Overview
This unit aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the science and instrumentation of clinical ultrasound to enable you to produce optimum images. The unit emphasis will be on safety and quality assurance. You are required to attend ultrasound skills workshops to complete this unit. In the practical workshops you will apply your knowledge of scanning technique and image optimisation. This unit will form the foundation from which you will build image acquisition, recognition and assessment skills as part of the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Ultrasound.
Details
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 2 - 2018
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 Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.
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
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a pass/fail (non-graded) unit. To pass the unit, you must pass all of the individual assessment tasks shown in the table above.
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 "Have your say" course evaluation.
Students found that the ultrasound concepts could be tailored specifically in the residential school and made relevant to their field of work.
Time allocated for performing hands on acquisition of ultrasound images can continue to be incorporated into the Residential School. The lab activities can be adapted to body regions relevant to the students' learning needs.
Feedback from "Have your say" course evaluation.
Complex subjects were made easy to comprehend by explanations throughout the lectures. The information was delivered in manageable segments.
Continue to provide lectures with pictorial examples of complex theoretical concepts.
Feedback from "Have your say" course evaluation.
Students had a positive learning experience and were promptly assisted in their concerns and given opportunity to ask specific questions via online Zoom tutorial sessions.
Continue the practice of providing feedback and mentoring via email and Zoom tutorials.
Feedback from Student Feedback.
Students would appreciate an opportunity earlier in the term to practice the manipulation of ultrasound transducers and buttons to help them engage with the theory of later modules. Without attending the ultrasound laboratory earlier in the term, there is a great deal of content to cover in the final residential school and less opportunity therefore for hands on practice.
An optional laboratory session will be provided early in the term to assist students with the basics of ultrasound machine operation and to assist with conceptualizing the theory covered in the modules.
Feedback from "Have your say" course evaluation.
Students would appreciate more handouts and notes to accompany the video lectures.
Additional notes and lecture handouts will be available in the next offering.
- Apply knowledge of ultrasound interaction with tissue and practical skills to acquire diagnostic ultrasound images
- Assess and solve problems with images in relation to artifacts and diagnostic usefulness
- Compare the different modes of ultrasound and their applications in medical ultrasound
- Identify and manage safety issues in medical ultrasound.
The International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM) Point of care curriculum guidelines
3.3 Demonstration of how to generate and optimise an image- 1, 3 and 5
3.4 Demonstration of good practice in point-of-care ultrasound- 1.2.3.5 and 6
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Online Test - 0% | ||||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 0% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 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 - Online Test - 0% | ||||||||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 0% | ||||||||
Textbooks
Artifacts in Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound, Volume 1, Greyscale Artifacts
Edition: 1st (2012)
Authors: Martin Necas
High Frequency Publishing
Sydney Sydney , NSW , Australia
ISBN: 978‐0987292179
Binding: eBook
The physics and technology of diagnostic ultrasound: A practitioner's guide.
Edition: 1st (2012)
Authors: Dr Robert Gill
High frequency Publishing
Abbortsford, Sydney, Abbortsford, Sydney, , NSW , Australia
ISBN: 9780987292100
Binding: Website Link
Additional Textbook Information
The most helpful resource is the prescribed book called 'Artifacts in Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound'. There is an e-book version of this available for download under the blue tab at this location https://ultrasoundbook.net/buy-now.html
Alternatively click on this link to go directly to the Artifacts book by Martin Necas.
https://sonophys.com.au/store.html#!/Artifacts-in-Diagnostic-Medical-Ultrasound-Grayscale-Artifacts-e-book/p/78816753/category=14587755&forcescroll=true
There is an online version also of the supplementary paperback textbook by Dr Robert Gill. https://ultrasoundbook.net/buy-now.html This is just a recommended reading to accompany lectures.
Gill, R. (2012). The physics and technology of diagnostic ultrasound : A practitioner's guide. Abbotsford, N.S.W.: High Frequency Publishing.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Zoom Conferencing (Webcam and Microphone)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
b.wylie@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Module 1 Introduction to Ultrasound modes and instrumentation, transducers, image orientation, and sound wave science.
Chapter
CRO copy of Chapter 2 The Physics and Technology of Diagnostic Ultrasound (R. Gill) will be available for you on Moodle.
Recorded lectures available.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 1 Introduction to Ultrasound modes and instrumentation, transducers, image orientation, and sound wave science.
Chapter
Lectures available.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lab induction information is provided on Moodle this week.
An on-site tutorial within the ultrasound lab on Saturday will be offered (Brisbane, Mackay, Melbourne and Sydney pending student numbers). It will introduce basic ultrasound concepts and probe handling skills. It will not be mandatory to attend. This will run on Saturday July 21st for 3 hours. See Moodle for more details.
Module/Topic
Module 1 Introduction to Ultrasound modes and instrumentation, transducers, image orientation, and sound wave science.
Chapter
Lectures available.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 2 Types of resolution and beam geometry.
Chapter
Written content will be supplied for this topic.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial - Wednesday 1st August 7:30pm AEST via Zoom.
Module/Topic
Module 2 Steps and techniques for optimising B mode images.
Chapter
Lectures available.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
This is vacation week - and you have the opportunity to now revise content.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 2 B mode imaging artifacts and their ultrasound appearance.
Chapter
Lecture content and additional reading will be supplied which compliment the prescribed text (Artifacts in Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound by Martin Necas, 2012). Refer to the week 6 module overview document for the specific chapters to read.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 3 Doppler Ultrasound (Pulsed wave Colour, pulsed wave Power, pulsed wave Spectral Doppler) and imaging applications.
Chapter
Lectures available.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 3 Doppler Ultrasound (Pulsed wave Colour, pulsed wave Power, pulsed wave Spectral Doppler) and imaging applications.
Chapter
Lectures available.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 3 Doppler Ultrasound (Pulsed wave Colour, pulsed wave Power, pulsed wave Spectral Doppler) and imaging applications.
Chapter
Lectures available.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Compulsory Residential School Saturday September 15th. 9am to 4pm. Attendance is required, and a laboratory manual must be submitted for assessment.
Brisbane, Mackay, Sydney CQU campuses (Perth and Melbourne availability pending student locations at end of enrollment period).
Module/Topic
Module 4 Bioeffects and safety issues in Ultrasound.
Chapter
Module 4 Lectures and notes are provided.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 4 Bioeffects and safety issues in Ultrasound.
Chapter
Module 4 Lectures and notes are provided.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online formative quiz questions will be available this week.
Module/Topic
Revision week and online test week.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
The online test opens Friday October 5th at 9:00am AEST and closes Wednesday 10th October 9:00am AEST.
Lab manual completion relating to residential school Due: Week 12 Friday (5 Oct 2018) 11:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
The online test that opened last Friday closes this week.
Online Test Due: Review/Exam Week Wednesday (10 Oct 2018) 9:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
This unit contains pre-recorded lectures introducing you to the ultrasound applications of B mode, Colour Doppler, and Spectral Doppler modes of ultrasound.
There will be tutorial sessions hosted by the lecturer via Zoom. These will be recorded and subsequently posted under the corresponding week on Moodle. See Moodle for dates and times of these tutorials.
The tutorials will focus on clarification of unit concepts and provide opportunity to study ultrasound images that test recognition of imaging artifacts.
Students are expected to spend on average 10-12 hours of time each week in their studies for this unit.
A suggested time budget for weekly study is:
2-3 hours for watching recorded lectures and taking notes
1 hour for completing assigned reading
1 hour for participation in and review of online tutorials
2 hours for creating and reviewing study notes to meet your learning goals
1 - 2 hours for revision and preparation for the final examination
1/2 hour for discussion forum reading and participation
1 hour for additional reading and completing review questions
1/2 hour preparation for the Lab Residential School / watching additional teaching videos for each module
The Residential School is an opportunity to use an ultrasound machine and practice image optimisation techniques. Attendance is compulsory. You will need to allow time to travel and attend campus from 9am to 4pm. There will be activities and questions to complete both in lab time and afterwards. You will apply theoretical knowledge learned to a practical setting for various body organs. You may be requested to act as a patient model for your peers. The Residential School Manual will need to be completed and uploaded with questions answered as part of the summative assessment for this term. You will need to allow extra time in your week to complete and submit your lab manual after the residential school.
On Moodle there is a Q&A forum. You can post questions relevant to the content being studied and these will be monitored and answered by teaching staff.
Alternatively you can email a question directly to b.wylie@cqu.edu.au.
My on campus phone contact is (07) 3023 4244
1 Online Test
- An online test will be conducted to assess your understanding of content in this unit.
- This is one of two assessments that must be passed to then pass the unit overall.
- The test will be online and must be accessed through the 'assessment tab' on Moodle and will comprise of 10 questions, each of 10 marks (100 marks in total).
- Questions will be composed of multiple components, multiple choice, short answer, image interpretation, or a longer answer format. If a question requires a medium length response you will have up to 20 lines available for written answers.
- As the test is online and open book, you will find it useful to have produced your own notes from the lectures.
- Questions will be randomised to allow tests to be different for each student.
- Image viewing questions may be included.
- Questions will be randomised to allow tests to be different for each student. Image viewing questions may be included.
- Questions may be drawn from any content presented up to and including week 12, including but not limited to lectures, content from tutorials, the lab manual, and additional reading.
- The assessment is to be undertaken as an individual. As with all other university assessments, colluding with other students on non-group work tasks is considered academic misconduct.
- The test will be open for 2 hours once started (allowing 12 minutes per question) and only one attempt is allowed. Please be sure to start the test at least 2 hours before the closing time so that it can be completed by the close time. At the closing time or at completion of 2 hours you MUST save and submit the test, otherwise all the attempted questions will be lost. Once started the test cannot be paused, stopped or re-started. Once you have completed the test, it cannot be re-taken.
Review/Exam Week Wednesday (10 Oct 2018) 9:00 am AEST
The Online test will be open from Friday October 5th until Wednesday the 10th October (5 days)
Exam Week Wednesday (17 Oct 2018)
Students need to obtain a minimum score of 60% in the online test to be awarded a pass for this assessment piece.
Responses are assessed according to:
Use correct descriptors and correct professional terminology relevant to the question asked
The ability to provide detailed answers that correctly describe physical principals relevant to the question asked
The ability to identify and interpret imaging factors that are inappropriately optimised
the ability to correctly recognise imaging artifacts and succinctly compose appropriate responses based on learning from the unit
- Apply knowledge of ultrasound interaction with tissue and practical skills to acquire diagnostic ultrasound images
- Assess and solve problems with images in relation to artifacts and diagnostic usefulness
- Identify and manage safety issues in medical ultrasound.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
2 Practical Assessment
Ultrasound is a practical health profession, hence laboratory experience is vital to being able to develop the skills required to acquire and optimise an image.
The practical residential school day provides you with hands-on tuition so that you can manipulate both transducer and imaging parameters.
To demonstrate your understanding of image acquisition and optimisation the laboratory manual requires you to optimise B-Mode and Doppler images and requires you to answer questions relevant to the practice of ultrasound.
- The residential school must be fully attended to pass this unit.
- All questions in the residential school lab manual must be answered and a completed lab manual submitted via the assessment tab in Moodle by Friday 5th October by 23:00 AEST (11pm).
- There are questions within the lab manual which you will need to complete on the day, or in the weeks after.
- The completed lab manual then needs to be uploaded and submitted via the assessment tab in Moodle.
- This assessment is PASS/FAIL.
Week 12 Friday (5 Oct 2018) 11:00 pm AEST
Exam Week Wednesday (17 Oct 2018)
To obtain a pass mark you must demonstrate:
- Correct application of lecture content and equations to explain the benefits and limitations of ultrasound equipment and modes
- Well considered and detailed discussion of physical principals with correct and consistent professional terminology
- Application of professional terminology to ultrasound images and various artifacts in ultrasound
- The ability to consistently describe the correct relationship between various imaging controls and quality aspects of ultrasound images
- Completeness of answers and tasks provided
- Correct recognition and application of terminology to ultrasound images
- Apply knowledge of ultrasound interaction with tissue and practical skills to acquire diagnostic ultrasound images
- Assess and solve problems with images in relation to artifacts and diagnostic usefulness
- Compare the different modes of ultrasound and their applications in medical ultrasound
- Identify and manage safety issues in medical ultrasound.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
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?
