Lesson 1Doppler basics: colour Doppler, power Doppler, pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler, continuous-wave (CW) overviewThis section introduces colour, power, pulsed-wave, and continuous-wave Doppler. Learners review basic blood flow principles, aliasing issues, and when each Doppler mode is suitable for routine vascular and heart assessments.
Doppler effect and flow direction basicsColor Doppler principles and mapsPower Doppler sensitivity and usesPulsed-wave Doppler applicationsContinuous-wave Doppler indicationsLesson 2Harmonics, compound imaging, speckle reduction: when to enable and expected effectsThis section explores tissue harmonic imaging, spatial compound imaging, and speckle reduction filters. Learners identify when to turn on each option, recognise expected image changes, and avoid overprocessing artefacts.
Tissue harmonic imaging indicationsEffects of harmonics on resolution and noiseSpatial compound imaging benefitsSpeckle reduction filters and limitsBalancing detail with artifact controlLesson 3Machine controls and presets: presets, depth, gain, time-gain compensation (TGC), dynamic range, focal zonesThis section details core machine controls, including presets, depth, overall gain, TGC, dynamic range, and focal zones. Learners practise systematic knob adjustments to quickly get balanced, diagnostic B-mode images in different scenarios.
Selecting and modifying exam presetsDepth and field of view adjustmentsOverall gain versus TGC shapingDynamic range and image contrastFocal zone number and placementSaving user presets and recallLesson 4Frequency selection and penetration: choosing MHz for abdominal, pelvic, and vascular scansThis section covers how to choose the right transmit frequency for different body parts. Learners relate MHz selection to penetration, resolution, and patient body type for abdominal, pelvic, and vascular ultrasound exams.
Frequency versus penetration principlesChoosing MHz for abdominal imagingFrequency choices for pelvic scanningFrequency ranges for vascular studiesAdjusting for body habitus and depthLesson 5Beamforming and focus: setting focal zones and single vs multiple foci for image clarityThis section explains beamforming ideas and how focal zones affect side-to-side resolution. Learners compare single versus multiple focal zones, understand frame rate effects, and learn practical focus placement for key organs.
Transmit and receive beamforming basicsFocal depth and lateral resolutionSingle versus multiple focal zonesFocus and frame rate trade-offsBest focus placement by anatomyLesson 6Fundamental ultrasound physics: sound propagation, frequency, wavelength, attenuation, resolution trade-offsThis section reviews how sound waves move through tissue, how frequency and wavelength connect, and how attenuation and resolution trade-offs impact image quality. Learners link physics ideas directly to everyday scanning choices.
Acoustic wave properties and terminologyFrequency, period, and wavelength relationsPropagation speed in soft tissuesAttenuation, absorption, and scatteringAxial and lateral resolution trade-offsLesson 7Artefacts and their management: reverberation, shadowing, enhancement, mirror image, anisotropy and how to reduce or use themThis section reviews common ultrasound artefacts like reverberation, shadowing, enhancement, mirror image, and anisotropy. Learners learn to spot, reduce, or purposely use artefacts to boost diagnostic confidence.
Reverberation and comet-tail artifactsAcoustic shadowing and its causesPosterior acoustic enhancement usesMirror image and refraction artifactsAnisotropy in tendons and nervesTechniques to reduce unwanted artifactsLesson 8Image quality check procedures: phantom/QA basics and quick pre-scan checks on live patients (preset load, probe connection, gel, sweep)This section outlines routine image quality checks using phantoms and quick pre-scan steps on patients. Topics include QA basics, checking presets, probe connection, gel use, and sweep checks before diagnostic imaging.
Phantom types and QA test basicsChecking depth, gain, and resolutionVerifying probe selection and cablesGel application and contact assessmentQuick sweep for global image reviewLesson 9Doppler settings and optimisation: PRF/scale, baseline, wall filter, gain, insonation angle effects, sample volume placementThis section focuses on optimising Doppler settings, including PRF or scale, baseline, wall filter, gain, angle, and sample volume. Learners practise reducing aliasing and noise while keeping accurate spectral information.
Setting PRF or scale to avoid aliasingBaseline shifts and display choicesWall filter to remove low-frequency noiseDoppler gain and noise managementInsonation angle and angle correctionSample volume size and placementLesson 10Transducer types and construction: linear, curved (convex), phased array, endocavitary; footprint and clinical usesThis section explains how to select and use linear, curved, phased array, and endocavitary probes. Focus is on footprint, frequency range, construction basics, and matching each transducer type to specific clinical uses.
Piezoelectric elements and housingLinear array footprint and indicationsCurved array for abdominal and OB usePhased array for cardiac and intercostalEndocavitary probes and safetyProbe care, handling, and damage signs
