Module manager: Pauline Mitchell
Email: p.mitchell1@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) 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
The interpretation of ultrasound appearances and knowledge of normal and abnormal appearances form an essential part of the sonographer’s role. This module provides the underpinning embryological principles and an overview of the body’s systems linked to their ultrasound appearances to support the students’ early experiences in the clinical setting. It introduces students to image interpretation through the application of fundamental principles of systematic image evaluation and interpretation to be able to detect and communicate findings. This module provides the fundamental concepts on which the students will develop their skills in more complex areas throughout the programme enabling the student to develop their knowledge, understanding and analytical skills.
The aim of this module is to provide the student with information in respect to the fundamentals of embryology of body systems, an introduction to simple pathology linked to principles of medical image interpretation and embryology; all of which are essential in order for the student to begin to identify, understand, analyse, evaluate and interpret ultrasound appearances.
At the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Identify cells and tissue including basic structure and function
2. Describe the embryology of systems of the body and be able to identify anatomical structures on ultrasound images
3. Apply fundamental image interpretation skills to ultrasound images
4. Demonstrate a systematic approach to image evaluation
• Overview of cells and tissues
• Anatomy and embryology of the fetus and body systems
• Body planes and medical terminology
• Ultrasound appearances of anatomical features and organs of the fetus and body systems on ultrasound
• Theories and other factors influencing Image perception and deductive reasoning
• Principles of systematic image evaluation and production of preliminary image evaluation report
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class tests, exams and assessment | 4 | 0.5 | 2 |
| Lecture | 14 | 2 | 28 |
| Practical | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Tutorial | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Independent online learning hours | 25 | ||
| Private study hours | 140 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 35 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
A plan of the case report must be submitted for written feedback prior to the summative assessment. Students will do class tests based around the topics covered for progress monitoring.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2000 words | 100 |
| Essay | Formative Plan 500 words | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 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: 30/04/2026
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