Professional/Short course Fundamentals of Ultrasound Technology

Content

The module syllabus typically covers:

• The nature of ultrasound - Continuous-waves: properties, generation, propagation, interactions, processing, acoustic impedance. Pulsed-waves: Piezoelectric effect, beam shapes and transducers, focusing, power, intensity, bandwidth, pulse-repetition frequency, resolution and artefacts.
  
• Instrumentation and System Design - Transducer design and technology ("fitness for role"), pulse-echo principles, A-mode, B-mode, M-mode, real time, measurements, image storage and recording media, manipulation and display.
  
• Contemporary advancements basic overview of tissue harmonic imaging, contrast media, transducer technology, 3D/4D ultrasound.
  
• Doppler techniques - Doppler effect continuous and pulsed-wave; analyses and display of Doppler signals (spectral, colour flow imaging, power); clinical applications.
  
• Quality control and performance checks - Quality assurance, acceptance testing and phantoms.
  
• Bio-effects, dosimetry and safety - Thermal, cavitation, radiation stress effects ("non-thermal non-cavitational"), "in-vivo" "in-vitro", and epidemiological studies, safety indices, methods to minimise risks, current research.

Learning and Teaching

The module will consist of a mixture of lectures and practical workshops. You will be expected to contribute to discussions based on your own knowledge and experiences, and recognise gaps in your knowledge and understanding and to investigate these areas by asking questions and reading around the subject.

Assessment

The assessment will be a two hour written examination to assess and demonstrate you can apply an in-depth knowledge of ultrasound physics, equipment and instrumentation to a range of issues, including safety and quality assurance, management of the service and clinical practice.