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 prerequisites for this course can be found at THIS webpage.

To sit the exam, students should have already passed and registered the following exams:

· The background for the veterinary profession

· The cell: from molecules to tissues

SPECIFIC CONTENTS OF THE COURSE UNIT:

The Ultrasound Physics and Principles of Biomedical Physics consists of the following two modules:

Module 1. Ultrasound physics – Teacher Dr Simone Perfetti. Theoretical lectures (6 hours) and practice (2 hours)

· Basic principles of ultrasound physics and image formation (2 hours)

· Most common ultrasound artefacts and their diagnostic implications (2 hours)

· Basic principles of Doppler ultrasound and associated artefacts (2)

· Practice demonstration of an ultrasound examination with application of what was presented during the lecture (2 hours)

Module 2. Principles of biomedical physics – Teacher Prof Diego Bucci. Theoretical lectures (6 hours) and practice (2 hours)

· Bases of fluid dynamics and specific relationship with haemodynamic (2h)

· Poiseuille laws applied to blood circulation (1h)

· Pascal law and blood pressure (1 h)

· Laws of the gases and their implication on respiratory function (2h)

· Practice with Virtual physiology software. Blood pressure and its variation (2h)

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 unit consists of theoretical lectures and practical classes/ virtual laboratories.

In view of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance of this learning activity requires completion of modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode, and completion of module 3 of specific training on safety and health in study places. Information on dates and attendance procedures for module 3 can be consulted in the relevant section of the Degree Programme website.

To take part in practical and laboratory activities, it is compulsory to wear a lab coat and suitable footwear. Appropriate PPE for carrying out the specific activities, such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided.

Assessment methods

Attendance at lectures and practical classes is compulsory, as required by regulations. Regular attendance at lectures and practical classes is required; absence of no more than 40% of the scheduled hours for each student will be justified (therefore a minimum attendance threshold of 60% is required to obtain lecture attendance). Attendance will be certified through the rps.unibo.it application.

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 and oral examination consisting in:

· Blood sampling or pulse evaluation in the clinical skills lab;

· ECG simulation exam in the Clinical skills lab;

· Evaluation of a radiographic or echographical image;

· Oral examination on an anatomical structure;

· Evaluation of blood cells at the microscope

· Clinical visit of an animal in the Veterinary Teaching hospital

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/ ) Examination sessions are proposed within the windows indicated in the teaching calendar. Additional examination sessions are reserved for students who are behind schedule.

As for the assessment, the use of Ai is forbidden; every misuse will represent a violation of the Academic integrity.

In accordance with Unibo teaching regulations, Article 16, Paragraph 5, students are entitled to refuse a passing grade on one occasion.

A negative assessment does not result in the award of a mark, but only in an assessment outcome (withdrawn or failed) recorded in the electronic report completed on AlmaEsami; it therefore does not affect the student’s academic record.

The assessments of the individual tests and the final examination mark will be published on the SOL platform (Studenti Online - AlmaEsami) of the teacher responsible for recording the marks within 5 working days from the examination date.

The student may refuse the mark once, by informing the teacher responsible for recording the marks by e-mail within 5 working days.

The teacher responsible for recording the marks for this Course is Prof. Diego Bucci.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities: it is recommended that they contact the responsible University office in good time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti). The office will propose any adaptations to the students concerned, which must in any case be submitted, 15 days in advance, for approval by the teacher, who will assess their appropriateness also in relation to the learning objectives of the course unit.

Teaching tools

Slides and videos will be used for face-to-face lectures; interactive software such as Wooclap may be used, particularly for self-assessment activities aimed at fostering the formative assessment of students.

The teaching material will be uploaded to the official UNIBO repository. (virtuale.unibo.it)

Various laboratory and outpatient-clinic instruments will be used for the practical classes; the activities involving electrocardiogram analysis and venous blood sampling on a simulator and pulse evaluation will be carried out in the CSL. Other practices such as blood cells examination, evaluation of urine will be held in the teaching laboratories; blood pressure measurement will be conducted in the VTH. In case of difficulties in understanding the subject, the teacher is available to meet students for a clarification interview by appointment via e-mail.

Office hours

See the website of Simone Perfetti

See the website of Diego Bucci