BLS, Ultrasound Diagnostics: Heart, Second Cycle, 15 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After completed course, the student should show ability to:

• Explain applied anatomy and physiology of the heart and pathophysiology and diagnostics of common cardiac diseases
• Explain physics principles related to ultrasound and Doppler techniques
• Explain ultrasound projections and techniques related to different cardiac diagnoses
• Explain formulas, reference values, and calculations in cardiac diagnostics
• Explain advanced methods in echocardiography, (e.g. stress-echo, contrast enhanced ultrasound)
• Describe quality assurance methods in this area.

After completed course, the student should show ability to:

• Perform measurements and image processing
• Assess images of cardiac diseases/failures

Judgement and approach
After completed course, the student should show ability to:

• Evaluate, critically review and analyze scientific studies within ultrasound diagnostics of the heart.

Content

The course aims to give knowledge in the area of ultrasound diagnostics of the heart in terms of technique, physics, methodology and diagnostics. Topics such as applied anatomy and physiology, heart disease pathophysiology, advanced methods in echocardiography, image processing and quality assurance is also included.

Examinations and grades

Ultrasound Physics, Anatomy, Physiology, Patophysiology and Diagnostics, 5 credits (Code: B001)
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Heart Ultrasound Measures, 2.5 credits (Code: B002)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Heart Ultrasound Diagnostics, 6 credits (Code: B003)
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Applied anatomy and pathophysiology, 1.5 credits (Code: B004)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Comments on grades

Course grade:
To receive grade pass (G), every examination must have been passed. To receive the mark Pass with distinction (VG) for the entire course, Ultrasound Physics, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology and diagnostics and Heart Ultrasound Diagnostics must be assessed with the grade Pass with Distinction (VG).

Modes of assessment

Ultrasound Physics, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology and Diagnostics, 5 credits (Code: B001)
Written examination.

Heart Ultrasound Measures, 2,5 credits (Code: B002)
Practical examination.

Heart Ultrasound Diagnostics, 6 credits (Code: B003)
Written assignment and oral examination.

Applied anatomy and pathophysiology, 1,5 credits (Code: B004)
Practical examination and oral examination.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

180 credits, of which at least 90 credits in Biomedical Laboratory Science. Additional requirements: English 6/English.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

The course concludes with a Course Evaluation. Higher Education Ordinance, 1 chapter 14§

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Transitional provisions

Should the course undergo changes to such an extent that it is not possible to examine the student in accordance with this course syllabus, opportunities for special examination sessions will be provided in accordance with the university's local guidelines. If this occurs, the university will inform the students involved.

Reading list and other learning resources

Additional Reading

Arnez Curry, Reva & Bates Temkin, Betty (latest edition)
Sonography: Introduction to Normal Structure and Function
W.B. Saunders Company

Lancellotti P, Zamorano J, Habib G, Badano L (Latest edition)
The EAVCI Textbook of Echocardiography
Oxford University press

Otto, Catherine M, Gibbons Schwaegler, Rebecca & Freeman, Rosario V (latest edition)
Echocardiography Review Guide
Saunders

Gibbs, Vivien, Cole, David & Sassano, Antonio (latest edition)
Ultrasound Physics and Technology
Churchill Livingstone

Gillam D, Linda & Otto, Catherine M (latest edition)
Advanced Approaches in Echocardiography
Elsevier Health Science

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Scientific papers in the chosen topic will be added.