COURSE OUTLINE

2018/2019

COURSE NAME: Physical Principles and Instrumentation in Sonography

COURSE CODE: PHYS1112

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students will learn the mechanisms by which sound travels through and interacts with various media in the body. Instrumentation
associated with generating the sound beam and processing the returning echoes are examined. The physical principles of fluid
motion as it pertains to blood flow and Doppler imaging constitute an important part of the course. Recognition and management
of artifacts are also discussed. Safety considerations for both the operator and patient are included throughout this course.

Course Credits: 4.50

LEARNING OUTCOMES

OUTCOME Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to

1 Correlate characteristics of the ultrasound beam to evaluate sonographic images.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Ultrasound beam propagation through the body
• Intensity variations in the beam
• Output display indices
• Pulsed ultrasound
• Effects of the ultrasound wave on the body
• Ultrasound beam and resolution

2 Describe and evaluate the ultrasound image using correct terminology.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Ultrasound related terminology
• Image characteristics
• Ultrasound and ancillary equipment settings
• Image annotation

3 Manipulate ultrasound instrumentation and related equipment to perform an ultrasound examination.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Transducers
• Scanner and related equipment components
• Equipment optimization
• Harmonic imaging
• Emerging technologies

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 4 Relate fluid dynamic principles to Doppler sonography.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Hemodynamic principles
• Doppler formulas
• Doppler instrumentation

5 Assess artifacts related to ultrasound.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Image detail resolution
• Locational
• Attenuation
• Doppler

6 Describe quality control issues in ultrasound.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Personnel
• Output assessment
• Beam characteristics assessment
• Tissue equivalent phantoms
• Doppler phantoms

7 Apply statistical research data to determine test validity of sonographic studies.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Statistical parameters
• Receiver operating curve

STUDENT EVALUATION

OUTCOME ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION MARK DISTRIBUTION

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Theory assessments 80%
and 7

3, 4 and 6 Practical assessments 20%

TOTAL 100%

COURSE COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

In this course, a grade of 63% or standard C must be achieved in both the theory and practical components of the course before
component grades are blended in order to progress to the next term/level in the program. Failure to achieve a 63% in either of the
two components of the course will result in a course mark of the lowest component grade being entered on the student transcript.
Opportunities to address course deficiencies are outlined in the program “Learner Success Guide”.

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 DELIVERY METHOD
This course will be taught using a variety of delivery methods which may include face-to-face, online, or blended teaching
platforms. Activities such as collaborative exercises/assignments, seminars, labs, discussion, audio/visual presentations, case
studies, and work-integrated learning may be used to support learning.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Enrolment at NAIT assumes that the student will become a responsible citizen of the Institute. As such, each student will display
a positive work ethic, assist in the preservation of Institute property, and assume responsibility for his/her education by
researching academic requirements and policies; demonstrating courtesy and respect toward others; and respecting expectations
concerning attendance, assignments, deadlines, and appointments.

EQUITY STATEMENT
NAIT is committed to providing an environment of equality and respect for all people within the learning community, and to
educating faculty, staff, and students in developing inclusive teaching and learning contexts that are welcoming to all.

Leadership Review Date: October 23, 2017

Curriculum Committee Review Date: October 24, 2017

Changes to This Course Outline: Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this course outline is accurate at the time of publication. The Institute
reserves the right to change courses if it becomes necessary so that course content remains relevant. In such cases, the instructor will give the students clear and
timely notice of the changes.
All Rights Reserved: No part of this course outline may be reproduced in any form or resold without written permission from NAIT. Copyright 2017.

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