CQUniversity Unit Profile
MEDS13008 Vascular Sonography
Vascular Sonography
All details in this unit profile for MEDS13008 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.
General Information

Overview

This unit will introduce you to vascular ultrasound. In this unit you will explore the sonographic assessment of normal and pathological vascular cases. You will apply knowledge of vascular anatomy and physiology, and the physical properties of Doppler ultrasound to clinical scenarios and case studies to critically reflect on sonographic problems. Engaging in this sonographic decision-making process will culminate in the creation of sonographer’s interpretive reports, including a provisional diagnosis.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prerequisites:- MEDS12001 Physics of Ultrasound

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 - 2019

Online

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 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

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

Assessment Overview

1. Group Work
Weighting: 40%
2. Examination
Weighting: 60%

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 email

Feedback

Students enjoyed the learning achieved from the "Waveform of the Week" quiz.

Recommendation

Retain the "Waveform of the Week" learning.

Feedback from Student email

Feedback

Students felt that there was too much content for a 12 week unit.

Recommendation

The more advanced vascular learning has been removed and will be taught in the Advanced Vascular Masters unit.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Apply knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathological processes of the vascular system to sonographic examinations and sonographic image appearances.
  2. Describe sonographic techniques and protocols appropriate to vascular ultrasound.
  3. Analyse normal, anomalous and abnormal flow haemodynamics and laboratory findings.
  4. Demonstrate professional collaboration with your peers.
  5. Analyse clinical scenarios to provide a differential diagnosis and produce a sonographic report.

The learning outcomes for this unit relate to the requirements of the Australian Sonographer's Association (ASA) Competency Standards for the Entry Level Sonographer, unit 1-5, 13,

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
1 - Group Work - 40%
2 - Examination - 60%

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 - Group Work - 40%
2 - Examination - 60%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

CLINICAL DOPPLER ULTRASOUND

THIRD EDITION (2014)
Authors: MYRON A POZNIAK and PAUL L. ALLAN
CHURCHILL LIVINGSTONE ELSEVIER
LONDON LONDON , UK
ISBN: 978-0-7020-5015-2
Binding: Hardcover
Supplementary

Vascular ULTRASOUND HOW, WHY AND WHEN

Edition: THIRD (2009)
Authors: Thrush, A & Hartshorne, T
Churchill Livingstone
London London , UK
ISBN: 978-0-443-06918-5
Binding: Hardcover

Additional Textbook Information

Vascular Ultrascound is a recommended supplementary book. Students may choose to purchase this book but it is not compulsory.

Both copies can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

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
Afrooz Najafzadeh Abriz Unit Coordinator
a.najafzadehabriz@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 11 Mar 2019

Module/Topic

Doppler physics and haemodynamic principles

Chapter

Clinical Doppler Ultrasound  by Pozniak & Allan: chapters: 1 and 2 pp 1-38

Vascular Ultrasound, How, Why and When by Thrush and Hartshorne: chapters: 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 PP 23-86

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 18 Mar 2019

Module/Topic

Doppler ultrasound assessment of the peripheral veins

Chapter

Pozniak & Allan: Chapter: 5 pp 94-114

Thrush and Hartshorne: chapter: 13 PP 193-215 and chapter: 14: pp 233-253

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom Tutorial Friday 22.03.19 12:00 p.m. AEST

Week 3 Begin Date: 25 Mar 2019

Module/Topic

Doppler ultrasound assessment of carotid and vertebral arteries

Chapter

Pozniak & Allan: chapter: 3 pp 39-70

Thrush and Hartshorne: chapter: 8 pp 87-116

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 01 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Doppler ultrasound assessment of the aorta and inferior vena cava

Chapter

Pozniak & Allan: chapter: 6 pp 122-134

Thrush and Hartshorne: chapter: 11 PP 155-174

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom Tutorial Friday 05.04.19 12:00 p.m. AEST

Week 5 Begin Date: 08 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Doppler ultrasound assessment of the lower limb arteries

Chapter

Pozniak & Allan: chapter: 4 pp 71-93

Thrush and Hartshorne: chapter: 9 pp 117-142

Events and Submissions/Topic

Draft website design submission due Friday 12.04.19, 02.00 p.m. AEST.

The first Self and Peer Assessment (SPA) survey is due Friday 12.04.19, 02:00 p.m. AEST.

Vacation Week Begin Date: 15 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

This is the vacation week and a good time to revise the contents of the unit so far.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 22 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Doppler ultrasound assessment of the upper limb arteries

Chapter

Pozniak & Allan: chapter: 4 pp 77-82

Thrush and Hartshorne: chapter: 10 PP 143-154

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom Tutorial Friday 26.04.19, 12:00 p.m. AEST

Week 7 Begin Date: 29 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Doppler ultrasound assessment of renal arteries

Chapter

Pozniak & Allan: chapter: 9 pp 193-213

Thrush and Hartshorne: chapter: 12 pp 175-187

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 06 May 2019

Module/Topic

Doppler ultrasound assessment of the hepato-portal system

Chapter

Pozniak & Allan: chapter: 8 pp 148-192

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom Tutorial Friday, 10.05.19 12:00 p.m. AEST

Week 9 Begin Date: 13 May 2019

Module/Topic

Work on the assessment task.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

The second SPA survey is due on Friday 2.00 p.m. AEST.


Design an educational website on a vascular condition, targeting general public / patients Due: Week 9 Friday (17 May 2019) 2:00 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 20 May 2019

Module/Topic

Introduction to advanced vascular ultrasound-Doppler ultrasound assessment of haemodyalisis access grafts

Chapter

Pozniak & Allan: chapter 5 pp 114-120

Thrush and Hartshorne: chapter: 13 PP 199-232

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 27 May 2019

Module/Topic

Introduction to advanced vascular ultrasound-Doppler ultrasound assessment of chronic venous insufficiency

Chapter

Pozniak & Allan: chapter 5 pp 114-120

Thrush and Hartshorne: chapter: 13 PP 199-232

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 03 Jun 2019

Module/Topic

Exam revision week

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom Tutorial Tuesday 10.06.19 12:00 p.m. AEST

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Jun 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 17 Jun 2019

Module/Topic

The Standard Examination

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

Unit coordinator is Dr. Afrooz Najafzadeh Abriz. Afrooz is based in Perth.

Contact details: email: a.najafzadehabriz@cqu.edu.au or phone: 08 92604080

The best way to contact Afrooz is by email. Remember the time difference between Western Australia and the eastern states when contacting the unit coordinator.

Access to the Internet is required to undertake this unit as all unit materials, tutorials and updates will be provided via Moodle, email and Zoom.

Assessment Tasks

1 Group Work

Assessment Title
Design an educational website on a vascular condition, targeting general public / patients

Task Description

The internet has become an integral part of our everyday lives, affecting the way we work, communicate, shop, travel and obtain information. It has also changed the way patients obtain health information. In this assessment you are asked to design a website using any free online platform. The aim of your website is to raise the awareness of a vascular condition with the emphasis to educate the patients about what signs and symptoms to look for and what to expect when they attend an ultrasound examination for diagnosis of the condition. Additionally a component of this assignment has been dedicated to demonstrate effective communication skills.

You will be allocated to a group, ideally groups will contain maximum of 4 students from the same campus but depending on number of enrolments, a group may be comprised of 3 students or students may be from different campuses. A revision of Belbin's team roles will be provided under the assessment overview task.

A draft group allocation will be available by Monday of the second week of the term (18.03.19), which could be subject to change until after the census date of 03.04.19 in week 4.

Groups in various campuses will be randomly given a number from 1 to X (depending on the numbers enrolled at each campus). Random allocation of teams reflects the reality of working in a multi-disciplinary team in a clinical environment.

A topic from the list below will be allocated to that group number:

1. Deep vein thrombosis

2. Carotid artery stenosis

3. Abdominal aortic aneurysm

4. Peripheral arterial disease.


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Friday (17 May 2019) 2:00 pm AEST

There are three components to this assessment: Part A: Draft website format submission-group component (Due date: week 5 Friday 02:00 p.m. AEST). Part B: Submission of link to the final website-group component with embedded individual component (Due date: week 9 Friday 17.05.19 02:00 p.m. AEST). Part C SPA surveys x 2 - individual component (Due dates: week 5 Friday 12.04.19 02:00 p.m. AEST and week 9 Friday 17.05.19 02:00 p.m. AEST.)


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Friday (31 May 2019)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

The website must contain five pages or tabs:

Tabs / pages to be titled as:

1. About us

2. Factsheet

3. Blogs

4. Identify, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (ISBAR) video

5. References

Page 1 / tab 1: About Us (10%)

In this tab you are required to introduce all group members, stating the name of your unit, course and the university you’re enrolled at.

Additionally:

  • Describe what the website is designed for.
  • Provide a guide for the reader on how to navigate the website.
  • Clearly define the target audience.
  • Describe the aims / objectives of the information provided in the website.
  • Explain the significance of the vascular condition as an important health issue.

You can enter above information as written text or embed a recorded video where all members introduce themselves and explain the purpose of the website.

Page 2 / tab 2: Factsheet (25%)

This page should contain the main information about the vascular condition and should reflect evidence of a wide range of readings including the most up to date and accurate information about the vascular condition using credible references. The maximum word count for this section is 1500 words.

The factsheet page should:

  • Clearly define the background to the condition including facts / figures / statistics and identify the high risk group.
  • Clearly explain the signs and symptoms of the condition.
  • Clearly describe the ultrasound examination for the condition.
  • Advise the follow up assessment depending on the ultrasound diagnosis and / or explain the possible treatment options.
  • Contain correct in-text citation using Vancouver style of referencing with superscript numbers.

Page 3 / tab 3: Blog (25%) - Individual component

Each member of the group to enter a blog on this page, with the maximum word count of 500 words per blog. A team comprising of 4 members must have 4 blog entries, smaller groups of 3 may enter 3 blog only.

The blog entry needs to contain the author’s name and a date of entry. It is more attractive for an educational website to have blog entries over a space of several weeks, so try and not post all blogs at once. The blogs would be representation of the individual component for this assignment. No information in the factsheet should be repeated in the blog entries. Similar to the factsheet, evidence of wide range of readings and most up to date, accurate information is required.

The blog entry should:

  • Provide new information on any aspect of the condition not included in the factsheet.
  • Refer to any new media release / recent published work about the condition.
  • Provide additional information about the ultrasound examination not included in the fact sheet or describe the advantages of ultrasound examination compared to other methods of investigation for this condition.
  • Explain possible alternative diagnostic examinations and/ or management options (if relevant).
  • Contain correct in-text citation using Vancouver style of referencing with superscript numbers

Page 4 / tab 4 – ISBAR video (25%)

Group members need to record an oral presentation and are expected to do a role play in order to portray the correct method of communicating patients’ information and scan findings to the reporting Radiologist (using ISBAR framework of communication in health).

The ISBAR will be explained in a tutorial in week 2.

The video length should be maximum of 5 minutes, each member is required to take part. Team members can play the following roles: Patient, student Sonographer, supervising Sonographer and the reporting Radiologist.

The recorded video is to be embedded in page 4 / tab 4 or a link to a You Tube channel should be placed in page 4 / tab 4 to direct the reader to the video.

The ISBAR video requirements are:

  • The purpose of the video should be explained to the target audience.
  • In role play, each team member portrays their part so all aspects of ISBAR are clearly demonstrated.
  • The ultrasound findings are clearly and concisely reported to the supervisor and / or the reporting Radiologist.
  • The recommendations from the Radiologist must be clearly communicated to the patient.
  • The video production must be of high quality (clarity of speech / audio volume and visuals).

More information about the ISBAR is provided on Moodle under the Assessment Overview task.

Page 5 / TAB 5- References (5%)

This tab should contain all your end text citations and link address to any other websites / videos you have used in your website. The references should be divided under subheadings (corresponding to page / tab number) to show which references were used for each tab.

Website layout (5%)

Five percent mark has been allocated to creativity and the website layout.

The minimum requirement for the draft status of your websites are as follows:

  1. Website title.
  2. Tabs / pages allocated with headings.
  3. Introduction of group members and purpose of the website explained in tab 1 / page 1.

You do not need to have any information typed / inserted in other tabs at the draft stage, but you may choose to do so to show your progress.

The Self and Peer Assessment (SPA) Survey (5%)

This will be assessed in two parts, the first SPA survey to be submitted in week 6 by Friday 12.04.19 02:00 p.m. AEST with the link to the draft website.

The final SPA survey to be submitted in week 9 by Friday 17.05.19 02:00 p.m. AEST. The average score of two surveys will determine the final SPA survey grade.

A marking rubric is provided on the Moodle under the Assessment Overview task.


Referencing Style
  • Vancouver

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Only one member of each group is required to submit the link to the draft website and the final website by the due dates. Other members need to submit their own blog only by the due date. Each member of group is expected to submit the SPA survey in week 5 and week 9 by the due date.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Only one member of each group is required to submit the link to the draft website and the final website by the due date. Other members need to submit their own blog only by the due date in week 9. Each member of group is expected to submit the SPA surveys in week 5 and week 9 by the due dates.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathological processes of the vascular system to sonographic examinations and sonographic image appearances.
  • Analyse normal, anomalous and abnormal flow haemodynamics and laboratory findings.
  • Demonstrate professional collaboration with your peers.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work

Examination

Outline
Complete an invigilated examination

Date
During the examination period at a CQUniversity examination centre

Weighting
60%

Length
180 minutes

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Exam Conditions
Closed Book

Materials
Dictionary - non-electronic, concise, direct translation only (dictionary must not contain any notes or comments).
Calculator - non-programmable, no text retrieval, silent only
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?