SON4000

Physics of medical ultrasound and instrumentation ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Associate Professor Peter Wells

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2005 (OCL)

Synopsis: This unit addresses the scientific and technical principles of diagnostic ultrasound and its associated scanning modes. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of digital image processing, the Doppler effect, colour and power Doppler and associated instrumentation and performance. The unit also covers safety issues, the potential for biological effects and the physical basis of image artefacts are also covered. Students will develop skills in the recognition of image artefacts, the implementation of a quality assurance program and in achieving the technical optimisation of image quality.

Objectives: On successful completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate and communicate a broad and critical conceptual understanding of: 1. ultrasound propagation, production and interaction characteristics and the manipulation of ultrasonic waves; 2. the principles of digital image processing information technology, data compression, storage and transmission; 3. the instrumentation, performance and use of A-Mode, real-tim B-Mode and M-Mode scanning in ultrasound practice; 4. safety issues in medical ultrasound and the potential for biological effects; 5. the generation and recognition of artefacts; 6. the Doppler shift used to image vascular flow including Sprectral, Colour and Power modes.

Assessment: Written examination (3 hours): 50% + Assignment (1,500 words) 15% + Workshop report 15% + Digital image processing exercises: 15% + Image Artefacts Quiz: 5%

Off-campus attendance requirements: Attendance at a two day workshop either on campus at Clayton or on-line

Prerequisites: Entry into the Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound course