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

Aims and objectives

General aims for second cycle education

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall

• further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
• develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
• develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 9)

Course objectives

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

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

Skills and abilities
After completed course, the student should show ability to

• Perform basic measurements and image processing
• Assess available images of common cardiac diseases/failures
• Present scientific literature in a written report and in an oral presentation

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

• Discuss ethical aspects in relation to the patient and to the patients relatives
• Relate scientific literature in the area with clinical or research application
• Show good judgement and a good approach when assessing results and in scientific writing
• research
• Show self-awareness and identify the need of further knowledge ethical considerations

Main content of the course

• Anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and diagnostics in the area of the cardiac/cardiac diseases
• Dissection of heart (pig)
• Ultrasound technique
• Performence and assessment of ultrasound examinations
• Quality systems
• Literature report in advanced methods wtihin echocardiography (topics e.g. stress-echo, tissue Doppler, contrast enhanced ultrasound)

Teaching methods

Teaching is done in the form of lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars.
Mandatory attendance at seminars and laboratory work. The course is given at part time (50%). Practical exercises in ultrasound can be sited in the evenings and during weekends.

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.

Examination methods

Ultrasound Physics, Anatomy, Physiology and Patophysiology, 6 credits (Code: B001)
Individual written examination. Re-examinations are given according to local regulations at Örebro University.

Report, Individually Chosen Topic within Echocardiography, 4 credits (Code: B002)
Failed report can be completed and handed in at a new, by course coordinator planned, submission occasion to be assessed.

Seminar on Individually Chosen Topic within Echocardiography, 3 credits (Code: B003)
If absent from, or failed seminar, the examination will be given at a new, by course coordinator planned, occasion alternatively when the course is given next time.

Laboratory Session (Dissection, Pig) (Code: B004)
If absent from, or failed to carry out the practical moments, the examination will be given at a new, by course coordinator planned, occasion alternatively when the course is given next time.

Ultrasound Measures, 2 credits (Code: B005)
If absent from, or failed to carry out the practical examination, the examination will be given at a new, by course coordinator planned, occasion alternatively when the course is given next time.

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

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Grades

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 prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

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

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Ultrasound Physics, Anatomy, Physiology and Patophysiology
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Report, Individually Chosen Topic within Echocardiography
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Seminar on Individually Chosen Topic within Echocardiography
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Laboratory Session (Dissection, Pig)
Grades used are Participated (DT).

Ultrasound Measures
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

The grade for the full course will be composed of the results from the separate examinations, in accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929 with appendix).

Specific entry requirements

Bachelor's degree, with a major in Biomedical Laboratory Science or Medicine. Alternatively Degree of Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Science, degree of Master of Science in Medicine, Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Degree of Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Radiology Nursing, Degree of Master of Science in Dental Surgery or Degree of Master in Science in Veterinary Medicine.
Additional requirements: English B/English 6 or equivalent.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

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

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 teaching materials

Additional Reading

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

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

Scintific papers in the chosen topic will be added.