Ultrasound Physics

This course covers the production and propagation of ultrasound, the equipment used, probe construction & operation, measurements of size, Doppler principles and application, artefacts, hazards and safety.

This knowledge results in practitioners being better able to operate the equipment in a safe and professional manner, and to provide the best images possible to aid accurate diagnosis.

Who is it for?

This is a core course for all students completing a PgC/PgD/MSc in medical Ultrasound.

Timetable

The course is delivered between September and March.

Benefits

Participants on this course will be better able to operate ultrasound equipment in a safe and professional manner, and to provide the best images possible to aid accurate diagnosis.

The course is worth 15 credits when taken as part of a PGCert / PGDip / MSc.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the physical processes by which ultrasound is produced and propagated through tissues and the equipment and operating modes by which ultrasound information is obtained
• Identify artefacts and critically evaluate their implications in clinical practice
• Recognise and critically discuss the limitations and biohazards of the ultrasound equipment and techniques employed in clinical practice
• Consider and evaluate the above knowledge to enable optimal use of ultrasound equipment within the current, internationally recognised recommendations for safe practice.

Skills

• Critically evaluate equipment selection and settings and their impact on image quality and biological hazards
• Evaluate evidence and consider its impact on clinical ultrasound practice
• Understand the basic principles of production and propagation of sound and evaluate the equipment needed to produce diagnostic ultrasound
• Use reflective practice in relation to equipment selection and settings, hazards and safety, and artefact production and ways to reduce them.

Values and attitudes

• Take responsibility for delivering safe, high quality client care.

Teaching

You will learn through formal lectures, tutorials, seminars, self-study, clinical experience in the ultrasound department, e-learning activities. Contact hours include directed learning and online lectures.

Additionally, some skills will be developed during clinical practice, in tutorials and in the ultrasound skills suite.

Assessment

You will be assessed with a written examination to examine your comprehension and understanding of the clinical application of ultrasound physics, equipment, image quality, Doppler and safety. A short-answer examination and multiple-choice questions (MCQ) will be used to examine your understanding of the fundamental principles of ultrasound, the underlying physics, and the link between theory and clinical practice.

• Knowledge will also be assessed during the clinical assessments of the individual modules

All entrants to the Programme must be in possession of a relevant first degree. The normal entry requirements are:

• Applicants will normally hold a BSc (hons) degree (2:1 or above) e.g. Radiography, Nursing, Midwifery, from a recognised higher education institution
• Non-standard entrants will be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to availability of places on the programme. An appropriate professional qualification such as a Diploma of the College of Radiographers; Diploma in Nursing, Diploma in Midwifery may be considered (subject to successfully demonstrating the required academic level by completing a pre-course assignment and successful interview). Early application is recommended.
• A clinical placement for an average of 3 days per week in a clinical department is required. The department will need to provide a range of clinical examinations, appropriate clinical support and a named mentor who can attend mentor and assessor training at the university.
  • A clinical experience (CE1) form will need to be signed by the ultrasound department manager before your application can be considered.
  • If your clinical placement is terminated for any reason, the university is unable to provide placements.
  • If a suitable clinical placement cannot be found you would be required to withdraw from the course.

Also required:

• Developing Professional Skills in Ultrasound (RCM022)
• Applicants must have an ultrasound qualification in order to apply.

If you don't already hold a recognised ultrasound qualification, this course can only be taken as part of a programme, not as a stand-alone course.

English requirements

For those students whose first language is not English, the following qualification is also required:

• IELTS: 7.0 (minimum 7 in all categories)