Welcome to Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation. For many of you this will be your first core course in the medical sonography and breast imaging programs. This course will provide you with an insight into the physics behind producing and optimising a real-time ultrasound image. By the end of the course, you will be expected to be familiar with the background physics of ultrasound and have developed an understanding of the acoustic properties of tissue, transducers, focussing methods, resolution, signal processing and modes of display, real-time principles, artefacts and Doppler physics. 

Please be sure to read this guide carefully as it contains important information about this course, assignments,  online assessment requirements, and key dates. 

Please also be sure to regularly frequent the learnonline page for this course and participate in the online discussion to aid in your studies. Here you will find many helpful exam and assignment tips. I recommend that you login to the discussion board and introduce yourself as your first port of call. 

Communication with students in this course is primarily through the online discussion and the news forum.  I encourage you to post all your queries on the discussion board. However I am available for contact via email (Jessie.childs@unisa.edu.au) or telephone. 


All the best in your studies for this course. 

Jessie Childs

 

There are no prerequisite courses to be completed before this course can be undertaken.

There are no corequisite courses to be completed in conjunction with this course.

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the physical principles and instrumentation of diagnostic medical ultrasound.

On completion of this course, students should be able to:

CO1. Give an account of the physical principles of ultrasound.

CO2. Discuss considerations in equipment selection including explaining the principles of different transducers and image optimisation including focusing methods and how spatial resolution is maximised in ultrasound imaging.

CO3. Identify A, B and M-mode principles and the principles of real time ultrasound including recent advances such as tissue harmonic imaging, 3D, 4D and panoramic imaging.

CO4. Explain the principles of Doppler physics instrumentation used in current ultrasound practice.

CO5. Describe the methods of image production and recording including the quality management programs of ultrasound instrumentation

CO6. Describe the interaction of medical ultrasound with biological tissue and possible biological effects

CO7. Recognise and explain the formation of artefacts within a greyscale and Doppler image.

Upon completion of this course, students will have achieved the following combination of Graduate Qualities and Course Objectives:

A graduate of UniSA:

GQ1. operates effectively with and upon a body of knowledge of sufficient depth to begin professional practice

GQ2. is prepared for life-long learning in pursuit of personal development and excellence in professional practice

GQ3. is an effective problem solver, capable of applying logical, critical, and creative thinking to a range of problems

GQ4. can work both autonomously and collaboratively as a professional

GQ5. is committed to ethical action and social responsibility as a professional and citizen

GQ6. communicates effectively in professional practice and as a member of the community

GQ7. demonstrates international perspectives as a professional and as a citizen

Fundamental ultrasound physics, acoustic properties of tissue, transducers, focusing methods, resolution, signal processing, modes of display, real–time principles and instrumentation, digital signal and image processing, principles of Doppler ultrasound, contrast agents, biological effects, image recording devices, quality control, equipment selection, image optimisation, greyscale and Doppler artefacts and recent advances in medical sonography.

4.5 units

Pass mark for this course is 50% of the available marks and students must submit each assessment component and pass the examination to obtain a pass for this course as per accreditation requirements.

The study period's work is divided into 8 modules. Each module has a corresponding section on the learnonline site. The study guide will direct you to core text readings, and the course homepages will provide further online resources to enhance your knowledge of the material. You are expected to read outside of the set text using library and internet resources. You could also try your work library if you have one.

Self-checking quizzes are available on the learnonline site, so that you can test your progress. 

Instead of one large assignment, the assignment is spread over four submission dates. This will allow you to receive feedback on your answers as you progress through the course.

 

The assignment questions and quizzes will contribute to your final mark, but are more importantly, a tool with which we can provide you with feedback on how you are progressing. 

The following lists the content covered:

Weeks 1 and 2: Basic Ultrasound Physics

Weeks 3 and 4: Basic Ultrasound Instrumentation

Weeks 5 and 6: Signal processing and modes of display

Week 7: Real time ultrasound principles and additional modes and capabilities

Weeks 8 and 9: Artefacts

Weeks 10 and 11: Doppler ultrasound and Doppler artefacts

Week 12: Bioeffects and Safety

Week 13: Equipment performance and Quality Control. 

You will need continual access to the following text(s) to complete this course. Where possible the Library will make the book available for student use. Please check the Library catalogue before purchasing the book(s). The Library will always seek to purchase resources that allow an unlimited number of concurrent users, however availability is dependent on license arrangements with book publishers and platforms. http://www.library.unisa.edu.au

- Online resources will be advised.

TEXTBOOKS

Robert Gill - The Physics and Technology of Diagnostic Ultrasound is available online through the university library.

If you would prefer to purchase your own copy, it is available for purchase through UniBooks. It is also available for purchase directly through the website
http://sonophys.com/ Through this website you can purchase the book in print, or slightly cheaper as a eBook (or both if you prefer).
The website will also give you access to Roberts online blackboard which provides examples of how to solve the problems in the textbook. 


Martin Necas - Artifacts. Is available online through the university library.

If you would prefer to purchase your own copy, it is available for purchase through this website http://www.asum.com.au/newsite/files/documents/resources/Book%20Announcement%201b.pdf or directly through itunes https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/artifacts-in-diagnostic-ultrasound/id524627281?mt=11


References

Hedrick WR, Hykes DL and Starchman DS 2005, Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation, Fourth, Elsevier, St
Louis.

Hedrick WR 2013, Technology for Diagnostic Sonography, Elsevier Mosby (This title is a more compact and updated version of the title above)

Kremkau, F 2011, Sonography princples and instruments, 8th edn, Elsevier Saunders, St Louis. 

 Martin K, Thrush A, Edited by Hsokins P. 2010, Diagnostic Ultrasound Physics and Equipment. 2nd Edition.
Cambridge. Cambridge University Press. (This text is available in full via the online resources page).

All course materials are available on the learnonline site. You will not be sent anything for this course via mail.

All other course related materials can be accessed through your learnonline course site which you will be able to access from the my Courses section in myUniSA.

All study related materials can be accessed through: https://my.unisa.edu.au

Details of assessment submission and return are listed under each assessment task. Assessment tasks will be returned to you within two to three weeks of submission.

If the Course Coordinator allows submissions in hard copy format, you will be required to attach an Assignment Cover Sheet which is available on the learnonline student help and in myUniSA.

The feedback proforma is available on your course site.

This assignment covers components of modules 1, 2,3,4,5,6 and 7 and will help you develop Graduate Quaities 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.

This assignment can be found on the Course Home Page Online resources under the Heading of "Assignment "
The purpose of this assignment is to further reinforce your knowledge and understanding of the key concepts you have been reading about over the past weeks. Your responses will also enable me to get some idea of how well your learning is progressing.
You should attempt all of the exercises.  Keep your answers concise and to the word limit. Dot points are acceptable: avoid unnecessary detail. Additional marks will be allocated to correct referencing, and for writing style. Writing style is considered showing evidence of further reading (multiple references) and answers that reflect an understanding of the course material (not just direct quotes from the text) whilst also using correct grammar and spelling.

In line with all the courses in this postgraduate diploma, your overall mark for the assignment will be given as a grade HD, D, C, P1, P2, F1, F2.  You will not be given a mark out of 100. A marking rubric has bee provided under the heading Assignment.

You will receive your rubric back with each question. Rubrics will be updated as you progress through the questions and submissions. You must pass the referencing component on each attempt.

 
Referencing
All text and diagrams MUST be adequately referenced. Students failing to reference correctly will have marks deducted,or be required to resubmit. Lack of adequate referencing is considered plagiarism and students who fail to reference properly may be referred to the Academic Integrity Officer. Students who fail to reference at all, will be referred directly to the Academic Integrity Officer

Referencing Style
The School of Health Sciences uses the Harvard Author Date for all referencing by staff and students. A guide can be found at http://www.unisa.edu.au/ltu/students/study/referencing/default.asp
011930/2012/1220 Version 1 (12 June 2012) A guide to referencing can also be found on the Course Home Page Learn Online resource. Please read the referencing guide carefully before you begin your assignment.

Please submit all your assignments electronically using the submission link found on the learnonline site. Keep a copy of your assignment. Feedback on this assignment will be provided on the feedback rubric, a copy of which can be found on the learnonline resource.

When you submit your assignment , you will be given a Turnitin score. Please read the information in regards to Turnitin on the learnonline site.

Marked assignments will be returned within 3 weeks of submission.

Assignment Layout
All assignments to use the following layout - 1.5 spacing, 12 size font, 2.5cm margins all round.

Word Count
The word count includes all in - text referencing and tables, but not the reference list. Students who go over the word limit will be penalised by staff not marking the "additional" words. There is no 10% rule.

Assessment Extensions
Extensions may be granted for a negotiable number of days at the discretion of the course coordinator. Extensions can be requested via the Extensions link on the learnonline site. Supporting documents can be attached here also.

PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE A COVER SHEET ON YOUR ASSIGNMENT

There are four online quizzes throughout this subject which contrbute to the 20% online activities component of your assessment for this course. Each quiz is worth 5% of your overall grade. You are required to attempt each asssessment component in order to pass this course, so you must attempt each of the quizzes before they close.

Online Quiz 1 (Graded)
The first online Quiz can be found on the learnonline site under the heading "Compulsory Online Quiz 1". The quiz consists of 25 multiple choice questions similar to the practice questions on the learnonline page. There is a time limit to complete this quiz. This quiz is designed to test your understanding of the first module. This quiz will be open until the end of week 3. You may only have one attempt at the quiz.

Online Quiz 2 (Graded)
The online Quiz can be found on the learnonline site under the heading "Compulsory Online Quiz 2". The quiz consists of 25 multiple choice questions similar to the practice questions on the learnonline page. There is a time limit to complete this quiz. This quiz is designed to test your understanding of the second module. This quiz will be open until the end of week 5. You may only have one attempt at the quiz.

Online Quiz 3 (Graded)
The online quiz can be found on the learnonline site under the heading "Compulsory Online Quiz 3" The quiz consists of 25 multiple choice questions similar to the practice questions on the learnonline page. There is a time limit to complete this quiz. This quiz is designed to test your understanding of module 5. This quiz will be open until the end of week 9). You may only have one attempt at this quiz.

Online quiz 4 (Graded)
The online quiz can be found on the learnonline site under the heading "Compulsory Online Quiz 4" The quiz consists of 25 multiple choice questions similar to the practice questions on the learnonline page. There is a time limit to complete this quiz. This quiz is designed to test your understanding of modules 7 and 8. This quiz will be open under the end of week 13. You may only have one attempt at this quiz.

Beware: Questions from previous modules may pop up in subsequent quizzes.
 

The written examination will assess all topics listed in the Study Guide and will consist of short answer questions only. There will be no multiple choice in the final exam.

The duration of the examination will be two hours (plus 10 minutes reading time)

The pass mark will be 50% of the available marks. Please note: All assessment components must be attempted and the written examination passed in order to obtain a pass for this course.

The examination is a closed book examination.

Students should bring a non-programmable scientific calculator to the examination. Calculators will be checked by invigilators to ensure that they are not able to store formulas. The item must not be enhanced or tampered with in any way.

The learnonline site contains examples of past short answer questions.


Use of bilingual dictionaries in written exams

International students from a non-English speaking background who have an Entitlement of Extra Time (ENTEXT) card may bring a bilingual print dictionary into written assessments and examinations (no electronic dictionaries are allowed).

Dictionaries can only have word/word translations. Dictionaries with descriptions are not allowed.

Dictionaries may be checked during assessment to ensure there is no extra writing in them, or extra pages inserted.

You will be allocated to an approved University exam centre.

The examination centre allocation will be made according to your mailing address recorded on the student record system five weeks before the scheduled examination period. Confirmation of the centre that you need to attend will be provided approximately three weeks prior to the exam.

Individual alternative arrangements will be made for a small number of students who are in remote locations and not within reasonable distance of an approved center.

The exam will be scheduled sometime within the University examination weeks. Make sure you are available anytime within this period for the examination. The examination date is non-negotiable and holidays (overseas or otherwise) are not considered an appropriate reason to have an exam deferred.

 

Supplementary assessment or examination is available to students under the following conditions only if the school board or delegated committee reasonably expects that the student could achieve a supplementary pass in the course:

1. Students undertaking a full-time load of 13.5 units or more per study period will require a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.80 or greater for studies undertaken in the six months immediately preceding and relevant to the academic review period. 
2. UniSA may use discretion in applying the GPA requirement to students who have undertaken less than 13.5 units per study period in the six months immediately preceding and relevant to the academic review period. Supplementary assessment will not be awarded to a student who has failed greater than 50% of the course load attempted in the six months immediately preceding and relevant to the academic review period.
3. The student must have received a final grade of F1 (Fail Level 1) in the course.
4. The student may be awarded supplementary assessment or examination in a maximum of two courses in a study period, provided that student has passed at least one course in the six months immediately preceding and relevant to the academic review period.
5. Supplementary assessment or examination will not be awarded for a final grade of Fail Level 2 (F2), unless the student is undertaking the final courses of their program.
6. Specific arrangements for supplementary assessment or examination may be made for a student who is undertaking the final courses of their program, whether or not the courses are approved for supplementary assessment or examination. A student is defined to be undertaking the final courses of their program if they have nine or fewer units remaining to complete the program.

More information about supplementary assessment may be found by consulting the relevant policy: http://w3.unisa.edu.au/policies/manual/default.asp (section 7)


Deferred Assessment and Special Consideration

If you are unable to attend your exam due to illness or other exceptional reasons, you may apply for a deferred assessment. 
The form to do this can be found at http://w3.unisa.edu.au/student/forms/Application_to_Defer_Final_Assessment_or_Examination.pdf

If you feel your preparation to the exam has been hindered for some reason you may apply for special consideration. 
The form to do this can be found at http://w3.unisa.edu.au/student/forms/Application_for_Special_Consideration.pdf

In both of these circumstances you must read the application carefully and provide all the required documentation. These applications will be considered and a decision made as per the guidelines of section 7.4.9 and 7.4.10 of the Assessment Policies and Procedures manual.  

All students must adhere to the University of South Australia's policies about assessment:

http://w3.unisa.edu.au/policies/manual/default.asp.

Students with disabilities or medical conditions or students who are carers may be entitled to a variation or modification to standard assessment arrangements. See Section 7 of the Assessment Policy and Procedures Manual (APPM) at: http://w3.unisa.edu.au/policies/manual/default.asp

Information for students with disabilities is available at:
http://www.unisa.edu.au/Disability/Current-students/

Variation to assessment methods, tasks and timelines can be provided in:

Unexpected or exceptional circumstances, for example bereavement, unexpected illness (details of unexpected or exceptional circumstances for which variation can be considered are discussed in clauses 7.8 - 7.10 of the Assessment Policy and Procedures Manual). Variation to assessment in unexpected or exceptional circumstances should be discussed with your course coordinator as soon as possible.

Special circumstances, for example religious observance grounds, or community services (details of special circumstances for which variation can be considered are discussed in clause 7.11 of the Assessment Policy and Procedures Manual). Variations to assessment in expected circumstances must be requested within the first two weeks of the course (or equivalent for accelerated or intensive teaching).

Extra time in exams (ENTEXT) and the use of a dictionary may be available to some students (for example, Indigenous Australian students and those of non-English speaking background) as follows: 
- the use of an English print dictionary, and 

- extra time for reading or writing. This will be an extra ten minutes per hour for every hour of standard examination time  

More information about variation to assessment may be found by consulting the relevant policy: http://w3.unisa.edu.au/policies/manual/default.asp (section 7).

Students will receive grades for all individual assessment items other than the exam and a final grade at the end of the study period.

Before the final grade is determined, marks may be moderated or scaled to ensure consistency between markers.

Assessment feedback forms will be included with the marked assignment.

Information about grade notations is available at: http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/extracourseinformation/assess.asp

Moderation in this course will be carried out in accordance with processes set out in the Division of Health Sciences Assessment and Moderation in Health Science guidelines.

UniSA is committed to fostering and preserving the scholarly values of curiosity, experimentation, critical appraisal and integrity. Students are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of academic integrity.

Academic integrity is a term used at university to describe honest behaviour as it relates to all academic work (for example papers written by staff, student assignments, conduct in exams, etc) and is the foundation of university life. One of the main principles is respecting other people's ideas and not claiming them as your own. Anyone found to have used another person's ideas without proper acknowledgement is deemed guilty of Academic Misconduct and the University considers this to be a serious matter.

The University of South Australia wants its students to display academic integrity so that its degrees are earned honestly and are trusted and valued by its students and their employers. To ensure this happens and that students adhere to high standards of academic integrity and honesty at all times, the University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct for all students. Work submitted electronically by students for assessment will be tested using the text comparison software Turnitin http://www.turnitin.com.

More information about academic integrity and what constitutes academic misconduct can be found in Section 9 of the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual (APPM) at: http://w3.unisa.edu.au/policies/manual/ or on the Academic Integrity Module website at: https://lo.unisa.edu.au/mod/book/view.php?id=252142

See above under Assessment details.

Towards the end of the study period you will be asked to complete an online survey.

In order to keep our courses at a high standard we rely on feedback from you. Please take the time to complete this evaluation survey. 

All feedback given in these surveys is anonymous. 

Conceded and Terminating passes are not available in this course.