Revised 07/2017
DMS 208 - Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation I (2 CR.)
Course Description
Discusses and solves mathematical problems associated with human tissue, basic instrumentation and scanning technology. Focuses on the use of pulse-echo principles as applied to diagnostic sonography. Presents the physics of sound-tissue interactions and explores ultrasound instrumentation controls and functions. Lecture 2 hours per week.
General Course Purpose
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental principles of acoustical physics.
Course Prerequisites/Corequisites
Prerequisite: Admission to the Diagnostic Imaging program. Corequisite: DMS 190, DMS 206, DMS 207, DMS 217, DMS 218.
Course Objectives
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
- Identify the characteristics of sound.
- Identify the wave properties of sound.
- Describe sound waves, propagation of ultrasound through tissue, reflection, refraction, and scattering.
- Explain transducer technology, and discuss the advantages and limitations of the various types.
- Discuss the basic features of medical sonographic equipment, including operator controls and image processing.
- Describe the role of advanced scanning features, including harmonics, coded excitation, and compounding.
- Explain how pulsed Doppler, color flow imaging, and amplitude imaging is achieved.
- Recognize and describe image artifacts and techniques to minimize or eliminate them.
- Describe the importance of performance, safety, and output measurements and standards.
- Discuss the basic features of medical sonographic equipment, including operator controls and image processing.
Major Topics to Be Included
- Basic math for physics applications
- Soundwaves and propagation
- Soundwave strength parameters
- Attenuation
- Reflection
- Refraction
- Pulsed wave operation
- Piezoelectric effect
- Ultrasound transducers
- Resolution
- Real-time imaging
- Instrumentation components