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 and 120 level 1 credits for BSc (Hons) Medical Ultrasound (Sonography) programme.
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module covers the nature and impact of ultrasound artefacts. It will provide a wide knowledge base of the scientific principles underpinning Doppler imaging and the safe operation of ultrasound technology. An overview of bio-effects and how these impact on ultrasound safety. The knowledge gained will underpin safe clinical practice in a range of obstetric, gynaecological and general medical imaging examinations.
This module builds on the students’ knowledge gained from the Medical Ultrasound Science 1 module and covers the physical processes associated with Doppler ultrasound production. The module will provide the scientific principles underpinning the ultrasound artefacts, equipment choice and manipulation and bio-effects to students. The knowledge gained will underpin safe clinical practice and support the safe operation of technology.
At the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Understand physical principles related to ultrasound artefacts.
2. Explain the Principles of Doppler.
3. Justify equipment choice and manipulation to ensure safe operation of ultrasound technology.
4. Explain the principles and impact of ultrasound Bio-effects.
5. Explain Quality Assurance techniques and the factors affecting image quality.
Justification: the ability to consider different potential options and use judgement to select the most appropriate course of action
Application of scientific principles
Practice safely within an ultrasound department
Topics covered include:
- The nature and origin of ultrasound artefacts.
- Interactive processes of Doppler ultrasound in patients.
- Design, function, operation and safe use of ultrasound imaging technology and factors affecting image quality.
- Bio-effects of ultrasound.
- Relevant quality assurance tests and impact on clinical practice.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group learning | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Lecture | 14 | 2 | 28 |
| Practical | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Tutorial | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Independent online learning hours | 15 | ||
| Private study hours | 150 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 35 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Within the first semester in which the module runs, students will be provided a directed online learning activity after each session to help consolidate the content delivered in that week/session. A group task activity will be set as a formative activity towards the summative assessment where the students will need to work to produce a resource to be presented back to the rest of the cohort.
- Group activity for students to work to consider a different technology/setting and consider the relative benefits/limitations which will be presented to the other groups. This will help form an understanding of some of the concepts related to the summative assessment.
- Formative exam and feedback.
- Review of post-session activities set each session/week.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 100 |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100 | |
The formative examination (0% of formal assessment) will be held in Week 9. 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