Outline

Overview

Point of care ultrasound is used routinely in the assessment and management of critically ill patients. This unit of study will introduce students to ultrasound physics and knobology. Students will learn how to perform scans including e-FAST, AAA, vascular access, DVT studies, renal, hepatobiliary, basic echo, lung and early pregnancy. This unit satisfies the coursework required by the Australasian Society for Ultrasound Medicine (ASUM) for the Certificate of Clinician Performed Ultrasound (CCPU).

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Critical Care
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Khanh Nguyen, khanh.nguyen1@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Small test	Short answer questions Short answer	30%	Multiple weeks	1 to 2 hours each
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Patient scan uploads Patient scanning skills assessment	60%	Multiple weeks	2 to 4 scans each
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	ACI physics module Online module	0%	Week 02	2 to 3 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Face to face workshop Attendance	0%	Week 02	2 days
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Module quizzes Online MCQ	10%	Weekly	15 minutes each
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Module quizzes: Following the lecture series in each of the 10 modules in this unit of study, there will be a set of 10 MCQs that students are required to complete. Students are allowed one attempt only to complete the graded module quizzes. Each graded quiz consists of 10 single best answer questions.
Short answer questions: In 9 of the 10 modules in this unit of study, there will be an SAQ that students are required to complete. Students are allowed one attempt only. The SAQ is broken down into a series of multi questions. Students need to provide an answer before the ideal answer is revealed. They will then move onto the next part of the question. Students will not be able to return to previously answered questions.
Patient scan uploads: Throughout the semester, students are required to perform hands on scanning of healthy volunteers or patients and submit them online for assessment on our secure server. The aim of the assessment is to ensure adequate images are obtained and that the image quality is optimised. Scans demonstrating pathology will not gain more marks than normal studies.
Face to face workshops: The attendance of the 2-day face to face is compulsory. There are no marks assigned for attendance. Prior to the day, students are expected to watch all the demonstration videos online. These are supplemented by cheat sheet “how to perform an ultrasound” guides. Students will rotate in groups to obtain hands on experience of performing all scans in the unit of study. Sonographers and credentialed clinicians will guide the student through all windows required as well as tips and tricks on how to improve scanning technique. For students interested in enrolling into a formal credentialing program, there will be opportunity to discuss this at the face to face course.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Module 1: Physics and knobology	Online class (10 hr)
Week 02	Face to face workshop	Workshop (10 hr)
Week 03	Module 2: Vascular access	Online class (10 hr)
Week 04	Module 3: e-Fast	Online class (10 hr)
Week 05	Module 4: AAA	Online class (10 hr)
Week 06	Module 5: Lung	Online class (10 hr)
Week 07	Module 6: Echo and life support	Online class (10 hr)
Week 08	Module 6: Echo and life support	Online class (10 hr)
Week 09	Module 7: DVT	Online class (10 hr)
Week 10	Module 8: Renal	Online class (10 hr)
Week 11	Module 9: Gallbladder	Online class (10 hr)
Week 12	Module 10: First trimester pregnancy	Online class (10 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Friday 11 - Sunday 13th August 2023 (Week 2 of semester)
Westmead Precinct Central Acute Services Building (CASB).
Attendance is compulsory.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Critical Care Ultrasound Manual (2012) edn 1 A Mclean and S Huang, Elsevier
Emergency Ultrasound Made Easy (2011) edn 2 J Bowra and R McLaughlin, Elsevier Health Sciences

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of point of care ultrasound as a tool which aids the clinician on bedside management
LO2. Understand regional anatomy relevant to the ultrasound performed and to be able to correlate this with images obtained on the ultrasound screen
LO3. Utilise correct ultrasound probe for the specific study
LO4. Optimise patient position to obtain relevant ultrasound windows
LO5. Become efficient at image optimisation by changing depth, focus and time-gain-compensation on the ultrasound
LO6. Conclude whether the ultrasound study is positive or negative for pathology
LO7. Use feedback given by accredited clinicians / sonographers to improve image acquisition.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered. We value your feedback about any aspect of the unit of study and your experience as a student of Sydney Medical School. To help ensure our courses meet your needs and maintain a high standard, we welcome your feedback at any time and we ask you to complete the Mid-Semester Evaluation Survey and the unit of study Evaluation Survey at the end of the semester. You can also rate any component of the unit using our star rating system found at the bottom of many pages as you progress through the unit. Your ratings and comments are anonymous and specifying what you liked and didn’t like about any of the learning materials, assessment items, discussion forums, feedback etc will help us to target our improvement efforts. Please note that your participation in this unit of study permits de-identified information about your learning experience and interaction with learning resources to be used for the purpose of improving the student learning experience.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

CRIT5010: Point of Care Ultrasound

Semester 2, 2023 [Distance education/intensive on campus] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect