Module manager: Amber Gislason-Lee
Email: A.Gislason-Lee@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
As per the programme specification.
| MEDP3514 | Ultrasound Imaging |
This module is not approved as an Elective
Medical ultrasound imaging applications are constantly evolving, particularly with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) based software to support use of the equipment and presentation of images. Ultrasound is unlike other imaging modalities in that it operates in a hands-on manner, and users must understand how the equipment works to be able to capture images. Users also must interpret images to help them capture optimal angles. In this module you will learn how ultrasound images are formed, why different image components appear as they do, and you will be introduced to a large range of current and cutting-edge clinical applications for this technology. The University of Leeds is home to one of the most advanced simulation suites in the country for training sonographers, and we have access to this suite for this module. This includes a ScanTrainer simulation system, Bodyworks Eve simulation systems, ultrasound and Doppler machines to scan live models, simulated patients and a library of real clinical cases.
This module will provide you with an understanding of both the underlying scientific principles behind the technology and the application of ultrasound imaging for use in clinical practice.
We will teach you via lectures, group workshops, and practical hands-on experience.
The knowledge gained through successful completion of this module will allow you to better understand ultrasound images you may view in future.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. explain the principles of ultrasound image formation
2. identify and describe the limitations behind how an ultrasound image is formed
3. identify and critically analyse key clinical applications of ultrasound in practice
4. critically assess novel methods of ultrasound imaging, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI)
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
- Communicate the functionality of ultrasound imaging equipment as a whole and by individual part
Science and Technology:
- Characteristics of ultrasound waves
- Piezoelectric effect
- Pulse-echo principle
- Ultrasound propagation in tissue
- Scanner architecture
- Ultrasound imaging modalities
- Ultrasound transducers
- Signal processing
- Image quality
- Imaging artefacts in ultrasound
- Doppler ultrasound
- Harmonic Imaging
- Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)
- 3D Ultrasound imaging
- Elastography imaging
- Safety of medical ultrasound
- Quality assurance testing
- Artificial intelligence (AI) in ultrasound imaging
Clinical Applications:
- Sonography overview
- Echocardiography
- Neuro applications
- Cardio-vascular applications
- Current Research
Practical Experience:
- Introduction to ultrasound
- Echocardiography
- Current cutting edge
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 13 | 1 | 13 |
| Practical | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Seminar | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Seminar | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Independent online learning hours | 29 | ||
| Private study hours | 100 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 151 | ||
Mid way through the module, a formative activity will take place whereby students will work in groups to teach each other key concepts taught on the module. This acts as an opportunity for them to repeat back what they have learned via a micro-teach sessions and will allow for both lecturer and peer feedback. This will give the module lead advance notice if the students are struggling with key concepts well in advance of the summative exam, so that these struggles can be addressed.
Students will be provided with self-assessment formative questions at the end of each lecture, to test themselves to assure the learning outcomes of that lecture have been met.
Students on this module only (not with MEDP3514 students, who generally share the teaching) will complete a groupwork seminar session with the module lead to help prepare them for the additional exam questions that will be on this module and not on MEDP3514 (see differences in Learning Outcomes 3 and 4; the additional learning for this module is assessed on these 2 additional long answer exam questions).
Students will also have the opportunity to complete a mock exam in the same format as the summative exam.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 18/05/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team