MRS400 Principles of Ultrasound and Instrumentation (8)

This subject provides an integrated presentation of the principles of ultrasound and instrumentation. It provides students with an understanding of the use of an ultrasound machine and understanding of the principles and applications of medical ultrasound. The subject covers ultrasound wave properties, ultrasound propagation and attenuation in body tissue, ultrasonic transducers and their beam properties, and the physics of blood flow (haemodynamics). The subject closely links these physical principles to the operation of modern diagnostic ultrasound instrumentation, such as two-dimensional, real-time scanning machines, M-mode scanners, and Spectral-, Colour- and Power- Doppler instrumentation. Recent advances in transducer- and imaging- technology are also discussed. Student will also gain an understanding of quality assurance with respect to ultrasound equipment, together with ultrasound bioeffects and safety considerations.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: MRS400. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Dentistry and Health Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to explain the theory of medical ultrasound and how this is applied in clinical practice
  • be able to describe the physical properties of diagnostic ultrasound and its interaction with body tissue
  • be able to describe the operation of current mainstream diagnostic ultrasound modalities (instrument systems)
  • be able to explain the theory of manipulation of medical ultrasound controls to produce optimum image quality
  • be able to evaluate the selection and application of ultrasound transducers
  • be able to explain the physical basis underlying imaging/scanning artefacts and how they can be eradicated or minimised
  • be able to describe the physical principles governing blood-flow in the human body (haemodynamics) and the various modalities of Doppler ultrasound
  • be able to monitor performance and employ relevant quality assurance procedures for medical ultrasound equipment
  • be able to describe ultrasound bioeffects and the mechanisms by which these effects occur, and implement international safety recommendations and guidelines
  • be able to apply scientific, ergonomic and safety principles in order to identify, select and manipulate equipment
  • be able to appraise recent advances in ultrasound imaging technology

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Nature of ultrasound - wave theory, ultrasound propagation, attenuation, reflection, scattering and refraction
  • Ultrasound instrumentation and equipment manipulation
  • The ultrasound transducer - principles and design
  • Scanning modes - A-mode, M-mode and modern real-time B-mode instrumentation; signal and image processing; grey scale artefacts; advanced ultrasound techniques and instrumentation
  • Axial, lateral and contrast resolution
  • Introduction to Doppler physics - CW, PW and Colour Doppler, and artefacts
  • Haemodynamics
  • Advanced/Additional ultrasound machine capabilities
  • Bioeffects and safety of diagnostic ultrasound
  • Quality assurance
  • Ergonomics and safe work practices

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of MRS400 in Session 1 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Online test
20
2
Image analysis reports
30
3
Final exam
50

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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