Monash University

Leader(s): Mr Paul Lombardo

Offered

Clayton First semester 2009 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second semester 2009 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

Review of human genetics, pregnancy and human development. Scanning methods/techniques including transabdominal, transvaginal, transperineal related to sonography of the 3 trimesters of pregnancy, evaluation of ectopic pregnancy and assisted fertilisation techniques. Ethical principals re-examined in light of this medical speciality. Ultrasound of multiple pregnancies, obstetric ultrasound interventional techniques, sonographic assessment of gestational age and growth and use of ultrasound in prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies and diagnosis of foetal death in utero. Physical principles of visualising surfaces in 3D and their applications for obstetric ultrasound.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Describe the events of foetal development and circulation;
2. Describe foetal and placental anomalies;
3. Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and understanding of genetics,

indications and the application of ethics in obstetric ultrasound examinations
and the use of ultrasound in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies;

4. Describe appropriate sonographic imaging techniques and methods to

demonstrate normal embryonic processes and pathology visible in the first
trimester, including ectopic pregnancy, normal and abnormal fetoplacental
anatomy;

5. Assess gestational age and growth in the second and third trimesters and

growth disorders in the third trimester;

6. Assess gestational age and growth in the second trimester and growth

disorders in the third trimester;

7. perform routine transabdominal, transvaginal and transperineal sonographic

examinations involving the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of both single and
multiple pregnancies safely and to a standard and ethical conduct expected of
a competent sonographer *

8. Use the theory and interpretive skills obtained in this unit in the performance of

transabdominal, transvaginal and transperineal ultrasound examinations
involving the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters*

9. Recognise and describe placental abnormalities and foetal death, normal

embryonic processes and pathology visible in the first, second and third
trimesters;

• The level of the competency obtained will be dependent on access to

obstetric ultrasound clinical experience..There is provision to perform to a
lower standard (advanced beginner) as many students now have limited or restricted access to ultrasound practice.

Assessment

Compulsory attainment of a requisite number of ultrasound examinations (hurdle
requirement)
Two assignments (30%)
Written examination (2 hours)(40%)
Image recognition examination (1 hour)(20%)
Clinical skills assessment (10%)

Prerequisites

SON4000, SON4010

Co-requisites

3 days a week performing relevant clinical ultrasound examinations or equivalent