

Task Description

 

This test will be an online test performed in-class with closed book conditions at the campus of your enrolment. It will assess all content from weeks 6 to 12 inclusive. Room details will be published on the unit Moodle site.

 

 

 

The test will assess the theory and application of content and haemodynamic concepts taught in lectures, discussed in tutorial delivery and practised in the simulated laboratory setting. Questions may require you to perform mathematical calculations, interpret patient data, illustrate concepts or provide explanations and discussions. Questions similar in style to those found in the in-class test are provided in weekly revision material on the Moodle site. Exemplar questions will also be discussed during the tutorial and laboratory sessions, to help students prepare for this assessment task.

 

 

This in-class test will assess the students' ability to:

  • differentiate and discuss the aetiology, pathophysiology and echocardiographic assessment processes associated with a variety of cardiovascular diseases;
  • analyse case-based clinical information to formulate differential diagnoses;
  • interrogate measurements supplied;
  • accurately apply appropriate haemodynamic calculations and interpret resulting values;
  • demonstrate clinical reasoning;
  • use appropriate terminology and descriptors as well as grammar and spelling.

 

This test will be 180 minutes in duration. You will require a simple calculator (not a scientific calculator) for this test.

 


Assessment Due Date

Examination block, Tuesday 4th June at 9am local campus time.


Return Date to Students

Results will be available within two weeks of the due date.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

This test will be conducted at campus of enrolment, with invigilation and formal examination conditions as detailed in the CQU Assessment Procedures. The test must be performed at the timetabled date and time. As per CQU Assessment Procedures, this task is to be completed during the defined period. There is no opportunity to apply a late penalty.

 

If you arrive late, you may enter the test room up to 30 minutes after the start of the test; you will still be required to submit your test at the preset completion time. You will not be allowed entry more than 30 minutes after the test starts. In the absence of an approved extension, you cannot complete this assessment at a later time, and you will receive a mark of zero (0) for the assessment if you have not completed it by the scheduled date and time.

 

The allocated number of marks for each question is indicated on the Moodle online test interface. Marks are allocated based on accuracy, depth and breadth of the required response.

 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
In-class online test 2 to be performed at campus of enrolment.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Differentiate between the aetiology, pathophysiology and echocardiographic assessment process associated with a variety of cardiovascular disease processes
  • Perform and interpret measurements and advanced haemodynamic calculations applied to 2D, colour and spectral Doppler derived echocardiographic measures
  • Differentiate prosthetic valve and valvular surgical intervention functionality and disease processes
  • Analyse case-based clinical information to formulate differential diagnoses and plan patient management

3 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Echocardiography Skills Assessment

Task Description

The Echocardiographic Skills Assessment is comprised of two parts— Part A 'Practical' and Part B 'Measurement Performance and Interpretation'. Part A involves completion of a comprehensive echocardiographic protocol. Part B involves echocardiographic image interpretation and measurement performance.

 

Students will be assessed according to the Assessment of Readiness for Clinical (ARC) tools, which are available on the unit Moodle site. These documents detail performance criteria the student must demonstrate competence in to pass the assessment. Student competence is assessed in relation to the expectations specific to this unit of study. Students enrolled in ECHO13006 are working towards attainment of Advanced Beginner level of competency, as detailed on the ARC tools.

 


PART A - Practical

Part A of the Echocardiography Skills Assessment incorporates both a Professional and Technical component and requires students to perform a comprehensive 2D, colour Doppler and spectral Doppler echocardiographic examination using ultrasound equipment. Students have 60 minutes in total to complete both the Professional and Technical components.

 

Professional Component

The professional component of the assessment evaluates performance aspects of the sonographic exam such as communication (verbal, non-verbal, and written), professional behaviour, ergonomics, and patient care skills. This encompasses an assessment of pre-scan, scanning, and post-scan skills.

 

Technical Component

The technical component of the assessment evaluates the student's scanning technique, image optimisation, and ability to complete a comprehensive echocardiogram within a reasonable set time to an ‘Advanced Beginner' level of competency.

  • The ARC tool details the required imaging sequence and performance criteria cues.
  • Except for panning or sector sweeps, which are critiqued live or via video recording moderation, the collection of images stored by the student represent the echocardiographic examination performed.
  • At the end of the examination the supervising tutor will acquire a variety of representative images. These images will be used during marking and moderation to ascertain achievable image quality.

 


 

Note: Part A (Practical) of the Echocardiography Skills Assessment will be video recorded for moderation purposes. The videos will not be released to students for review.

 

All students are required to make themselves available to act as a patient model for peer assessments. Students must additionally make themselves available for re-sit assessments if requested by the unit coordinator.

 


PART B - Interpretation and Measurement Performance

Part B of the Echocardiography Skills Assessment incorporates both a measurement performance and interpretation component. Students are required to accurately interpret echocardiographic images and measurement outcomes, in addition to accurately performing their own echocardiography measurements offline using discipline specific analysis software. Students have 50 minutes to complete both the measurement performance and interpretation components.

 

Measurement Performance Component

The measurement performance component requires students to apply best practice guidelines when undertaking routine measurements on echocardiographic images using Q-Station discipline specific software. Students are required to save measurement images to a desktop folder and transcribe these measurement values onto a provided worksheet replicating clinical documentation.

  • The ARC tool details the required measurement sequence and performance criteria cues.
  • Students must transcribe these measurements onto a provided worksheet replicating clinical documentation.
  • The collection of images stored by the student represent the measurement examination performed.

 

Interpretation Component

The interpretation component requires students to evaluate and interpret echocardiography images presented using Q-station discipline specific software. Students are required to:

  • Recall common reference ranges for cardiac chamber quantification, systolic function evaluation and right heart pressure estimation.
  • Apply American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) Diastolic Function Algorithms (a copy of which will be supplied to students under assessment conditions).
  • Recognise limitations of relevant images and measurements.
  • Document interpretation using discipline specific conventions, including rationale, onto a provided worksheet replicating clinical reporting.

 


Students are advised to refer to the 'Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)' document for additional university guidelines regarding assessments.

  • In the absence of an approved extension, this assessment cannot be completed at a later time.
  • Students will receive a FAIL for this assessment if it is not completed by the scheduled date and time and there is no approved extension.
  • Should a student fail this assessment, there will be only ONE opportunity to re-sit the failed component of the assessment item.

 


Assessment Due Date

Week 12. Re-sit assessments will be held during the end of term exam week. Students will be advised of scheduling via the unit Moodle site.


Return Date to Students

Results will be available within two weeks of the due date.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Assessment Criteria

Students will be assessed using the below documents. Students are advised to carefully review these documents which are available on the unit Moodle site.

  • Part A Practical Assessment of Readiness for Clinical (ARC) Tool
  • Part B Interpretation and Measurement Performance ARC Tool

PART A - Practical

To pass Part A of this assessment, a student must be deemed competent in both the Professional and Technical components. To pass these components, ALL criteria must be demonstrated to the appropriate level of competence as detailed on the ARC tools.

 

The professional and technical components are graded separately so that if one is passed and the other is not, only the failed component must be repeated to pass. There is only ONE opportunity to re-sit either component of this assessment item.

 


PART B - Measurement Performance and Interpretation

To pass Part B of this assessment, a student must be deemed competent in both the measurement performance and interpretation components. To pass the measurement performance and interpretation components, ALL criteria must be demonstrated to the appropriate level of competence as detailed on the ARC tools. If multiple images of a single measurement are saved, only the image corresponding to the measurement transcribed on the worksheet will be assessed.

 

The measurement performance and interpretation components are graded in combination so that if failed, both components of assessment Part B must be repeated to pass. There is only ONE opportunity to re-sit this assessment item.


Mock Examination

Students will be provided with a single opportunity to attempt the Echocardiography Skills Assessment under mock examination conditions. Individual feedback will be provided to students after completing the mock assessments. Students will receive a completed MOCK Part A (Practical) ARC tool and MOCK Part B (Measurement Performance and Interpretation) ARC tool following moderation. Scanning feedback will be provided verbally by the tutor supervising each individual student mock practical scanning assessment.

 

The mock assessment will be delivered as part of the routine laboratory sessions. Note, there is no opportunity for rescheduling of missed laboratory sessions.


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Submission Instructions
This assessment will be conducted by local staff at campus of enrolment.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Perform and interpret measurements and advanced haemodynamic calculations applied to 2D, colour and spectral Doppler derived echocardiographic measures
  • Perform an echocardiographic examination efficiently and effectively

4 Performance

Assessment Title
Professional Behaviour and Lab Documentation

Task Description

The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that students from the echocardiography course are well-equipped to embody the high standards of professionalism that are expected from CQUniversity students while on their follow-on clinical placement blocks. Professional behaviour is a critical part of any medical imaging profession and encompasses the manner in which we treat our colleagues, patients and the professional settings and equipment we interact with. Exemplary professional behaviour is highly valued by clinical supervisors and this information may be used to endorse students for placements if requested by clinical sites.

 

This assessment requires students to treat each of the lab sessions as a scheduled 'work shift' and to exhibit high quality professional attributes. This assessment is based on a continuous and ongoing evaluation of student application and attendance during labs, and behaviour exhibited during the time spent studying this unit up until the completion of all formal assessments. Aspects of professionalism will be assessed across multiple levels including, but not limited to: maintenance of laboratory documentation, Moodle forums, online tutorials, lab sessions (both peer-assisted and tutor-assisted), interactions with peers and staff, social media, phone calls and all official correspondence with university staff, peers and the community.

 

Students are required to maintain accurate laboratory documentation and conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Instances of substandard professional behaviour will result in a Lapse in Professionalism (LiP) point being awarded to the offending student. Should a student acquire more than three (3) LiPs, this assessment will automatically be graded a FAIL. If any exhibited attitude or behaviour is deemed as unsafe or inappropriate, this assessment will be graded as a FAIL at the discretion of the unit coordinator.

 

LiPs may be issued in three different categories:

  1. Professional behaviour towards colleagues and staff
  2. Professional behaviour towards patients
  3. Professional behaviour towards professional settings and equipment

 

Further information is detailed in the Expected Professional Behaviour and LiP Allocation document, which is available on the Moodle site. Students are encouraged to review this document to be sure of behavioural expectations. Students should also be familiar with the CQUniversity Student Charter as well as the Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA) Code of Conduct (available on e-Reading list).

 


Absenteeism

Skills labs for this unit are mandatory. Students must advise the unit coordinator before the start of compulsory labs if unable to attend. Failure to notify staff appropriately before the start of a missed lab will result in a LiP (Lapse in Professionalism) except in extraordinary circumstances. Lateness to labs may also result in a LiP, whether notice is given or not. Labs missed for a valid reason (eg. illness or injury) require supporting documentation. Medical or health-related certificates must be in the approved formats articulated in the CQUniversity Assessment Policy and Procedure (HE Coursework).

 

Any missed labs must be clearly marked on the Lab Attendance Page and Reflective Feedback Form. A tutor's signature is not required in this case. There is no opportunity to 'make up' missed lab sessions.

 

Peer Assisted Practice (PAP) Sessions

Students are offered regular PAP sessions, which are scheduled through Google Doc links on the Moodle site. Penalties will apply if instructions and rules disclosed on these documents are not adhered to. Failure to abide by these regulations may result in a LiP and removal of attendance privileges.

 


Assessment Due Date

Lab Agreement Form and Consent Form - Sonographic Examination for Teaching Purposes are due Wednesday 6th March, 12pm (AEST). Lab Attendance and Professional Behaviour Assessment form is due Monday 3rd June, 5pm (AEST).


Return Date to Students

Results will be available within two weeks of the final due date.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Assessment Criteria

This assessment incorporates maintenance of pertinent lab documentation including lab attendance and any Lapse in Professionalism (LiP) points accrued throughout unit delivery. To pass this unit students need to consistently display a high standard of professional behaviour including, but not limited to, punctual lab attendance. All interactions with staff and peers pertaining to this unit will be treated as a replica of the clinical work environment, and students are expected to demonstrate the professional behaviour expected in a formal work environment. No more than three (3) Lapses in Professionalism are permitted to pass the unit. 

 

Students are required to complete the following documentation and submit to Moodle in PDF format. All documents are available on the unit Moodle page.

  1. A signed Lab Agreement Form
  2. A signed Consent Form - Sonographic Examination for Teaching Purposes
  3. A completed and signed Lab Attendance and Professional Behaviour Assessment form

 

Note that the Lab Agreement Form and the Consent Form are due prior to commencing lab sessions in week 1 and must be uploaded to Assessment 4a.


To PASS this assessment, all documentation must be completed appropriately and submitted by the due date and time. All documents must be legible, labelled appropriately and uploaded in PDF format.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
All documents must be appropriately labelled with student name, student number and document descriptor (eg. JohnSMITH_S12345_LabAgreementForm). Documentation must be submitted in PDF format. JPEG is not acceptable. A total of three (3) individual documents must be uploaded.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Display professional behaviour, teamwork and communication skills consistent with safe practice

5 Reflective Practice Assignment

Assessment Title
Formative Feedback and Self-Reflection

Task Description

The ability to set goals, self-reflect and adopt feedback are tools to aid the progress of knowledge and skill development. These abilities also address industry requirements, whereby professionals must perform continuing professional development (CPD) activities to maintain accreditation.

 

Completion of these documents encourages students to develop self-reflection skills, apply goal-setting strategies and implement feedback for performance improvement. Feedback forms must be completed, signed by a tutor where applicable, and submitted to Moodle as one PDF file by the due date.


Assessment Due Date

Monday 3rd June, 5pm (AEST).


Return Date to Students

Results will be available within two weeks of the due date.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Assessment Criteria

The Formative Feedback and Self-Reflection document is available on the Moodle site and must be presented to the supervising tutor at each of the tutorial lab sessions.

 

To PASS this assessment, all documentation must be completed appropriately and submitted by the due date and time. All documents must be legible, labelled appropriately and uploaded in PDF format.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
All documents must be appropriately labelled with student name, student number and document descriptor (eg. JohnSMITH_S12345_ReflectiveFeedback). Documentation must be submitted as one single file in PDF format. JPEG is not acceptable.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply reflective feedback to professional practice improvement.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?