Module manager: Anthony Rawson
Email: a.j.rawson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Standard entry criteria for BSc(Hons) Medical Ultrasound (Sonography) programme
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module covers the fundamental physical processes involved in ultrasound image production. It will provide a wide knowledge base of the scientific principles underpinning the production, recording and display of ultrasound images, and the safe operation of ultrasound technology. The knowledge gained will underpin safe clinical practice in a range of obstetric/gynaecological and general medical imaging examinations.
This module covers the fundamental physical processes in ultrasound production. It will provide students with a wide knowledge base of the scientific principles underpinning the production, recording and display of the ultrasound images, and the safe operation of technology. The knowledge gained will underpin safe clinical practice
At the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Understand physical principles related to ultrasound imaging
2. Describe the origin, nature and the interactive processes of ultrasound in imaging
3. Understand the underlying scientific principles and safe operation of ultrasound equipment
4. Describe the image production and recording methods and its clinical applications
5. Explain the factors affecting image quality
Topics covered include:
• The nature and origin of ultrasound
• Interactive processes of ultrasound in patients
• Fundamental principles of the design, function, operation and safe use of ultrasound imaging technology.
• Fundamental physical principles underlying the production, recording and display of ultrasound images
• Factors affecting image quality
• The clinical applications of image production and recording methods
• The fundamental principles and procedures of quality assurance
• Relevant quality assurance tests
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class tests, exams and assessment | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Lecture | 16 | 2 | 32 |
| Tutorial | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Independent online learning hours | 30 | ||
| Private study hours | 130 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 40 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
For each core lecture, by the module lead, a series of questions will be provided for the student to complete. These are intended to consolidate understanding and provide a reference to help students judge the academic standard required to successfully complete the module. Students are encouraged to answer these questions after each lecture. Answers for these questions are provided later for students to check their responses. Where clarification is required students are encouraged to contact the module leader who will either provide personal feedback or where necessary in-class feedback. Formative online exam and feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | Formative examination (Exam duration: 2 hours) | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 0 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100 | |
The online timed examination using Gradescope will be conducted remotely online
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team