DRG6101 Ultrasound Physics, Instrumentation and Quality Assurance

Course Overview

Domain

Health and Social Sciences

Format

Modular Certification Course

Duration

3+ months

Fee Subsidy

Up to 90% SF Funding

Professional Development Units

CPD points (SSR) - Pending approval

Updated: July 2024

This module has an updated learning pathway that can now be stacked towards the Graduate Certificate in Medical Sonography (GCert MS). The GCert MS is also stackable towards SIT’s Master of Health Sciences.

Ultrasound utilises high-frequency waves to generate diagnostic-quality images. This module explores the critical analysis of ultrasound images, focusing on optimising image quality through the application of theoretical understanding in ultrasound physics and instrumentation.

Learners will be familarised with the criteria for diagnostic quality images and acquire strategies to mitigate unwanted imaging artefacts. Additionally, they will develop the ability to identify equipment faults and conduct routine quality assurance checks.

They will also have the opportunity for inter-professional learning during clinical experiences, facilitating the exchange of best practices. This will enhance their skills in recognising image artifacts, optimising image quality, and implementing quality assurance programs. It prepares the learners to become autonomous practitioners capable of safely and competently undertaking advanced practices.

The module offers various learning activities including online lectures, demonstrations, workshops, assignments, and projects to provide a comprehensive learning experience.

Who Should Attend

Radiographers practising ultrasound
Healthcare professionals involved in ultrasound work

Prerequisites

Candidates must have relevant ultrasound related experience (preferably at least 1 year of working experience as an independent sonographer)
Candidates must have the required access to a medical ultrasound facility to develop competency in the respective clinical applications. They must be actively engaged in supervised ultrasound clinical practice in the workplace for at least three days (or equivalent) per week. It is the candidate's responsibility to secure a supervised clinical arrangement in the workplace. At the end of the trimester, candidates must satisfy the clinical requirements (ie. compulsory logging the required number of ultrasound examinations in clinical portfolio and pass the clinical skills assessment)

Documents and information you would need to complete this application:

Please upload documents under Online Applications - Supporting Documents section.

Employment support letter (Includes applicant's area of work)*
Recognised BSc degree in any of the health sciences registrable with the local regulatory bodies*
Transcript of highest relevant qualification*
Professional certification
Answers to the following questions:
- Your reasons for pursuing the module (100 - 150 words)
- Why did you select SIT over other academic institutions? (100 - 150 words)
- What do you hope to achieve at the completion of the module? (100 - 150 words)

Note:
* Mandatory documents

"The module was thorough and I learnt how to apply the information for work. I understood better on how to improve my images."

Course Participant

-

What You Will Learn

Discuss the production and interaction of sound waves with matter
Explain the various components and functions of the transducer, the machine controls and its effects on the final image quality
Evaluate the criteria of a diagnostic quality image and discuss the various sonographic scanning techniques used in image acquisition and optimisation
Explain the principles in tissue characterisation
Investigate equipment or transducer faults and perform quality assurance checks for verification
Understand the bio-effects and As Low As Reasonable Achievable (ALARA) principle in ultrasound

Teaching Team

Ooi Chin Chin

Associate Professor, Health and Social Sciences, Singapore Institute of Technology

Amarjit Kaur

Senior Sonographer, Perth Radiological Clinic and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Australia. Associate Faculty, Health and Social Sciences, Singapore Institute of Technology

Schedule

Week	Topics
Week 1	Basic principles of ultrasound physics, ultrasound production
Week 2	Different modes of ultrasound
Week 3	Ultrasound transmission Reflection on clinical practice, student led discussion, case-based/problem-based learning and lab work
Week 4	Ultrasound beam and resolution
Week 5	Student lead discussion: Case presentation Assignment / case report on image optimisation techniques
Week 6	Transducer manipulation and tissue characterisation
Week 7	Ultrasound artefacts
Week 8	Image quality assessment
Week 9	Bio-effects, image optimisation Student directed discussion/group work
Week 10	Quality assurance Image quality assessment Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve
Week 11	Advances in ultrasound imaging: technological advancement and application in clinical practice Continuous assessment: Viva
Week 12	Quiz

Certificate and Assessment

A Certificate of Participation will be issued to participants who

Attend at least 75% of the module
Undertake non-credit bearing assessment during the module

A Certificate of Attainment will be issued to participants who

Attend at least 75% of the module, and
Candidates who pass the assessment criteria of the respective module will earn 6 credits, which can be stacked towards the Graduate Certificate in Medical Sonography

Fee Structure

The full fee for this course is S$4,251.00.

Category	After SF Funding
Singapore Citizen (Below 40)	S$1,275.30
Singapore Citizen (40 & Above)	S$495.30
Singapore PR / LTVP+ Holder	S$1,275.30
Non-Singapore Citizen	S$4,251.00 (No Funding)