CQUniversity Unit Profile
MEDS20018 Advanced Obstetric Ultrasound
Advanced Obstetric Ultrasound
All details in this unit profile for MEDS20018 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 is designed to advance your clinical practice in the field of obstetric ultrasound. This unit will cover fetal structure, function, pathophysiology and scanning techniques at an advanced level as relevant to each trimester. You will develop your ability to make a clinical assessment, recognise fetal anomalies and disruptions to normal growth patterns. The legal and ethical considerations associated with the imaging and management of the pregnancy will be discussed.

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 2 - 2020

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 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. Portfolio
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

Feedback

Some students suggested having smaller summative quizzes throughout the term to enhance their learning.

Recommendation

Consider smaller summative quizzes throughout the term instead of the single summative assessment.

Feedback from Self reflection and student feedback

Feedback

Update some lectures and content to reflect latest research and guidelines.

Recommendation

Review and update unit material to ensure students continue to receive up to date and relevant content.

Feedback from Student feedback

Feedback

Students enjoyed the written case study and recorded presentation assessment item.

Recommendation

Suggest keeping the written case study and presentation recording.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Evaluate normal and abnormal findings of fetal ultrasound and appraise the clinical relevance
  2. Research the role of ultrasound in the clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of the obstetric patient, including communication, legal and ethical considerations
  3. Apply at an advanced level clinical knowledge and critical thinking to fetal assessment

The Masters course does not lead to entry into the sonography profession but is rather studied by qualified practitioners to support advanced practice. Therefore it does not require external accreditation. The Master of Medical Ultrasound qualifies as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity (activity code 10B - Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR)). This unit alone does not lead to the award of a qualification in specialist obstetric ultrasound.

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
1 - Portfolio - 50%
2 - Online Test - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
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 - Portfolio - 50%
2 - Online Test - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Callen's Ultrasonography in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Edition: Sixth (2017)
Authors: Norton M.E, Scoutt L.M, Feldstein V.A
Elsevier
Philadelphia Philadelphia , PA , USA
ISBN: 9780323328340
Binding: eBook

Additional Textbook Information

If you prefer to study with a paper copy, they are available at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code). eBooks are available at the publisher's website.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Smart phone video access or desktop/laptop webcam with recording capabilities
Referencing Style

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

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Kathleen Sweeney Unit Coordinator
k.sweeney@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 1st trimester assessment- normal findings Begin Date: 13 Jul 2020

Module/Topic

  • Normal 1st trimester assessment including intracranial translucency and Aqueduct of Sylvius

Chapter

CALLEN'S Ultrasonography in Obstetrics and Gynaecology ISBN:9780323328340

Chapters 1,4,5.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial Wednesday 5pm AEST

Week 2 1st trimester assessment- abnormal findings Begin Date: 20 Jul 2020

Module/Topic

  • 1st trimester assessment- abnormal findings

Chapter

Chapters 3,4,5.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Legal and ethical issues of pregnancy and breaking bad news Begin Date: 27 Jul 2020

Module/Topic

  • Ethical and legal issues associated with pregnancy
  • Breaking bad news

Chapter


    Chapter 1


Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial Wednesday 5pm AEST

Week 4 2nd trimester assessment -normal findings Begin Date: 03 Aug 2020

Module/Topic

  • 2nd trimester assessment- normal and extended areas of study including: corpus callosum, palate, limb movement.

Chapter

Chapters 3,6,8


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 5 2nd trimester assessment- abnormal findings Begin Date: 10 Aug 2020

Module/Topic

  • 2nd trimester assessment- abnormal by systems

                Head

                Face and Neck

Chapter

Chapter 10


Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial Wednesday 5pm AEST

Vacation Week Begin Date: 17 Aug 2020

Module/Topic

Break week- no content delivered.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 2nd trimester assessment- abnormal findings Begin Date: 24 Aug 2020

Module/Topic

  • 2nd trimester assessment- abnormal by systems

                    Musculoskeletal

                    Gastrointestinal/Abdominal wall

                    Genitourinary

Chapter


Chapter 11,14,15

 

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 7 Cervix, placenta and umbilical cord Begin Date: 31 Aug 2020

Module/Topic

  • Cervix
  • Placenta and umbilical cord

Chapter

Chapter 18,19

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial Wednesday 5pm AEST

Assessment 1 (Case Study and Presentation) due Thursday 4pm AEST.


Educational portfolio and presentation Due: Week 7 Thursday (3 Sept 2020) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 8 Multiples Begin Date: 07 Sep 2020

Module/Topic

  • Multiple pregnancies

Chapter

Chapter 7


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 9 Maternal complications Begin Date: 14 Sep 2020

Module/Topic

  • Maternal complications
  • Infections/disease
  • Teratogens
  • Nutritional disorders

        

Chapter


Ch 2,16,25


Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial Wednesday 5pm AEST

Online test 1 opens - Thursday 17 September 9am AEST

Week 10 Fetal growth complications and Doppler assessment Begin Date: 21 Sep 2020

Module/Topic

  • Fetal growth complications
  • Doppler assessment

           

Chapter

Chapters 20,21,22


Events and Submissions/Topic

Online test 1 closes - Wednesday 23 September 4pm AEST

Week 11 Genetics Begin Date: 28 Sep 2020

Module/Topic

  • Genetics and genetic testing

Chapter

Ch 2,3 


Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial Wednesday 5pm AEST

Review / Online Test week Begin Date: 05 Oct 2020

Module/Topic

No new content.

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic

Online test 2 opens - Thursday 8 October 9am AEST

Online test week Begin Date: 12 Oct 2020

Module/Topic

No new content.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online test 2 closes - Wednesday 14 October 4pm AEST

Online test results Begin Date: 19 Oct 2020

Module/Topic

Online test results given

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

test results returned by Friday 23 October 4pm AEST

Term Specific Information

The unit coordinator is Kathleen Sweeney, based in Sydney. The best way to contact Kathleen is via email at: k.sweeney@cqu.edu.au

It is important to check your student email regularly as updates about the unit will be sent from the unit coordinator by email. Please ensure email correspondence is done via your CQU student email.

Kathleen is on campus on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and will endeavour to respond to emails within 24 hours.  If you would like a phone converstation then please email to organise a time to speak.

Recorded lectures are given by multiple guest lectures which include: Dr Ann Quinton, Dr Narelle Kennedy, Samantha Ward, Donna Traves, Dr Greg Duncombe and Pauline McGrath.

This unit is a 6 credit point unit which requires you to allocate around 12 hours per week for study. The unit is graded. There are two assessment items, worth 50% each. Please refer to the assessment information for more details.

Tutorials will be offered to discuss the course content and assessment preparation. You will be able to ask questions and gain feedback. They will be recorded for later viewing if you are unable to attend.



Assessment Tasks

1 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Educational portfolio and presentation

Task Description

Advanced fetal anatomic assessment requires comprehensive knowledge and an understanding of clinical significance. Appropriate communication regarding findings to other health professionals is also an important clinical skill, and prioritisation of key concise relevant points is vital to presenting. This task will comprise of one (1) written case study and one (1) recorded mock presentation suitable for delivery at a conference with an audience of fellow sonographers/medical/allied health professionals.


Your submission will clearly discuss a case of a fetal anomaly and can be from the first, second or third trimester. Your submission must discuss a fetal anomaly you have either scanned yourself, been involved in, or sourced (source referenced). The same fetal anomaly will be used for your written anomaly case and recorded presentation.


Suggestions for discussion topics include:

  • Aim/purpose of the case study.
  • Background/overview e.g. Clinical presentation, occurrence, risk factors and aetiology.
  • Description of the normal ultrasound appearance (brief).
  • Describe the abnormal ultrasound finding comparing it to the normal findings and its significance.
  • Diagnostic criteria and pitfalls.
  • Diagnosis and possible differentials.
  • Further prenatal investigations and prenatal clinical management options.
  • Impact of diagnosis on fetus. Are there any legal or ethical considerations that need to be communicated?

The written component will:

  • Contain images,figures, tables and/or diagrams to enhance the text. Images/figures/tables/diagrams can be sourced but must be properly referenced.  All images must be deidentified.
  • Adhere to word limit of 1500 words +/-10%.

Your presentation is to be recorded and loaded via Zoom. It will:

  • Effectively communicate your chosen topic using audio and PowerPoint.
  • Be at a level suitable for presentation at a conference with an audience of fellow sonographers / medical / allied health professionals.
  • This component entails producing a video recording of up to 6 minutes duration, utilising a smart phone, laptop or tablet device.
  • Title slide - contains the title of presentation, your name, student number and the conference chosen for your intended audience (1 slide)
  • Background/overview- patient history, occurrence, risk factors. (2 slides)
  • Diagnosis and imaging- this includes sonographic findings, differential diagnosis, patient management, other testing/follow-up and prognosis. (6 Slides)
  • 1 slide for references.

Total of 10 slides maximum. All PowerPoint slides are to be used in 'landscape' format with no animations.


Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Thursday (3 Sept 2020) 4:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Friday (18 Sept 2020)


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

      Written:

      • Demonstrate, analyse and critically reflect on current medical literature relevant to your selected fetal anomaly.
      • Construct a high quality submission addressing the topic which has clear structure and purpose. It must be free of grammatical error and reflect an appropriate level of critical analysis balancing discussion with the appropriate use of clinical and scientific terminology.
      • Evaluate current information and clinical consensus around the given topic by demonstrating thorough, appropriate, and up to date literature searches to support the selected background information that you include.
      • Describe the sonographic appearance and use appropriate images to support the demonstration of your understanding of the diagnosis and management of this anomaly.
      • All text, images, diagrams and tables are correctly referenced and word limit (1500 words +/-10%) is adhered to. All images must be deidentified.

      Presentation:

      • Demonstrate a high level of communication skills and appropriate scientific language to convey a clear and concise message.
      • Determine optimal video and audio settings so that you are clearly visible, well heard and that the background/location appropriate for the sensitivity of the information being conveyed.
      • Analyse and highlight content details that are relevant based on the chosen anomaly.
      • Discern an effective and appropriate methodology as to the format your presentation will take.
      • Display your understanding of the sonographer’s role within this clinical setting scenario by constructing and delivering a presentation that is clinically relevant.
      • All images are deidentified and tables/diagrams are correctly referenced.  Time limit is adhered to (6 minutes).

      For more detailed marking criteria please see the MARKING RUBRIC on the Moodle site for this unit which is available HERE


      Referencing Style

      Submission
      Online

      Submission Instructions
      The Educational portfolio and presentation is accessed via the assessment tab in Moodle.

      Learning Outcomes Assessed
      • Evaluate normal and abnormal findings of fetal ultrasound and appraise the clinical relevance
      • Research the role of ultrasound in the clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of the obstetric patient, including communication, legal and ethical considerations
      • Apply at an advanced level clinical knowledge and critical thinking to fetal assessment


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

      2 Online Test

      Assessment Title
      Two online tests

      Task Description

      Each health profession possesses a body of knowledge, the fundamentals of which must be learnt and understood. You will complete two online tests to assess your understanding of the concepts delivered in this unit. The tests can be accessed through the assessment tab on Moodle. The first test will be open for 7 days during week 9/10 and will cover all content up to and including week 7. The second test will be open for 7 days during exam week and will cover all content from MEDS20018 (weeks 1-11). Students will need to provide medium length typed responses to 5 online questions within the 1 hour time period. Film viewing questions will be included and you are required to be familiar with normal and pathological sonographic imaging of the areas discussed in MEDS20018. Students will need to note opening and closing times to complete the exam during this time period. The test will be open for 60 mins (allowing 12 minutes per question) and only ONE attempt is allowed. Once started, the test cannot be paused or restarted. Once completed, it cannot be retaken. As the test is online and open book, you will find it useful if you have produced your own notes and that you are familiar with the unit information.

      To pass this unit a minimum score of 50% must be achieved for each test.

      Each test is worth 25% of your final grade.

      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. Inserting answers from other websites at the time of the online test without referencing the source is considered plagiarism.



      Assessment Due Date

      Test 1 open from Thursday 17/09/2020 9AM AEST and closes on Wednesday 23/09/2020 4pm AEST. Test 2 opens from Thursday 08/10/2020 9AM AEST and closes on Wednesday 14/10/2020 4pm AEST.


      Return Date to Students

      Results will be available after collation of grades


      Weighting
      50%

      Minimum mark or grade
      50%

      Assessment Criteria

       Each test will be open for 7 days. You will need to allocate a 60 minute time period during the time that the test is open to complete the test. Please note: Test 1 will open on Thursday 17 September at 9am AEST and close on Wednesday 23 September at 4pm AEST. Test 2 will be open from Thursday 08 October 9am AEST until Wednesday 14 October at 4pm AEST. Once started, the test cannot be paused, stopped or re-started. Once you have completed the test, it cannot be retaken.

      Each question is worth 10 marks (giving a max total of 50 marks available for each test)

      Responses will be assessed according to

      • Use of appropriate terminology and descriptors as well as grammar, spelling, relevance of response and competence in addressing all elements of the question
      • The students ability to appropriately interpret sonographic images/graphs/tables and then to succinctly compose an appropriate response based on their learning from the unit


      Referencing Style

      Submission
      Online

      Submission Instructions
      The Online test is accessed via the assessment tab in Moodle.

      Learning Outcomes Assessed
      • Evaluate normal and abnormal findings of fetal ultrasound and appraise the clinical relevance
      • Apply at an advanced level clinical knowledge and critical thinking to fetal assessment


      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?