The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
Overview
This unit advances your study of obstetric ultrasound from MEDS12006 into the second trimester as well as building on breast ultrasound foundations which were created in MEDS12003. You will explore the sonographic assessment of normal and pathological obstetric ultrasound and breast ultrasound cases. You will participate in simulated scanning sessions to facilitate the identification of normal sonographic appearance of the second trimester fetus as well as basic breast scanning techniques and lesion localisation. Clinical scenarios are used to engage you in the sonographic decision-making process which culminates in the creation of sonographer reports.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisite: MEDS12003 Superficial Structures in UltrasoundandMEDS12006 Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology 1
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 - 2022
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).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
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.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
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 communication and unit evaluation surveys
Students valued the emphasis on clinical reasoning and image interpretation.
Continue utilising the interactive tutorial content and incorporation of image interpretation throughout the unit.
Feedback from Self reflection
The in-class test provided students with adequate time to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the topics
Continue to utilise the in-class test as an assessment item to ensure students can demonstrate their level of knowledge within an adequate timeframe.
- Analyse normal and abnormal obstetric ultrasound findings with reference to embryology, clinical presentation, sonographic appearance and aetiology
- Analyse normal and abnormal breast ultrasound findings with reference to anatomy, clinical presentation, sonographic appearance, aetiology and correlation with other breast imaging modalities
- Analyse clinical scenarios to provide a differential diagnosis and produce sonographic reports
- Formulate strategies for the provision of safe and ethical patient care
- Apply sonographic techniques and diagnostic criteria, appropriate to obstetric and breast ultrasound respectively, to produce and analyse limited examinations in a simulated environment.
The learning outcomes for this unit relate to the requirements of the Australian Sonographers Association Competency Standards for the Entry Level Sonographer as listed here.
Unit 1-3, 7 & 10.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Practical and Written Assessment - 40% | |||||
| 2 - In-class Test(s) - 40% | |||||
| 3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 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 | |||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Practical and Written Assessment - 40% | ||||||||||
| 2 - In-class Test(s) - 40% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Callen's Ultrasonography in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Edition: 6th (2016)
Authors: Mary E Norton
Elsevier
ISBN: 0323328342
Binding: eBook
Fundamental and Advanced Fetal Imaging: Ultrasound and MRI
Edition: 2nd (2020)
Authors: Beth Kline-Fath
Wolters Kluwer Health
ISBN: 197511700X
Binding: eBook
Additional Textbook Information
Whilst there is no prescribed textbooks for this unit, some supplementary textbooks are listed which may provide additional resources for content covered. All required content will be delivered in lectures/tutorials.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
p.kinnane@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
- Breast Anatomy
- Ultrasound (US) Appearance of Normal Breast Tissue
Chapter
Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page.
Events and Submissions/Topic
COMPULSORY Online Safety Induction to be completed prior to 9 March 2021.
Zoom tutorial Thursday 11 am AEST.
Module/Topic
- US Appearance of Breast Pathology
- Correlation of Breast US with Other Imaging Modalities
Chapter
Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial Thursday 11 am AEST.
Module/Topic
- Fetal Environment
Chapter
Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Formative Moodle Quiz.
Zoom tutorial Thursday 11 am AEST.
Module/Topic
- Fetal Biometry
Chapter
Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial Thursday 11 am AEST.
Module/Topic
- Fetal Heart
Chapter
Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Formative Moodle Quiz.
Lab #1 Wednesday 6/04/2022.
Zoom tutorial Thursday 11 am AEST.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
- Fetal Heart continued
Chapter
Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lab #2 Wednesday 20/04/2022.
Zoom tutorial Thursday 11 am AEST.
Module/Topic
- Fetal Neural Tube Structures
Chapter
Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial Thursday 11 am AEST.
Practical and written assessment Due: Week 7 Friday (29 Apr 2022) 3:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
- Fetal face, neck and chest
Chapter
Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Formative Moodle Quiz
Zoom tutorial Thursday 11 am AEST.
Module/Topic
- Fetal gastrointestinal, genitourinary and musculo-skeletal systems
Chapter
Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial Thursday 11 am AEST.
Online quiz Due: Week 9 Tuesday (10 May 2022) 12:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
- Multiple pregnancies
Chapter
Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial Thursday 11 am AEST.
Module/Topic
- Fetal anomalies and disorders
Chapter
Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Formative Moodle quiz.
Zoom tutorial Thursday 11 am AEST.
Module/Topic
Review week.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
The unit coordinator is Paula Kinnane. Paula is based on the Brisbane campus and contact details are: email- pkinnane@cqu.edu.au or ph- 07 3023 4146.
It is important that students regularly check their student email and the News Forum on Moodle to receive updates about the unit. Please ensure that your email correspondence is via your CQU student email.
Please keep in mind that whilst Paula works full time, she also spends time in the labs. Paula is usually very responsive by email and can coordinate meetings if necessary.
As this is a 6 credit point unit, you are expected to spend on average 12.5 hours each week on study activities for this unit.
This time includes:
- Watching recorded lectures and attending tutorials
- Creating study notes to meet weekly learning objectives using lectures, videos, and additional resources via the eReading list to supplement your learning
- Researching, revising, and working on assessment items
- Completing formative quiz questions and worksheet practise
- Lab time is made available (weeks 5 and 6) to obtain recordings and images to complete assessment 1.
Discussions about unit content and assessment are provided in the tutorials. Tutorials are held on Thursdays at 11 am AEST. The schedule and link to tutorials is available on Moodle under the Virtual Classroom tile. Recordings will be available on the unit Moodle site.
The unit is graded. There are three assessment items. Please refer to the assessment information for more details.
1 Practical and Written Assessment
This assessment will require you to practically acquire images and videos using phantoms in the CQU sonography labs and provide a written discussion on your imaging series. Part A will focus on the obstetric component and Part B will focus on the breast component.
Part A- Obstetrics Component
Overview
The sonographic assessment of fetal morphology is an important component for prenatal assessment of fetal structural conditions, biometry, placental position, amniotic fluid, and fetal number. The findings can have significant implications for the management of pregnancy, for delivery, and post-natal care. The purpose of this assessment is to prepare you for undertaking sonographic assessment in a clinical environment and analyse the sonographer’s role in the routine mid trimester morphology scan.
Task Description
Practical component- Acquisition of videos, images and measurements
It is important that sonographers have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and effectively image patients. This involves probe manipulation to adapt for fetal position, appropriate image optimisation, accurate measurements, and image evaluation. You will complete the following components:
1. Using the 2nd trimester obstetric phantoms in the CQU sonography lab, your task is to produce two (2) short videos (maximum length 2 minutes each) with audio (using smart phone or similar) demonstrating and explaining how you will personally assess the following:
a. Fetal position and situs
b. Axial sweep through the fetal heart to include 4 chamber heart and outflow tracts.
2. Using the 2nd Trimester obstetric phantoms, acquire the following sonographic static images:
a. Sagittal fetal profile
b. Axial trans thalamic plane
c. Axial abdomen at the level where the abdominal circumference would be measured
d. Long femur
e. Placental location (to include cord insertion)
3. Static sonographic Images will be provided on the ultrasound machines in the CQU sonography labs. You will analyse the images and personally select the most technically correct image and obtain multiple measurements of parameters (minimum of 2 each) for the following images:
a. Bi-parietal diameter (BPD)/head circumference (HC)
b. Abdominal circumference (AC)
c. Femoral length (FL)
d. Cervix length
e. Cerebellum, cisterna magna, and nuchal fold
Report pages (containing measurements for all components in item 3) and graphs (for images a, b, and c of item 3) are to be included.
You must use your own unique MRN to produce these videos, images, reports, and graphs. They must be your own work. Any identified cases of potential collusion will result in a breach of academic integrity case being raised.
Written component- Discussion of image series
Please ensure all images (and where relevant report pages/graphs) are included within your discussion.
1. For each image acquired in item 2 of the practical component, provide a brief (dot points are adequate) critique of your image
2. You will provide a reflective discussion on your imaging series for item 3. For each image submitted:
· justify the clinical purpose or importance of each image and/or measurement (Why do we take the image/measurement? How is the information used clinically?). Ensure your discussion includes the interpretation of reports and graphs you generated where appropriate.
· discuss the key factors of image optimisation for each individual image (Do you do anything special to ensure this image is optimised? Do you need to adjust technical parameters or utilise practical skills to demonstrate the structure in a particular position?)
Part B- Breast Component
Overview
Breast ultrasound is an important practical component in screening and the diagnosis of breast disease. This component will assess the sonographer’s role in technique and evaluation of lesions.
Task Description
Practical component- Acquisition of video, images, and analysis of lesion
Using the breast phantoms in the CQU sonography lab, you will personally acquire the following:
1. A short video (maximum 2 minutes) with audio (using smart phone or similar) demonstrating and explaining how to perform one (1) of either a) cross hatch survey scanning or b) radial and anti- radial survey scanning.
2. Obtain four (4) US images taken at 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions. Images should be appropriately optimised, annotated, and with body marker correctly used.
3. Choose one (1 ) lesion within the breast phantom and image it with appropriate optimisation, annotation, and body marker in two orthogonal planes.
You must use your own unique MRN to produce these videos and images, and they must be your own work. Any identified cases of potential collusion will result in a breach of academic integrity case being raised.
Written component- Discussion of image series
Please ensure all images (items 2 and 3) are included within your assessment.
For the images of your chosen lesion (item 3) ONLY:
· critique the image quality (specifically any aspects needing improvement)
· describe the lesion using appropriate terminology (appearance, size, location, etc.)
· based on the appearances of the lesion you have chosen, determine the BIRADS classification
Week 7 Friday (29 Apr 2022) 3:00 pm AEST
Week 9 Friday (13 May 2022)
All components will be assessed for adherence and attention to task requirements. A marking rubric is available for more detailed outline of assessment criteria.
Practical component - Acquisition of images
Your images and videos will be assessed for:
- optimisation
- scan plane
- demonstration and explanation of technique
- appropriate selection of image
- accurate caliper placement
- annotation
- use of ultrasound machine features (zoom, chroma maps, split screen, etc)
- appropriate timing (where applicable)
Written component - Discussion of image series
Your discussion will be assessed on:
- spelling, grammar, and academic writing
- critical evaluation of research sources and accurate and complete referencing
- adherence to word count (penalties will apply if too brief or too lengthy)
As well as the following:
Part A
- quality of critique on image quality for images in item 1
- justification of clinical relevance of images and interpretation of reports/graphs for item 2
- discussion of key optimisation techniques for item 2
Part B
- quality of provided images
- quality of critique on image quality
- accuracy of description of basic lesion characterisation
The following assessment supports can be found on the unit Moodle site
- Marking rubric
- Assessment Video
- Vancouver referencing information
- Formulate strategies for the provision of safe and ethical patient care
- Apply sonographic techniques and diagnostic criteria, appropriate to obstetric and breast ultrasound respectively, to produce and analyse limited examinations in a simulated environment.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Ethical practice
2 Online Quiz(zes)
In Week 9, you will complete an online quiz to assess your understanding of the concepts delivered for weeks 1-8. The quiz can be accessed through the assessment tab on Moodle.
It will comprise of short answer/multiple choice questions. Students will need to note opening and closing times to complete the quiz during this time period.
The quiz will be open for 60 mins and only ONE attempt is allowed. Once started, the quiz cannot be paused or restarted.
Questions will be drawn from a pool of questions to allow tests to be different for each student.
This assessment is to be undertaken as an individual. As with all other university assessment, colluding with other students on non group work tasks is considered academic misconduct, and may lead to action being taken.
1
Other
Week 9 Tuesday (10 May 2022) 12:00 pm AEST
Quiz will be open until 2pm. You need to find a one (1) hour window within this time slot.
Marks will be available two weeks after all students have completed the quiz
Answers will be either correct or incorrect and tabulated by the unit's online Moodle system.
Students must achieve a minimum mark of 50% to pass this assessment.
- Analyse normal and abnormal obstetric ultrasound findings with reference to embryology, clinical presentation, sonographic appearance and aetiology
- Analyse normal and abnormal breast ultrasound findings with reference to anatomy, clinical presentation, sonographic appearance, aetiology and correlation with other breast imaging modalities
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
3 In-class Test(s)
An in-class test will be conducted and completed on Thursday 2nd June at 12pm (AEST) (week 12), at your campus of enrolment.
The in-class test will be conducted as an online test via Moodle and will assess your understanding and learning of the content of this unit, and your ability to complete an ultrasound worksheet. Content assessed will include content covered in lectures, tutorials, and readings from weeks 1-11.
The questions will involve a combination of short and long answer style questions which require typed answers. You will also be provided with a worksheet which will need to be completed and handed to supervisors at the conclusion of the test.
The test will last 140 minutes (2 hours 20 minutes). It will be closed book and supervised, and you will be required to adhere to test conditions. You will complete the test in computer labs on campus.
Any evidence of students not adhering to test conditions will be dealt with as per the CQUniversity academic misconduct procedure document.
You must know your student login to allow you to access university computers.
Week 12 Thursday (2 June 2022) 12:00 pm AEST
Please note Perth Students starting time 10am (Local time)
Marks will be released within two weeks of all students completing the test
Responses to test questions will be assessed according to:
- Use of appropriate sonographic terminology and descriptors.
- Relevance of response to the question asked to appropriately identify normal and abnormal ultrasound findings with reference to anatomy, clinical presentation, sonographic appearance, and aetiology.
- Adequate detail provided in answer to demonstrate clinical awareness and critical thinking.
- Analyse normal and abnormal obstetric ultrasound findings with reference to embryology, clinical presentation, sonographic appearance and aetiology
- Analyse normal and abnormal breast ultrasound findings with reference to anatomy, clinical presentation, sonographic appearance, aetiology and correlation with other breast imaging modalities
- Analyse clinical scenarios to provide a differential diagnosis and produce sonographic reports
- Formulate strategies for the provision of safe and ethical patient care
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
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?
