2015/16 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

HECS5256M Fundamentals of Science and Technology of Diagnostic Imaging

15 creditsClass Size: 60

If you are applying for a stand-alone Masters level module please note you must meet either the general University entry criteria or the specific module pre-requisite for this level of study.

Module manager: Stephen Wolstenhulme
Email: s.wolstenhulme@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2015/16

Pre-requisite qualifications

Applicants will be currently registered with the appropriate professional body, where applicable
AND
Applicants will normally possess a 2:1 honours degree from a recognised higher education institution in an appropriate subject

Module replaces

HECS 5173M Science & Technology of Medical Ultrasound MEDP5110M Science & Technology (Mammography)

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate an in-depth specialist knowledge and understanding of the core scientific principles and technology used in diagnostic imaging.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to:

- Demonstrate an in-depth specialist knowledge of the physical principles involved in the production of a diagnostic image and their clinical implications
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the physics underlying the generation, propagation and detection of radiation / ultrasound waves in tissue.
- Critically appraise the technological principles involved in diagnostic imaging machine and their implications for your areas of imaging practice.
- Demonstrate an in-depth specialist knowledge and understanding of the limitations of diagnostic imaging in your area of imaging practice, including origins and identification of relevant artefacts
- Critically evaluate the fundamental issues underpinning bioeffects, safety, protection and guidelines and the relationship to diagnostic image quality for your clinical application
- Critically evaluate the role of fundamental image processing for your areas of imaging practice
- Demonstrate an in-depth specialist knowledge of fundamental diagnostic image recording & display equipment
- Critically evaluate the significance, performance and interpretation of fundamental quality assurance techniques appropriate for your area of clinical imaging practice
- Critically appraise the significance of fundamental new science and technology developments in diagnostic imaging in your area of imaging practice.

Skills outcomes
Contextualise and critically evaluate science and technology theoretical knowledge

Critically reflect on the application of science and technology in clinical practice

Identify the compromises inherent in the production of a high quality image and critically evaluate the role of the operator in using the controls to optimise the process

Identify and develop multi-professional collaboration skills in doing, analysing and critically evaluating science and technology practical tests.

Syllabus

ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound Physics
Near and far fields; amplitude, intensity; power and frequency.
Velocity, elasticity and density; acoustic impedance. Attenuation in tissue with reference to reflection, refraction, scattering and absorption. Dynamic range concept.
Specular reflection, curved and irregular surfaces. Focusing using lenses.

Pulse echo Principles
Speed of sound in soft tissue; 1540 m s-1 and its significance. Range determination.

The B-scanner
Main equipment controls. 2D-image formation using scanned beams. Electronic scanning options. Clock, output power, transmitter, receiver. Compression, dynamic range and TGC application. Video and radio frequency signals. Analogue and digital signals and their inter-conversion. Bandwidth limitations. Pre- and post- processing. Frame averaging, speckle reduction. Lesion detectability. Measurements in 1, 2 and 3 dimensions both linear and non-linear. Limits of accuracy and sources of error.

Image optimisation
Fundamental limitations of ultrasound in specific areas of application. Pre-sets. The role of the operator in image optimisation. Compromises in ultrasound imaging.

Artefacts
Types of artefact.
Propagation artefacts/ equipment related artefacts/ technique related artefacts
Recognition/ clinical examples/ remedy for each

Transducers
- Production and detection of ultrasound with reference to piezoelectric effect. PZT devices. Backing and matching. Broad-band and multiple frequency transducers.
- Electronic arrays. Focusing of electronic arrays using synthetic aperture techniques. Frame rate/ depth/line density compromises. Transmit and receive focusing. Depth of focus and aperture. Linear and curvilinear arrays; beam steering, phased arrays and annular arrays.
- Design of specialist probes including trans-vaginal, trans-rectal and trans-oesophageal. High frequency probes. 1.5D arrays.

Harmonic imaging
Comparison of techniques. Artefact reduction. Limitations. Effect on image quality / resolution.

Compound imaging
Comparison of techniques. Artefact reduction. Limitations. Effect on image quality / resolution.

Ultrasound safety in practice
Thermal effects, cavitation and microstreaming. Safety issues in practice. M.I and T.I. ALARA

Doppler ultrasound
Overview of CW PW Colour and Power Doppler

MAMMOGRAPHY AND RADIOGRAPHY
- Physics of X-radiation as applied to diagnostic imaging
- Radiation technology of diagnostic imaging
- Diagnostic imaging equipment
- Image recording in diagnostic imaging
- Digital diagnostic imaging and associated technology
- Radiation protection
- Quality assurance.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Clinical Practice	38	1.00	37.50
Class tests, exams and assessment	1	1.00	1.00
Lecture	12	1.00	12.00
Tutorial	12	1.00	12.00
Private study hours			87.50
Total Contact hours			62.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

During the contacts weeks, days are set aside for private study / independent learning. These days and at other times during the module the type of private study will include reading, literature searches, and tutorial and assessment preparation.

During the contact weeks the students will be given directed private study / practical tasks which must be brought to the tutorial sessions. This will form feedback material for the multidisciplinary group tutorial sessions.

The lecture PowerPoint presentations and e-learning facilities will be available via VLE to review before and after each session.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

During the module students will be required to undertake course work. This will help develop students learning and preparation for the Summative assessment.

This will take the form of:
- Tutorial problem solving tasks
- Formative practical report-December
- Formative unseen written examination-March.
- Involvement and participation in group work around the topics introduced will help develop learning and be in preparation for the summative assessment.

In addition, the students will be strongly encouraged to arrange individual tutorials and discuss their outline of the assignments with the academic supervisor.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	Project report (1,500 words)	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

Compensation between elements.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 14/07/2015

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