Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Overview
The field of medical ultrasound is scientifically based in an environment that is rapidly changing and undergoing considerable technological advancement. Understanding the physical processes of ultrasound, the equipment design features and the interactions of sound in human tissue are essential for professionals working in this field. This unit is offered as a foundation unit early in the program to ensure you have a fundamental understanding of the physical principles of ultrasound; the knowledge gained can then be applied directly to practice and to other units offered in the ultrasound courses.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
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Apply the physical principles of ultrasound - tissue interactions to explain the production of diagnostic quality ultrasound images.
-
Explain the components and performance controls of modern ultrasound equipment and their impact on imaging quality.
-
Investigate current ultrasound technologies and justify their application in medical ultrasound diagnosis.
-
Apply problem solving and specialised quality control skills to understand and minimise sources of artifacts and the potential for bioeffects when using diagnostic ultrasound equipment.
Learning approaches
The unit is delivered online via QUT's Learning management system (LMS). It combines online lectures and example problem sets for self-paced learning. Real-world examples within the unit content combined with authentic problem-based exercises support your learning and will develop your knowledge of ultrasound principles which can apply to your day-to-day practice. Themed online discussions and guided screencasts support lecture material, encouraging you to develop a deeper understanding of the material.
Details of how to access additional support for learning in maths is provided early in the semester via the student support group. The QUT library also provides academic support and training to students throughout the semester via drop-in sessions.
Feedback on learning and assessment
Formative and Summative feedback is provided throughout the semester, where work is reviewed and assessed. Automated feedback is provided on practice exams and example problem-solving task. Feedback will aim to provide you with suggestions for further development of academic skills as well as suggestions to best prepare you for key summative assessments.
Assessment
In this unit you will complete two summative assessments: a workbook completed during semester and the end-of-semester examination. Each assessment is staged to scaffold your learning as your progress through the unit content.
Formative assessment is via example problem sets published on the unit site as well as interaction with classmates and teaching staff via the unit discussion board.
In this unit, for you to be eligible to receive a passing grade, threshold assessment conditions apply.
Assessment 1: Unit Workbook
Taking on the role of a diagnostic sonographer, you will complete a workbook of scenario-based problems. Your response should include details of your analysis, calculations and interpretation of data. You will communicate your proposed solutions including an explanation of the interactions of ultrasound within the human body and how these can be adapted to optimise image quality and diagnostic accuracy. Your responses should be written for sonographic colleagues and may include references to how your proposed approaches reflect evidence-based best practice.
Assessment 2: Examination
(Summative) - Examination combining MCQ, short answers and essay-type questions.
Overview
The field of medical ultrasound is scientifically based in an environment that is rapidly changing and undergoing considerable technological advancement. Understanding the physical processes of ultrasound, the equipment design features and the interactions of sound in human tissue are essential for professionals working in this field. This unit is offered as a foundation unit early in the program to ensure you have a fundamental understanding of the physical principles of ultrasound; the knowledge gained can then be applied directly to practice and to other units offered in the ultrasound courses.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
-
Apply the physical principles of ultrasound - tissue interactions to explain the production of diagnostic quality ultrasound images.
-
Explain the components and performance controls of modern ultrasound equipment and their impact on imaging quality.
-
Investigate current ultrasound technologies and justify their application in medical ultrasound diagnosis.
-
Apply problem solving and specialised quality control skills to understand and minimise sources of artifacts and the potential for bioeffects when using diagnostic ultrasound equipment.
Learning approaches
The unit is delivered online via QUT's Learning management system (LMS). It combines online lectures and example problem sets for self-paced learning. Real-world examples within the unit content combined with authentic problem-based exercises support your learning and will develop your knowledge of ultrasound principles which can apply to your day-to-day practice. Themed online discussions and guided screencasts support lecture material, encouraging you to develop a deeper understanding of the material.
Details of how to access additional support for learning in maths is provided early in the semester via the student support group. The QUT library also provides academic support and training to students throughout the semester via drop-in sessions.
Feedback on learning and assessment
Formative and Summative feedback is provided throughout the semester, where work is reviewed and assessed. Automated feedback is provided on practice exams and example problem-solving task. Feedback will aim to provide you with suggestions for further development of academic skills as well as suggestions to best prepare you for key summative assessments.
Assessment
In this unit you will complete two summative assessments: a workbook completed during semester and the end-of-semester examination. Each assessment is staged to scaffold your learning as your progress through the unit content.
Formative assessment is via example problem sets published on the unit site as well as interaction with classmates and teaching staff via the unit discussion board.
In this unit, for you to be eligible to receive a passing grade, threshold assessment conditions apply.
Assessment 1: Unit Workbook
Taking on the role of a diagnostic sonographer, you will complete a workbook of scenario-based problems. Your response should include details of your analysis, calculations and interpretation of data. You will communicate your proposed solutions including an explanation of the interactions of ultrasound within the human body and how these can be adapted to optimise image quality and diagnostic accuracy. Your responses should be written for sonographic colleagues and may include references to how your proposed approaches reflect evidence-based best practice.
Assessment 2: Examination
(Summative) - Examination combining MCQ, short answers and essay-type questions.