CQUniversity Unit Profile.

This test will be an in-class online test with closed book conditions at the campus of enrolment. It will assess all content from Weeks 1 to 5 inclusive. Room details will be published on the unit Moodle site.

The test will assess the theory and application of content and haemodynamic concepts taught in lectures, discussed in tutorial delivery and practised in the simulated laboratory setting. Questions may require students to perform mathematical calculations, interpret patient data, illustrate concepts or provide explanations and discussions. Questions similar in style to those found in the in-class test are provided in weekly revision material on the Moodle site. Revision questions will also be discussed during the tutorial and laboratory sessions, to help students prepare for this assessment task.

This test will be conducted at the student's campus of enrolment, with supervision and formal examination conditions as detailed in the CQU Assessment Procedures. As per CQU Assessment Procedures, this task is to be completed during the defined period. The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.

This test will be 180 minutes in duration. The test will automatically close and submit completed student answers once the allocated time has elapsed. If a student arrives late, they may enter the test room up to 30 minutes after the start of the test. The student will still be required to submit the test at the preset completion time. Students will not be allowed entry more than 30 minutes after the test starts. In the absence of an approved extension, this assessment cannot be completed at a later time, and a mark of zero (0) will be received for the assessment if it has not been attempted by the scheduled date and time.

A simple calculator (not a scientific calculator) will be required for this test.

Level of GenAI use allowed:

Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.

This in-class test will assess the students' ability to:

• differentiate and discuss the aetiology, pathophysiology and echocardiographic assessment processes associated with a variety of cardiovascular diseases;
• analyse case-based clinical information to formulate differential diagnoses;
• interrogate measurements supplied;
• accurately apply appropriate haemodynamic calculations and interpret resulting values;
• demonstrate clinical reasoning;
• use appropriate terminology and descriptors as well as grammar and spelling.

The allocated number of marks for each question is indicated on the Moodle online test interface. Marks are allocated based on accuracy, depth and breadth of the required response.

This test will be an in-class online test with closed book conditions at the student's campus of enrolment. It will assess all content from Weeks 6 to 11 inclusive. Room details will be published on the unit Moodle site.

The test will assess the theory and application of content and haemodynamic concepts taught in lectures, discussed in tutorial delivery and practised in the simulated laboratory setting. Questions may require you to perform mathematical calculations, interpret patient data, illustrate concepts or provide explanations and discussions. Questions similar in style to those found in the in-class test are provided in weekly revision material on the Moodle site. Revision questions will also be discussed during the tutorial and laboratory sessions, to help students prepare for this assessment task.

This test will be conducted at the student's campus of enrolment, with supervision and formal examination conditions as detailed in the CQU Assessment Procedures. As per CQU Assessment Procedures, this task is to be completed during the defined period. The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.

This test will be 180 minutes in duration. The test will automatically close and submit completed student answers once the allocated time has elapsed. If a student arrives late, they may enter the test room up to 30 minutes after the start of the test. The student will still be required to submit the test at the preset completion time. Students will not be allowed entry more than 30 minutes after the test starts. In the absence of an approved extension, this assessment cannot be completed at a later time, a mark of zero (0) will be received for the assessment if it has not been attempted by the scheduled date and time.

A simple calculator (not a scientific calculator) will be required for this test.

Level of GenAI use allowed:

Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.

This in-class test will assess the students' ability to:

• differentiate and discuss the aetiology, pathophysiology and echocardiographic assessment processes associated with a variety of cardiovascular diseases;
• analyse case-based clinical information to formulate differential diagnoses;
• interrogate measurements supplied;
• accurately apply appropriate haemodynamic calculations and interpret resulting values;
• demonstrate clinical reasoning;
• use appropriate terminology and descriptors as well as grammar and spelling.

The allocated number of marks for each question is indicated on the Moodle online test interface. Marks are allocated based on accuracy, depth and breadth of the required response.

The Echocardiographic Skills Assessment is comprised of two parts — Part A 'Practical' and Part B 'Measurement Performance and Interpretation'.

PART A - Practical

Part A of the Echocardiography Skills Assessment incorporates both a Professional and Technical component and requires students to perform a comprehensive 2D, colour Doppler and spectral Doppler echocardiographic examination using ultrasound equipment. Students have 60 minutes in total to complete both the Professional and Technical components.

Students will be assessed according to the Part A - Assessment of Readiness for Clinical (ARC) tool, which is available on the unit Moodle site. This document details performance criteria the student must demonstrate competence in to pass the assessment.

Professional Component

The professional component of the assessment evaluates performance aspects of the sonographic exam such as communication (verbal, non-verbal, and written), professional behaviour, ergonomics, and patient care skills. This encompasses an assessment of pre-scan, scanning, and post-scan skills.

Technical Component

The technical component of the assessment evaluates the student's scanning technique, image optimisation, and ability to complete a comprehensive echocardiogram within a reasonable set time to an ‘Advanced Beginner' level of competency.

• The ARC tool details the required imaging sequence and performance criteria cues.
• Except for panning or sector sweeps, which are critiqued live or via video recording moderation, the collection of images stored by the student represent the echocardiographic examination performed.
• At the end of the examination the supervising tutor will acquire a variety of representative images. These images will be used during marking and moderation to ascertain achievable image quality.

Note: Part A (Practical) of the Echocardiography Skills Assessment will be video recorded for moderation purposes. The videos will not be released to students for review.

All students are required to make themselves available to act as a patient model for peer assessments. Students must additionally make themselves available for re-sit assessments if requested by the unit coordinator.

PART B - Interpretation and Measurement Performance

Part B of the Echocardiography Skills Assessment incorporates measurement performance, image interpretation and self-reflection components through completion of a Laboratory Workbook.

The Laboratory Workbook assessment task requires students to engage in seven (7) laboratory exercises designed to develop their echocardiography measurement and interpretation skills. The Laboratory Workbook aims to support learning by encouraging development in accurate measurement technique, precise documentation and analytical skills. Students may complete the Laboratory Workbook during the laboratory sessions or in their own time.

Students are required to:

• Apply best practice guidelines when performing measurements on echocardiographic images using discipline specific software.
• Transcribe precise measurements and save acquired images of measurement performance into the Laboratory Workbook.
• Understand and apply common reference ranges used to assess cardiac chamber size, systolic function, and right heart pressures. 
• Calculate right ventricular systolic pressure.
• Apply current American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) Diastolic Function Algorithms.
• Recognise limitations of provided images and measurements.
• Document image interpretation using discipline specific conventions, including rationale, replicating clinical reporting.
• Provide a meaningful reflection demonstrating self-awareness by identifying strengths and weaknesses in skill development.

The Laboratory Workbook must be uploaded as two separate submissions:

• The first submission includes work completed from laboratory sessions 1 to 4 inclusive.
• The second submission includes work completed from laboratory sessions 5 to 7 inclusive.

Individual student feedback will be provided only where significant performance errors are identified.

Students are advised to refer to the 'Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)' document for additional university guidelines regarding assessments.

The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment. Due to the pass/fail nature of assessment components, there is no opportunity to apply a 5% penalty due to late submission. If a student does not attend a laboratory session for any reason they are still required to submit the completed Laboratory Workbook by the specified due date. In the absence of an approved extension, this assessment cannot be completed at a later time and students will receive a FAIL for this assessment item. 

Level of GenAI use allowed:

Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.

Part A 'Practical' and Part B 'Measurement Performance and Interpretation' are assessed as independent components constituting the overall Echocardiography Skills Assessment.

PART A - Practical

To pass Part A of this assessment, a student must be deemed competent in both the Professional and Technical components. To pass these components, ALL criteria must be demonstrated to the appropriate level of competence as detailed on the  Part A - Assessment of Readiness for Clinical (ARC) Tool. Students are advised to carefully review this documents which is available on the unit Moodle site.

The professional and technical components are graded separately so that if one is passed and the other is not, only the failed component must be repeated to pass.

There is only ONE opportunity to re-sit either component of this assessment item.

PART B - Measurement Performance and Interpretation

To pass Part B of this assessment, ALL sections in the Laboratory Workbook must be completed.

Students must demonstrate:

• Reasonable accuracy and consistency in measurement technique and image interpretation.
• Understanding and appropriate application of current American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) reference ranges.
• Reflective discussion with insight into individual performance showing ability to critically examine where further development is needed.

There is only ONE opportunity to re-submit this assessment item.

MOCK Examination

Students will be provided with a single opportunity to attempt Part A of the Echocardiography Skills Assessment under mock examination conditions. Individual feedback will be provided to students after completing the mock assessment. Students will receive a completed MOCK Part A - Assessment of Readiness for Clinical (ARC) Tool following marking. Scanning feedback will be provided verbally by the tutor supervising each individual student mock practical scanning assessment.

The MOCK assessment will be delivered as part of the routine laboratory sessions.

Note: there is no opportunity for rescheduling of missed laboratory sessions and any academic impact resulting from absence remains the student’s responsibility. 

The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that students are well-equipped to embody the high standards of professionalism that are expected from CQUniversity students while on their follow-on clinical placement blocks. Professional behaviour is a critical part of any medical imaging profession and encompasses the manner in which we treat our colleagues, patients and the professional settings and equipment we interact with. Exemplary professional behaviour is highly valued by clinical supervisors and this information may be used to endorse students for placements if requested by clinical sites.

This assessment requires students to treat each of the lab sessions as a scheduled 'work shift' and to exhibit high quality professional attributes. This assessment is based on a continuous and ongoing evaluation of student application and attendance during labs, and behaviour exhibited during the time spent studying this unit up until the completion of all formal assessments. Aspects of professionalism will be assessed across multiple levels including, but not limited to: maintenance of laboratory documentation, Moodle forums, online tutorials, lab sessions (both peer-assisted and tutor-assisted), interactions with peers and staff, social media, phone calls and all official correspondence with university staff, peers and the community.

Students are required to maintain accurate laboratory documentation and conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Instances of substandard professional behaviour may result in a Lapse in Professionalism (LiP) point being awarded to the offending student.

LiPs may be issued in three different categories:

1. Professional behaviour towards colleagues and staff
2. Professional behaviour towards patients
3. Professional behaviour towards professional settings and equipment

Further information is detailed in the Expected Professional Behaviour and LiP Allocation document, which is available on the Moodle site. Students are encouraged to review this document to be sure of behavioural expectations. Students should also be familiar with the CQUniversity Student Charter as well as the Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA) Code of Conduct (available in the e-Reading list).

Absenteeism

Skills labs for this unit are mandatory. Students must advise the unit coordinator before the start of compulsory labs if unable to attend. Failure to notify staff appropriately before the start of a missed lab will result in a LiP (Lapse in Professionalism) except in extraordinary circumstances. Lateness to labs may also result in a LiP, whether notice is given or not. Labs missed for a valid reason (eg. illness or injury) require supporting documentation. Medical or health-related certificates must be in the approved formats articulated in the CQUniversity Assessment Policy and Procedure (HE Coursework).

Any missed labs must be clearly marked on the Lab Attendance Page and Reflective Feedback Form. A tutor's signature is not required in this case. There is no opportunity to 'make up' missed lab sessions.

Peer Assisted Practice (PAP) Sessions

Students are offered regular PAP sessions, which are scheduled through Google Doc links on the Moodle site. Penalties will apply if instructions and rules disclosed on these documents are not adhered to. Failure to abide by these regulations may result in a LiP and removal of attendance privileges.

Tutor Assisted Practice (TAP) Sessions

Students are offered several TAP sessions throughout the term, which are scheduled through Google Doc links on the Moodle site. A tutor will be present to offer direct assistance to students in a group setting. Penalties will apply if instructions and rules disclosed on these documents are not adhered to. Failure to abide by these regulations may result in a LiP and removal of attendance privileges.

The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.

Level of GenAI use allowed:

Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.

This assessment incorporates maintenance of pertinent lab documentation including lab attendance and any Lapse in Professionalism (LiP) points accrued throughout unit delivery. To pass this unit students need to consistently display a high standard of professional behaviour including, but not limited to, punctual lab attendance. All interactions with staff and peers pertaining to this unit will be treated as a replica of the clinical work environment, and students are expected to demonstrate the professional behaviour expected in a formal work environment.

Should a student acquire more than three (3) LiPs, this assessment will automatically be graded a FAIL. If any exhibited attitude or behaviour is deemed as unsafe or inappropriate, this assessment may be graded as a FAIL at the discretion of the unit coordinator.

Students are required to complete the following documentation and submit to Moodle in PDF format. All documents are available on the unit Moodle page.

1. A signed Lab Agreement Form
2. A signed Consent Form - Sonographic Examination for Teaching Purposes
3. A completed and signed Lab Attendance and Professional Behaviour Assessment form

Note that the Lab Agreement Form and the Consent Form are due prior to commencing lab sessions in Week 1 and must be uploaded to Assessment 4a on the unit Moodle site.

To PASS this assessment, all documentation must be completed appropriately and submitted by the due date and time. All documents must be legible, labelled appropriately and uploaded in PDF format.

The ability to set goals, self-reflect and adopt feedback are tools to aid the progress of knowledge and skill development. These abilities also address industry requirements, whereby professionals must perform continuing professional development (CPD) activities to maintain accreditation.

Completion of these documents encourages students to develop self-reflection skills, apply goal-setting strategies and implement feedback for performance improvement. Feedback forms must be completed, signed by a tutor where applicable, and submitted to Moodle as one PDF file by the due date. Formative Feedback Forms must be completed BEFORE leaving at the end of each lab (as you would be required to complete documentation for each patient's scan before the end of a clinical shift).

Level of GenAI use allowed:

Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.

The Formative Feedback and Self-Reflection document is available on the Moodle site and must be presented to the supervising tutor at each of the tutorial lab sessions.

To PASS this assessment, all documentation must be completed appropriately and submitted by the due date and time. All documents must be legible, labelled appropriately and uploaded in PDF format.