Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation PG (10159.3)

In this unit students will gain knowledge and an understanding of the physical principles and instrumentation used in medical ultrasound. The unit links the physical principles to the clinical use of medical ultrasound equipment, including transducer design, ultrasound beam characteristics, and different modes used in diagnostic ultrasound imaging. Also covered are an understanding of ultrasound safety and potential biological effects. Students will also develop skills in the recognition of image artifacts and optimising image quality.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Describe and discuss the physical properties of ultrasound and its interaction with body tissue, both descriptively and mathematically, and the instrumentation of diagnostic ultrasound;
2. Identify ultrasound imaging artifacts and explain the physical basis underlying their formation in the modalities studied;
3. Describe and perform calculations relating to the physical principles of Doppler ultrasound;
4. Examine the different possible ultrasound bioeffects and their responsible damage mechanisms, and implement international safety recommendations and guidelines; and
5. Explore and appraise advances in ultrasound imaging technology.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.