Overview
This unit introduces you to obstetric and non-gravid pelvic ultrasound. In this unit you will build upon your anatomical knowledge of the pelvis to include the anatomy of the gravid pelvis. You will study the sonographic appearance, techniques and procedures applicable to pathology of the non-gravid pelvis, including techniques for communicating your findings. You will develop skills in sonographic scanning techniques of the transabdominal pelvis. You will be introduced to fetal development and the sonographic appearance of the gravid pelvis. You will identify family-centred care strategies employed in the care of the obstetric patient and the ethical, medico-legal and professional issues relevant to safe practice.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: MEDS12002 Abdominal Ultrasound and MEDS12003 Superficial Structures in Ultrasound
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Self Reflection
Lectures for MEDS12006 are of a very high quality but could do with refreshing.
Continue updating lecture material for next delivery.
Feedback from SUTE
Case studies supported student learning. Students asked for more case studies.
Consider increasing the number of case studies.
Feedback from SUTE
Students appreciated the moments of neuroscience and commented they would apply it to future studies.
Maintain neuroscience component of tutorials for the benefit of the student as a whole not just a student of MEDS12006.
Feedback from Self Reflection
A number of students struggled with academic writing in the written assessment
Provide regular reminders of academic writing resources available to students through multiple channels.
- Identify anatomical structures of the pelvis and formulate strategies and implement skills necessary to complete sonographic examinations of the pelvic organs.
- Differentiate the aetiology of female pelvic and fetal disease in relation to sonographic appearance
- Critically evaluate clinical data to communicate a differential diagnosis and evaluate gynaecological and obstetric imaging in relation to safe practice.
- Critically reflect and improve upon own professional practice and sonographic psychomotor skills utilising constructive feedback.
- Display professional behaviour, teamwork, communication skills and criteria to meet safe sonographic practice and industry expectation.
Australasian Sonography Association Competency Standards for the Entry Level Sonographer Units: 1-5, 10
Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry Standards for the Accreditation of Sonographer Courses:
Foundation Units of Competence 1-6
Critical Practice Unit of Competence 10
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10% | |||||
2 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||
3 - Online Test - 50% |
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
1 - Communication | |||||
2 - Problem Solving | |||||
3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
4 - Information Literacy | |||||
5 - Team Work | |||||
6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
8 - Ethical practice | |||||
9 - Social Innovation | |||||
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures |
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
j.wardle@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to the female reproductive system: normal anatomy and
Chapter
There is no prescribed text for this unit.
Weekly readings to complement lecture content will be provided on the unit eReading list.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Wednesday 3pm AEST
Module/Topic
Embryonic development and congenital anomalies of the female reproductive system
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Wednesday 3pm AEST
Module/Topic
Ultrasound examination of the female pelvis, including basic Doppler techniques
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Wednesday 3pm AEST
Module/Topic
Ultrasound appearance of normal female reproductive organs
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Wednesday 3pm AEST
Module/Topic
Benign disease of the female pelvis
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Wednesday 3pm AEST
Summative assessment (graded):
Moodle Quiz 1
opens Wed 7th August 2024 12:00 PM AEST
closes Fri 9th August 2024 12:00 PM AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Malignant disease of the uterus & cervix
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Wednesday 3pm AEST
Module/Topic
Malignant disease of the ovary
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Wednesday 3pm AEST
Module/Topic
Pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis and ultrasound assisted procedures of the female reproductive organs
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Wednesday 3pm AEST
Module/Topic
Introduction to obstetric ultrasound & embryology
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Wednesday 3pm AEST
Module/Topic
The first trimester ultrasound examination
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Residential school
Monday to Thursday 16 - 19 September 2024 with compulsory attendance required Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 16,17 and 19 September.
Online Induction quiz and consent forms to be completed prior to attendance at Residential school, if not concurrently enrolled in MEDS12004.
Module/Topic
Ultrasound assessment of ectopic pregnancy and other first trimester complications
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Wednesday 3pm AEST
Sonographic Assessment of the Transabdominal Female Pelvis Due: Week 11 Wednesday (25 Sept 2024) 6:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
The nuchal translucency screening test and other first trimester screening techniques
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Wednesday 3pm AEST
Summative assessment (graded):
Moodle Quiz 2
opens Mon 30th September 2024 12:00 PM AEST
closes Wed 2nd October October 2024 12:00 PM AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
The unit coordinator for MEDS12006 is Jane Wardle. She can be contacted at j.wardle@cqu.edu.au which is the preferred method of contact. Jane's phone number is (07) 3023 4200. Email is the preferred method of communication and phone calls and Zoom meetings can be arranged from there. I am very happy to arrange phone calls or Zoom meetings to support you in your learning. If you would like to know more about me, please see the Moodle site Orientation tile.
As this is a 6 credit point unit (delivered via Distance), you are expected to spend on average 12.5 hours each week on
study activities for this unit. This time includes:
- Watching recorded lectures and attending tutorials
- Creating study notes to meet weekly learning objectives using lectures and readings
- Additional resources via the eReading list to supplement your learning
- Researching and working on your assessments
- Completing formative and mock test questions
- Approaching all learning with a Growth Mindset
- Taking advantage of all opportunities to engage at the residential school.
Tutorials are an opportunity to engage in real time about the content with the unit coordinator and other students, so it is highly recommended to be available for tutorials. Tutorial times will be available on Moodle. The tutorials will be recorded. Attending tutorials is a more active method of learning than watching the recordings. Active learning is a more effective way of learning and improves the chance of success. The schedule for the tutorials will be posted on the unit Moodle site. The online tutorials are an opportunity to ask questions, gain feedback, and join in discussions concerning theoretical concepts and the completion of assessment tasks. Access to the internet is required to undertake this unit, as unit materials, tutorials, and updates will be provided via Moodle, email and Zoom. It is important to check your student email regularly as updates about the unit will be sent from the unit coordinator via email. Urgent matters will be announced on the top of the Moodle page and emailed to all students.
1 Online Quiz(zes)
Moodle online multiple choice quiz activity - summative.
Each health profession possesses a body of knowledge, the fundamentals of which must be learnt and understood. This unit provides concepts relevant to the sonographer scope of practice and accreditation requirements which you will build upon in your future clinical capacity.
You will complete TWO online quizzes to assess your concept knowledge.
Quiz 1 (assessing content from weeks 1-4) and Quiz 2 (assessing content from weeks 5-11) will be part of the graded assessment for this unit.
Each quiz will have 20 multiple choice questions to be completed in a 20 minute time limit.
You will only receive ONE attempt at each quiz, and once started, the quiz cannot be paused or restarted.
Your score from each quiz will contribute 5% to your final grade (2 quizzes x 5% = 10%).
As with all university assessments, colluding with other students on non-group work tasks is considered academic misconduct, and may be reported to the Academic Integrity Unit.
If extensions are required these must be applied for BEFORE the quiz has closed and answers have been released to students.
2
Other
Quiz 1 open from WEDNESDAY 7/08/2024 12PM AEST and closes on FRIDAY 9/08/2024 12PM AEST. Quiz 2 open from MONDAY 30/09/2024 12PM AEST and closes on WEDNESDAY 02/10/2024 12PM AEST. Note these are Queensland times. Please adjust for your state and time zone if applicable.
Results released for each quiz after all students have completed quizzes
Your critical thinking and content recall will be assessed with this assessment item.
Questions will be automatically marked correct or incorrect.
The maximum score (40) that can be accumulated from the two Moodle quizzes equals 10% of the total unit marks.
- Differentiate the aetiology of female pelvic and fetal disease in relation to sonographic appearance
2 Written Assessment
In your future career as a qualified sonographer, you will be required to competently undertake a transabdominal sonographic assessment of the female pelvis. When performing a sonographic examination of the female pelvis, you need to identify and assess anatomical structures to determine if they appear sonographically within the normal limits. As well as performing a diagnostically accurate examination, a sonographer must also conduct themselves professionally to ensure the wellbeing, safety and outcomes of the patient. Both these aspects are important for the best possible patient outcomes. This assessment expands upon your ability to deliver patient care, formulate strategies and implement skills necessary to deliver a sonographic examination of the pelvis to critically reflect upon these skills and your professional practice.
Part A- Pelvis Mock Assessment
Overview
As a student sonographer on your journey to competency in performing a sonographic assessment of the male and/or female pelvis, you will be required to perform a modified assessment of the pelvis of one of the following regions in a mock pelvic assessment:
1.Female pelvis – uterus & endometrium
2.Female pelvis – right or left ovary and respective adnexal region
The region will be randomly allocated from the above list on the assessment day and marked using the ARC tool provided on the unit Moodle site.
You will need to follow correct practice as per the ARC tool and protocol demonstrating the required critical skills within a set timeframe. This will include using appropriate scanning techniques and image optimisation to produce diagnostic surveys and images. You will be required to narrate your technical performance by discussing anatomy recognition and identification of anatomy margins, imaging windows, optimisation and justification of diagnostic scanning approach.
Part B - Critical Reflection
Following your practical scanning skills assessment of the female pelvis in the sonography labs, you will be provided access to a copy of your marked ARC tool and images of the part A assessment.
You will then reflect on whether diagnostic representation of anatomy was demonstrated or could other sonographic techniques have been implemented to improve the diagnostic quality of sonographic imaging of the selected pelvic region while maintaining professional conduct to safeguard patient well-being and safety. This will include personal reflection of your attempt and discussion of what things you have learnt and how this will inform your future sonographic assessment of the pelvis. Include critical reflection on the professional skills you apply in the examination and discuss how these practices contribute to optimal patient care and outcomes.
Your discussion must show that you have based your evaluation on current literature to demonstrate how you have used this to inform evidence-based practice. Referencing all theoretical and pathological knowledge used.
Formatting Requirements:
- Word count: 1200 words (excluding reference list)
- Use 1.5 line spacing and 12-point Arial font.
- Must be submitted in a word document.
- Referencing is essential.
You will need to follow Vancouver referencing requirements (follow the link via the unit Moodle page or through ALC access)
Your assessment should be written in appropriate academic language, and free of grammatical and spelling errors.
Remember that you have access to the ALC and Studiosity to assist you with your academic writing.
Submission Requirements:
- Submit the ARC and Part B reflection to Assessment 2 under the assessment tab/tile.
- Please ensure your first name, surname (family name), student number and title of what you are uploading are used in that order in the name of the uploaded document, with underscores separating words. e.g. Jane_Wardle_s0123456_Assessement_2.docx
The following assessment supports can be found on the unit Moodle site.
- Discussions in tutorials
- Marking rubric
- Vancouver referencing information
Actively engaging in the residential school in week 10 will support learning and will be an opportunity to seek support and feedback for this assessment.
Week 11 Wednesday (25 Sept 2024) 6:00 pm AEST
Part A : assessed in the sonography labs 19th September 2024 (no submission required): Part B: due 6pm AEST Wednesday 25th September 2024
10 working days following the due date for part B of the assessment. Please note staff will be working 7 days a week to accomodate this turn around time.
PART A: Mock sonographic scanning skills assessment of the transabdominal pelvis
The assessor on the day will observe your performance of the full scanning procedure of the selected pelvic region and use the Assessment of Readiness for Clinical (ARC) tool to assess you. The ARC tool, pelvic protocol and supporting details are available on Moodle for more specific marking guidelines.
There is only one attempt per student.
PART B: written critical reflection
Your written critical reflection will be assessed for:
- the ability to critically evaluate the technical quality of the surveys and images performed
- suggestions for improvement of surveys and images (both technical and non-technical factors) reflection on the image acquisition process
- suggestions for improvement in future practice including relevance to the clinical setting and patient outcomes
- spelling, grammar, academic writing
- referencing and the use of current literature to inform your discussion
- adherence to 1200 word count +/- 10% (words past 1320 words will not be assessed and may lead to marks not being allocated to the discussion outside of this word count)
- Please carefully review the assessment information and ARC tool on the Moodle site for this assessment.
Referencing:
Referencing is a vital component of any academic work and plagiarism is taken seriously by the university.
Please refer to the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure document.
See support on Vancouver referencing on the unit Moodle site.
- Identify anatomical structures of the pelvis and formulate strategies and implement skills necessary to complete sonographic examinations of the pelvic organs.
- Critically reflect and improve upon own professional practice and sonographic psychomotor skills utilising constructive feedback.
- Display professional behaviour, teamwork, communication skills and criteria to meet safe sonographic practice and industry expectation.
3 Online Test
The end of term online test will assess you on content covered in the whole unit (weeks 1 to 12). This includes material covered in lectures, tutorials and any additional resources supplied during the term.
The questions will involve a combination of question types, including short and long answer questions which require typed answers.
Identification of normal and abnormal structures from sonographic images and diagrams will be required.
Ensure you read the questions properly before beginning to formulate your answers and ensure you are using appropriate terminology at all times.
The end of term online test will be available on Moodle and 2 hours working time will be allocated. The test cannot be paused once started, or reattempted once finished.
This is an individual task. The online test must be completed by you, without assistance or collusion with others. Any evidence of collusion will be dealt with in adherence with the CQU student academic integrity policy and procedure.
Review/Exam Week Tuesday (8 Oct 2024) 12:00 pm AEST
This assessment will be open and accessible to you for two hours at a time of your choosing between 8AM/12PM AEST, 9AM/1PM ADST on Tuesday 8th of October 2024
Interim results will be made available after marking is completed. These do not become official results until certification of grades.
Written response questions will require:
- use of correct anatomic names of structures (including spelling) and recognition of their normal and abnormal sonographic appearances
- use of correct sonographic terminology (including spelling)
- evaluation of clinical information
- detail to demonstrate depth of understanding, critical thinking and pathology awareness including signs and symptoms
- identification of sonographic imaging planes, protocols, conventions and artefacts as relevant
- explanation of pre and post scanning requirements, including medico legal and patient care aspects, and infection control standards
- Identify anatomical structures of the pelvis and formulate strategies and implement skills necessary to complete sonographic examinations of the pelvic organs.
- Differentiate the aetiology of female pelvic and fetal disease in relation to sonographic appearance
- Critically evaluate clinical data to communicate a differential diagnosis and evaluate gynaecological and obstetric imaging in relation to safe practice.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
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