B8425 - Ultrasound Physics and Principles of Biomedical Physics

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student gains foundational knowledge of biomedical physics, including ultrasound imaging, blood circulation, gas exchange, and radiographic techniques. In particular the student: knows the physical principles at the basis of blood circulation and gases exchange; knows the physical principles behind the production of ultrasound and how the ultrasound image is formed; is able to take a radiograph of the thorax in a small animal model.

Course contents

This Course is part of the Integrated Course "Blood, Circulation, Respiration, and Excretion".

The Integrated Course aims to provide the student with adequate knowledge of the anatomical organization and function of the cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory, and lymphopoietic systems, essential for recognizing normal clinical aspects in veterinary species. Additionally, the student gains expertise in topographic anatomy and imaging techniques applicable to these systems, as well as haematological analytical techniques.

The Integrated Course "Blood, Circulation, Respiration, and Excretion" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1, 1.5, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.17, 1.21, 1.22, 1.24.

Specific Course contents:

Module 1:

• Basic principles of ultrasound physics and image formation
• Most common ultrasound artefacts and their diagnostic implications.

Module 2:

• Bio-physical characteristics of blood vessels
• Bases of fluid dynamics and specific relationship with haemodynamic
• Poiseuille laws applied to blood circulation
• Pascal law and blood pressure.

Laws of the gases and their implication on respiratory function

Readings/Bibliography

• Nyland- Mattoon, Small Animal Diagnostic Ultrasound, 4th ed Elsevier-Saunders (2020)
• Klein G. B. Cunningham's Textbook of Veterinary Physiology, 6th ed. Elsevier (2019)

Teaching methods

The course will be organized in frontal lessons (12h) and practical classes (4h)

Assessment methods

The final exam of the Integrated Course "Blood, Circulation, Respiration, and Excretion" consists of two parts.

• The first part is a written test comprising 60 multiple choice questions, covering topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter.

  Each correct question will earn 0.5 points; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question. The use of supporting material or devices such as calculators, books, notebooks, class notes, etc. is not authorized during the test. If needed, a follow-up discussion will allow the Candidate to comment on the wrong answers.

  The test assignment will last 1.5h and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30.

• The second part is a practical examination held in the Clinical Skills Lab or at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, including the execution of manual procedures of the physical examination and the description and interpretation of images or videos related to the different imaging techniques, allowing the evaluation of the acquisition of practical and verbal competences. To pass the practical examination, the student must demonstrate sufficient competences, obtaining a minimum grade of 18/30.

The final grade for the Integrated Course is calculated as the weighted average of the written test (60%) and the practical assessment (40%). Students can register for the exam through the online AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). In case of failure, the exam may be retaken after a minimum of three weeks. In accordance with Unibo teaching regulations, Article 16, Paragraph 5, students are entitled to refuse a passing grade on one occasion.

In compliance with Law 104/1992 and Law 170/2010, and in alignment with institutional inclusion policies, students with certified disabilities or specific learning disorders—as well as those with recognized special educational needs—will receive appropriate accommodations during assessments. Such students should promptly contact the course instructor and inform the University’s Disability and SLD Support Service [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en] . A faculty member is appointed to oversee this service within the Department [https://scienzemedicheveterinarie.unibo.it/it/dipartimento/organizzazione/referenti-istituzionali] .

Teaching tools

Slide sets and other media such as videos and interactive resources will be used during lectures.

Teaching materials are available on the Virtuale platform and could be reached through the link on the teacher webpage.

Office hours

See the website of Alessia Diana

See the website of Diego Bucci