Department: Health & Public Service
Discipline: Allied Health
Subject Code: CVT
Course #: 222
Course Title: Cardiac Sonography Physics and Instrumentation
HARRISBURG AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
FORM 335
Course Form 335 must be updated at least every five years per AP 765 to include, at
a minimum, the following elements. [§335.2]
1.
Digital Description (Insert new/revised digital description below):
Credit hours:
Lecture hours:
Lab hours:
2.0
2.0
0.0
BL: [ ]⅓ [ ]½ [ ]⅔ [ ] Other (Indicate fraction or percent)
2.
3.
Catalog Description (Insert new/revised description below):
Introduces students to the basic principles of Doppler physics including the
Doppler Effect, Doppler equations, and related diagnostic tests. This course
provides an overview of continuous and pulsed wave Doppler including aliasing,
Nyquist limit, velocity calculations, and angle correction techniques. Color flow
Doppler and tissue imaging, and Power Doppler concepts are also covered. In
addition, Cardiac Hemodynamics is presented including the relationship to
cardiac anatomy, physiology, and cardiovascular function parameters, as well as
quantitative evaluation methods used to evaluate cardiac pathologies. This course
is restricted to students who are enrolled in the Cardiovascular Sonography AS
program.
Minimum Grade Required
Prerequisites: MATH 103
C
Corequisites:
CVT 220, CVT 223
C
Other:
4.
Learning Outcomes
[These outcomes are necessary to enable students to attain the essential
knowledge and skills embodied in the program’s educational objectives.]
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
 Describe the fundamental physical principles of diagnostic ultrasound
 Describe the basic mathematical methods and physical concepts necessary to
understand ultrasound physics
 Describe the terminology of ultrasound physics and instrumentation
 Describe the basic concepts of wave interaction and propagation in different
media
 Calculate relevant parameters of pulsed waves used in Pulse
Echocardiographic Imaging
12/1/04
Form Template Reviewed & Updated: 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09; 7/31/12
1
Department: Health & Public Service
Discipline: Allied Health
Subject Code: CVT
Course #: 222
Course Title: Cardiac Sonography Physics and Instrumentation





5.
Describe ultrasound transducers, beam focusing, and steering
Describe how an ultrasound system operates
Describe Doppler physics and its application in diagnostic ultrasound
Describe the role of artifact in limiting detailed resolution in imaging
Explain ultrasound safety as it applies to the patient and quality control and
standards
Planned Sequence of Instruction
[These must be designed to help students achieve the learning outcomes.]
1. Sound and sound waves
2. Pulse waves
3. Intensity
4. Interaction of sound
5. Range equation
6. Axial resolution
7. Transducers
8. Sound beams
9. Display modes
10. Two-dimensional imaging
11. Real-time imaging
12. Pulsed echo instrumentation
13. Displays and image storage
14. Dynamic range
15. Harmonics and contrast agents
16. Doppler
17. Artifacts
18. Quality assurance
19. Bio-effects
6.
Assessment of Student Learning
[Methods of assessment should be appropriate for Learning Outcomes listed
above.]
Assessment of student learning outcomes for the course, as required by AP 765, is
part of regular curriculum maintenance and/or improvement. The specific plan
has been determined by the pertinent faculty involved and is maintained in the
College’s assessment management system.
Students are assessed by written examinations and writing assignments.
7.
List of Texts, References, Selected Library Resources or other Learning
Materials (code each item based on instructional use): C-Lecture/Laboratory,
A-Lecture, B-Laboratory, LC-Lecture/Clinical, CLN-Clinical, I-Online,
BL-Blended, D-Independent Study, P-Private Lessons, E-Internship,
12/1/04
Form Template Reviewed & Updated: 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09; 7/31/12
2
Department: Health & Public Service
Discipline: Allied Health
Subject Code: CVT
Course #: 222
Course Title: Cardiac Sonography Physics and Instrumentation
F-Cooperative Work-Study, FE-Field Experience. [These resources must be easily
accessible to students.]
A- Lecture: Understanding Ultrasound Physics, Current Edition
8.
Prepared by Faculty Member: Pamela Pacana
Date: 11/5/12
9.
Approved by Department Chairperson:
Date: 11/6/12
10.
Approved by Academic Division Dean: Lori A. Fair
Date: 12/19/12
This course meets all reimbursement requirements of Chapter 335,
subchapters A / B.
This course was developed, approved, and offered in accordance with the
policies, standards, guidelines, and practices established by the College. It is
consistent with the college mission.
If the course described here is a transfer course, it is comparable to similar
courses generally accepted for transfer to accredited four-year colleges and
universities.
11.
Director, Curriculum Compliance: Erika Steenland
Date: 1/16/13
12.
Provost & VP, Academic Affairs: James E. Baxter, P.G.
Date: 1/22/13
13.
Original Date of course approval by the college: 200920
14.
Date(s) of subsequent reviews [Indicate change: Learning Outcomes; textbook(s)]:
11/5/12 – digital description, catalog description, prerequisite/corequisite, type of instruction, course fees
12/1/04
Form Template Reviewed & Updated: 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09; 7/31/12
3