CQUniversity Unit Profile
MEDS20008 Advanced Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Upper Body
Advanced Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Upper Body
All details in this unit profile for MEDS20008 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 advances your clinical practice in the field of musculoskeletal ultrasound of the upper body. You will deepen your knowledge and understanding of sonographic anatomy, pathophysiology and dynamic function of the musculoskeletal systems in the upper body. You will appreciate the role of ultrasound in clinical assessment, and patient management, including interventional procedures. To successfully complete this unit you will need access to musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations in the clinical context. This unit includes an optional residential school comprising practical training in advanced upper body musculoskeletal ultrasound.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

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

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).

Residential Schools

This unit has a Optional Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Postgraduate 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. Written Assessment
Weighting: 50%
2. Online Test
Weighting: 50%

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 feedback via Moodle "Have your say".

Feedback

Students found the written assessment challenging but appropriate for the unit.

Recommendation

Continue to include a written assessment task in this unit. Ensure adequate scaffolding of strategies for students in terms of academic writing, which they find challenging. Provide clear expectations of academic writing at an AQF level 9 when unpacking the assessment task for students.

Feedback from Student feedback via Moodle "Have your say".

Feedback

Students reported that different lecturing styles between lecturers, ensured all learning styles were catered for.

Recommendation

Continue to provide lecture resources from a variety of academics and industry experts to cater to different learning styles of students.

Feedback from Student feedback via Moodle "Have your say".

Feedback

Students appreciated the in-depth knowledge and expert academic input.

Recommendation

Continue to use industry experts to provide lectures or tutorials within this unit.

Feedback from Student feedback via Moodle "Have your say".

Feedback

It has been suggested by students to include more clinical scanning videos to demonstrate dynamic testing of musculoskeletal structures.

Recommendation

Develop some small videos demonstrating dynamic manouvres performed under ultrasound control.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Analyse sonographic anatomy and appearances of normal and pathological musculoskeletal structures of the upper body
  2. Research the role of ultrasound in the clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a patient.

The Masters course does not lead to entry into the sonography profession but is rather provided to qualified practitioners to allow advanced practice. Therefore it does not require external accreditation. The Master of Medical Ultrasound qualifies as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity (activity code 10B - Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR)).

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
1 - Written Assessment - 50%
2 - Online Test - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - 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
1 - Written Assessment - 50%
2 - Online Test - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Ultrasound of the Musculoskeletal System

Edition: 1 (2007)
Authors: Stephano Bianchi and Carlo Martinoli
Springer-Verlag
Berlin Heidelberg Berlin Heidelberg , New York , USA
ISBN: 978-3-540-28163-4
Binding: eBook

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Web camera and microphone to join online sessions
Referencing Style

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

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Michelle Fenech Unit Coordinator
m.fenech@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 07 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Introduction to unit, revision of basics of musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound and assessment task overview.

Chapter

Chapters 1-5

As this unit covers content relating to advanced MSK ultrasound, some general knowledge of the basics of MSK ultrasound is assumed. These chapters from the prescribed text, Ultrasound of the Musculoskeletal System by Bianchi and Martinoli, are available to read to refresh your understanding of the basics.

Lectures in this and following weeks.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 14 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Ultrasound of the brachial plexus and muscles that stabilise the shoulder.

Chapter

Chapter 6

Lectures are available.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 21 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Ultrasound of the shoulder and axilla.

Chapter

Chapter 6

Lectures are available.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 28 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Ultrasound of the upper arm (brachium).

Chapter

Chapter 7

Lectures are available.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 04 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Ultrasound of the elbow.

Chapter

Chapter 8

Lectures are available.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 11 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Enjoy the break this week.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 6 Begin Date: 18 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Ultrasound of the forearm.

Chapter

Chapter 9

Lectures are available.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 25 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Ultrasound of the wrist.

Chapter

Chapter 10

Lectures are available.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 02 May 2022

Module/Topic

Ultrasound of the hand.

Chapter

Chapter 11

Lectures are available.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 09 May 2022

Module/Topic

Ultrasound of the fingers and thumb.

Chapter

Chapter 11

Lectures are available.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 16 May 2022

Module/Topic

Interventional techniques, revision and consolidation.

Chapter

Lectures are available.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 23 May 2022

Module/Topic

Revision and consolidation.

Chapter

Additional revision in preparation for online test.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 30 May 2022

Module/Topic

Online test opens this week.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

.


Written educational paper - Sonographic assessment of an upper body musculoskeletal structure Due: Week 12 Friday (3 June 2022) 5:00 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 06 Jun 2022

Module/Topic

Online test closes this week.


Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Test Due: Review/Exam Week Friday (10 June 2022) 11:59 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 13 Jun 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

Your unit coordinator for this unit is Dr Michelle Fenech (Brisbane based). Tutorials will be offered throughout the term in the evenings to accommodate those working during the day. The timings for these tutorials can be found on the unit Moodle site under the 'Virtual classes' tile. Zoom links will be available within the 'Virtual classes' tile on the unit Moodle site and under specific content tiles that correspond to content discussed in tutorials.

This unit is a theoretical unit. It is designed to extend your knowledge related to musculoskeletal ultrasound of the upper body. You are encouraged to think critically about evidence provided in published studies, to underpin and inform your future sonographic clinical practice.

The content covered in this unit includes:

  • Relative sonographic anatomy and dynamic function of upper body musculoskeletal structures
  • Clinical indications for the sonographic assessment of upper body musculoskeletal structures including clinical conditions, symptoms, and mechanisms of injury
  • Descriptions of sonographic techniques used to image and dynamically assess upper body musculoskeletal structures
  • Documentation and justification of the sonographic appearance of normal/uninjured upper body musculoskeletal anatomical structures and associated relative anatomy including sonographic landmarks
  • Structural change (injury or pathology) that can occur to upper body musculoskeletal structures and subsequent documentation and communication of abnormal sonographic appearances and findings which are specific to each injury/pathology
  • Highlighting of current gaps in knowledge related to musculoskeletal ultrasound of the upper body

As this unit is a Master level unit, it is very important that you seek out, and engage with, current published studies and literature beyond that in textbooks. You will be challenged to critically think about, reflect on, and synthesize the results of published, peer-reviewed studies, to inform future sonographic protocol development of upper body musculoskeletal structures. The assessment tasks within this unit are designed to encourage you to think more critically, rather than just recount information.

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written educational paper - Sonographic assessment of an upper body musculoskeletal structure

Task Description

You are required to develop and submit a written paper which discusses and reviews current knowledge and published literature regarding the advanced sonographic assessment of an upper body musculoskeletal structure. Your topic needs to be refined to allow an in-depth exploration and discussion of this sonographic assessment and enhance the current knowledge of the sonographic profession.

Your paper (2000 words) will include a title, introduction, body (discussion of the topic), and conclusion, with a reference list at the end. An unstructured abstract (200 words, in addition to word count of paper) will need to be included following the reference list.

The introduction of your paper will need to introduce and provide context to the topic you have chosen to help the reader interpret your writing. In addition, it should outline the clinical relevance and importance of why a sonographic assessment of your structure of interest is important and is required to be appreciated by sonographers.

The body of the paper should include at a minimum:

  • An outline of the relative anatomy of an upper body musculoskeletal structure of interest and its surrounds
  • The sonographic technique to image and assess a structure of interest and its surrounds
  • Normal sonographic appearances of the structure of interest and surrounds
  • Structural changes that may occur and be seen sonographically when present, and whether these relate to clinical symptoms/presentations
  • Resultant abnormal sonographic appearances when specific injuries/pathologies are present
  • Any sonographic guided interventions that may be performed, if required, and/or how sonographic findings can be used to guide patient management.

You are required to research, analyse, critically reflect on, and synthesize current peer reviewed scientific, medical, and allied health literature related to your selected topic to identify a consensus, lack of consensus or areas for future research throughout the whole paper. Your paper should be structured and written in an academic fashion with adherence to your topic theme and demonstrate a coherent and cohesive writing style. You need to demonstrate that you have adequately cross-referenced information provided within your paper. As the sonographic assessment of musculoskeletal structures involves a visual understanding of anatomy and sonographic appearances, anatomical figures, sonographic images, and tables may be used to enhance reader comprehension and the overall readability of your paper. All figures and tables should be referred to within the text and the reader needs to be directed when to refer to them. Figures (diagrams and sonographic deidentified images) and tables when used need to be original, or you need to demonstrate you have gained permission to re-use them (evidence of this will be supplied in an appendix). Vancouver style referencing is to be used.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (3 June 2022) 5:00 pm AEST

Submitted through the assessment tab on Moodle.


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (17 June 2022)

Returned via Moodle.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

A high level of communication skills is required to convey a clear and concise message in your paper. Your paper must be written in a systematic manner to allow an easy-to-follow format for the reader.

Your title must accurately represent the paper.

The introduction must provide context to the relevance and importance of the chosen topic and be relevant to advanced musculoskeletal ultrasound of the upper body. It should introduce and define any important terms and outline the purpose of the paper and provide a brief overview of what it will discuss. It should grab the reader’s attention and engage the reader.

The body of the paper will include clear, relevant, appropriate, and correct information which is relevant to the defined topic choice. It should demonstrate a depth of understanding of your chosen topic and an ability to clearly explain and articulate the topic in written form, from simple to complex and general to specific. It is very important that current knowledge gaps are clearly identified and discussed.

The conclusion will ensure that the take home message of the paper is clearly articulated and the purpose of the paper outlined in the introduction has been addressed.

Your paper should deliver a clear, concise, and correct message, at an appropriate length, and be well proof-read and edited with accurate spelling, grammar, and vocabulary appropriate for the sonographic discipline.

Appropriate, accurate and complete use of in-text referencing and cross referencing throughout the paper is required with an accurate and complete reference list provided, demonstrating inclusion of relevant key literature.

The required font is Arial or Calibri, size 12 with 1.5 spacing.

A cover page should be included specifying the unit code and name, paper title, your name and student number, unit coordinator and word count.

An unstructured abstract is to be included at the end of the paper (after reference list) and provide an overview of the topic, main findings, and conclusion.

The marking rubric for this assessment task is available on the MEDS20008 unit Moodle site.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit via Moodle under the assessment tab.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Research the role of ultrasound in the clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a patient.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

2 Online Test

Assessment Title
Online Test

Task Description

An online test will be conducted to assess your knowledge and understanding of content related to the sonographic assessment of upper body musculoskeletal structures. Image viewing questions will be included. You may be required to discuss clinical indications for sonographic assessments, relative sonographic anatomy and sonographic techniques used to image upper body musculoskeletal structures. In addition, you may be required to identify whether sonographic images appear within normal limits or demonstrate abnormal sonographic findings of musculoskeletal structures of the upper body and justify your answers. You may be asked how a sonographic examination may need to be extended, or what other sonographic techniques need to be used to further demonstrate related structures, to inform a diagnosis.

The test will be accessed through the assessment tile or drop-down menu on the MEDS20008 unit Moodle site. The online test will be comprised of 10 questions (each worth 10 marks each) and will require you to provide typed written answers. The test will be open for 1.5 hours (90 minutes). This allows nine (9) minutes per question. Only one attempt of the test is allowed. Once the test is commenced, it cannot be paused, stopped, or re-started. Once you have completed the test, it cannot be re-taken. You will need to allocate a 90-minute period throughout the week that the test is open to complete and submit the test. It is important to ensure that you will have a reliable internet connection to allow you to complete the test.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Friday (10 June 2022) 11:59 pm AEST

This online test will be open for one week. It will open 9:00 am Friday 3rd June. The test must be undertaken at some stage during the week it is open.


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (17 June 2022)

Results will be made available via Moodle.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Your answers will need to correctly describe relative sonographic anatomy demonstrated on sonographic images provided in questions.

Demonstrate correct use of information provided in the question (which may relate to a patient's age or clinical symptoms/ indications related to sonographic imaging) to guide the development of your answer.

Justifications of whether sonographic images provided appear within normal limits or not, need to be correctly and adequately provided with relevant information provided in answers.

Discipline specific terminology must be used correctly and adequately.

A clear distinction between clinical conditions and structural changes identified sonographically needs to be demonstrated in answers.

As answers are worth 10 marks each (for each question), an adequate amount of correct, relevant, and detailed information to demonstrate a depth of understanding related to the specific question needs to be included in your answer.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
You need to access the test through the assessment tab on Moodle and will need to maintain internet access for 90 minutes to complete the test.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Analyse sonographic anatomy and appearances of normal and pathological musculoskeletal structures of the upper body


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills

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?