SON4000 Physics of medical ultrasound and instrumentation
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
SON4000 Physics of medical ultrasound and instrumentation is a level 4, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 7 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 1 other task
Reviews
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Requisites
Before SON4000
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After SON4000
7 units list SON4000 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
- SON5000Ultrasound researchNo reviews yet
- SON5020Sonographic professional skills and sonography of the breast and thyroidNo reviews yet
- SON5021Sonographic abdominal imagingNo reviews yet
- SON5022Sonographic imaging of the reproductive systemNo reviews yet
- SON5023Obstetric sonographyNo reviews yet
- SON5024Musculoskeletal, neonatal and paediatric sonographyNo reviews yet
- SON5025Sonographic vascular and postoperative imagingNo reviews yet
Enrolment rules
Overview
This unit introduces you to the scientific and technical principles of diagnostic ultrasound. You will learn how to apply ultrasound physics to obtain high-quality diagnostic images, understand and compare different ultrasound modes, and optimise machine settings for clinical use. Doppler imaging and its clinical applications are explored, along with safety considerations and the potential bioeffects of ultrasound. In this unit you will develops skills in quality assurance, image artefact recognition, and effective communication of ultrasound knowledge to patients, peers, and other healthcare professionals.
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Online |
| Second semester | Clayton | Online |
Assessment
- ePortfolioPortfolio60%
- End-of-semester exam (100 mins)ExaminationCompetency hurdle40%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Apply the principles of ultrasound physics to evaluate and optimise image quality for accurate diagnostic interpretation.
- 2
Evaluate ultrasound modes and machine parameters to optimise instrumentation and produce high-quality diagnostic images.
- 3
Justify how Doppler imaging is applied in clinical practice.
- 4
Interpret the potential bioeffects of medical ultrasound to ensure safe clinical practice.
- 5
Apply knowledge of advanced imaging techniques, contrast agents, and evolving ultrasound technologies to optimise diagnostic imaging.
- 6
Reflect on personal motivations and experiences to shape professional identity, ethical practice, and pateint-centred care.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials2 hours
- Applied sessions24 hours
Applied Sessions: 2 hours per week
(2 x 12 weeks = 24)
Tutorials: 2 hours per semester.
Teaching is all online.
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Ignatius Pereira
- Ms Carolynne Cormack
- Unit Coordinators
- Ms Carolynne Cormack
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for SON4000?
SON4000 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after SON4000?
SON4000 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 7 units, including SON5000, SON5020, SON5021, SON5022, SON5023 and SON5024.
When is SON4000 offered?
In 2027, SON4000 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton, with an online option.
Does SON4000 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.