Explore UCD

UCD Home >

RDGY30580

Academic Year 2025/2026

Ultrasound (RDGY30580)

Subject:
Radiography
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Medicine
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Mrs Emmelise Barnard
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Online
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.


This module provides a basic introduction to ultrasound imaging, designed as a foundational learning experience for students enrolled in the radiography degree. It aims to build a solid understanding of sonographic terminology, image acquisition techniques, and the interpretation of normal and common sonographic appearances across a range of clinical areas.

Students will be introduced to the principles of abdominal, gynaecological, vascular, and obstetric ultrasound. The module content will cover normal anatomical ultrasound appearances and common pathologies relevant to these areas.

The module will be delivered fully online. Weeks 1–9 will consist of pre-recorded sessions that students can complete at their own pace with reading material, worksheets and quizzes. Weeks 10–12 will feature compulsory live online lectures to support interactive learning and application of knowledge.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Learning Outcomes

1) Knowledge Outcomes
• Explain the principles of ultrasound imaging, including B-mode, Colour Doppler, and Pulsed Wave Doppler.
• Describe standard scanning techniques and normal sonographic appearances across abdominal, gynaecological, obstetric,
and vascular structures.
• Recognise common ultrasound pathologies relevant to routine clinical practice.

2) Skills and Competence
• Interpret ultrasound images using correct anatomical terminology and apply foundational clinical reasoning.
• Communicate effectively in online collaborative tasks, including structured peer review and case discussions.
• Apply current scientific literature to support decision-making in ultrasound interpretation.

3) Attitudes and Quality
• Demonstrate reflective practice and identify areas for ongoing personal and professional development.
• Engage respectfully in peer learning and contribute constructively to group-based activities.
• Show accountability in managing self-directed learning and maintaining high standards in clinical reasoning.

Indicative Module Content:

The RDGY30580 Ultrasound module introduces students to the foundational principles of sonographic imaging, including terminology, image orientation, and the basic physics underpinning B-mode, Colour Doppler, and Pulsed Wave Doppler imaging.

Students will explore probe handling techniques and standard imaging planes to support accurate image acquisition. The module covers a range of clinical applications, beginning with abdominal ultrasound, where learners examine the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and key vascular structures, developing the ability to distinguish normal appearances from common pathologies.

Gynaecological content focuses on uterine and ovarian anatomy, menstrual cycle variations, and the sonographic identification of conditions such as fibroids and cysts. In the obstetric section, students will assess early pregnancy, fetal growth, placental location, and amniotic fluid levels using standard protocols. Vascular ultrasound is introduced through basic lower limb venous and carotid Doppler studies, with emphasis on anatomy, flow patterns, and artefact recognition.

Throughout the module, students are encouraged to apply clinical reasoning through case-based image interpretation, learning to differentiate normal from abnormal findings in a structured, supported environment. They will engage in interactive tasks and collaborative learning activities, including peer review and reflective writing, to enhance their understanding of ultrasound in clinical decision-making. Emphasis is placed on building digital competence and professional communication skills, with consistent integration of current literature to support evidence-based practice.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12

Tutorial

5

Specified Learning Activities

13

Autonomous Student Learning

90

Online Learning

5

Total

125


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module adopts a blended asynchronous and synchronous online learning approach, designed to support active, flexible, and student-centred learning.
Key teaching and learning strategies include:
• Pre-recorded lectures that introduce core concepts and scan protocols, broken into short, focused segments to facilitate
self-paced learning.
• Interactive worksheets and quizzes that promote active engagement with clinical cases and image interpretation tasks.
• Live online tutorials and Clinical Application Labs (CALs) to consolidate learning, encourage discussion, and explore clinical
reasoning through image-based scenarios.
• Discussion forums and reflective activities that support peer-to-peer interaction, critical thinking, and engagement with
current literature.
• Group-based learning tasks to foster collaboration, digital communication skills, and shared problem-solving.
• Formative assessment opportunities embedded throughout the module, providing feedback to guide progress and self-
assessment.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Reflective Case Study - Peer Review Week 7 Graded No
30
No
Exam (In-person): I hour written end of term exam End of trimester
Duration:
1 hr(s)
Graded No
70
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Sequence of Feedback: MCQ: SIS WEB results / Brightspace Written End of Term Examination: SIS WEB results Assignment: Peer Review Feedback

Name Role
Mrs Emmelise Barnard Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Kevin Cronin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Ann Fleming Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Therese Herlihy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Marion Maher Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Valerie Spillane Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Online Learning Offering 1 Week(s) - 10, 11, 12 Mon 14:00 - 15:50
Autumn Online Learning Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Mon 17:00 - 18:50
Autumn Online Learning Offering 1 Week(s) - 10, 11, 12 Wed 14:00 - 15:50
Autumn Online Learning Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Wed 17:00 - 18:50