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 240 level 1 and 2 credits for BSc (Hons) Medical Ultrasound (Sonography) programme
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module covers the physical principles of advanced ultrasound technologies/techniques and the safe operation of ultrasound with advanced technology. An overview of bio-effects and how these impact on ultrasound safety with advanced ultrasound technologies. The knowledge gained will underpin safe clinical practice in a range of obstetric, gynaecological and general medical imaging examinations.
This module builds on the knowledge students gained from the Medical Ultrasound Science 1 and 2 modules and covers advanced ultrasound technologies/techniques such as fusion, contrast enhanced ultrasound, 3/4D.
At the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Analyse physical principles related to advanced ultrasound techniques
2. Evaluate equipment choice and manipulation for advanced ultrasound techniques
3. Appraise the principles and impact of ultrasound Bio-effects when using advanced ultrasound technology
4. Explain Quality Assurance techniques and the factors affecting image quality with reference to advanced ultrasound technologies
Justification: the ability to consider different potential options and use judgement to select the most appropriate advanced technology/technique to gain a diagnostic answer
Application of scientific principles
Practice safely within an ultrasound department
Topics covered include:
• Physical principles for a range of advanced ultrasound technologies/techniques such as fusion, contrast enhanced ultrasound, 3/4D
• Interactive processes for a range of advanced ultrasound technologies/techniques
• Design, function, operation and safe use of advanced ultrasound imaging technology and factors affecting image quality
• Bio-effects of using advanced ultrasound technologies/techniques
• Relevant quality assurance tests and impact on clinical practice of using advanced ultrasound technologies/techniques
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 9 | 2 | 18 |
| Practical | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Independent online learning hours | 20 | ||
| Private study hours | 160 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will be given 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.
Students will be expected to undertake pre-reading and complete preparatory activities to contribute to lectures and practical activities.
Private study should be utilised to write up lecture notes and do pre- and post-session reading on the topics covered.
The nature of this module is such that there is direct application to clinical practice. Students are encouraged to use every opportunity within the clinical environment to reflect upon application of theory
Group activity for students 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 activities and feedback.
Review of post-session activities set each session/week
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 3000 word ultrasound machine evaluation to support a proposal for equipment procurement | 100 |
| 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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