Sonography of Obstetrics/Gynecology Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Course

DMSO-2405-001 Sonography of Obstetrics/Gynecology

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: DMSO 1405

Course Description

Detailed study of the pelvis and obstetrics/gynecology as related to scanning techniques, patient history and laboratory data, transducer selection and scanning protocols.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Textbook of Diagnostic Ultrasonography, 6th edition, 2 volume set, Sandra L. Hagen-Ansert

Scan Protocol Book

Supplies

\ Paper and pen/pencil, scantrons.

Student Performance

Given the course textbook, personal notes, handouts, and other course materials, the student should be able to do each of the following on a written examination AS EVALUATED BY THE COURSE INSTRUCTOR with an accuracy of not less than 75%:

 

â—†    Be able to use a computer by completing INTERNET assignments (to be described during the course).

â—†    Identify and differentiate abnormal obstetrical and pelvic structures

â—†    Demonstrate appropriate scanning techniques using standard protocol guidelines

â—†    Evaluate patient history and laboratory data as it relates to ultrasound.   Select appropriate transducer for area of interest.

End-of-Course Outcomes: As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry

A. GOALS

 

Given the course textbooks, personal notes, handouts, and other course material, the student should accomplish each of the following course goals as evaluated by the course instructor.

1. Learn the technical terminology, facts, theories .methods, and principles associated with ultrasonography.

2. Apply the knowledge learned to concrete or particular situations in the clinical environment.

3. Evaluate the learning experience from the perspective of the specific course objectives.

The student will know that these goals have been successfully completed when he or she earns a final course grade of “C” or higher.

 

B. COURSE COMPETENCIES

Given the textbooks, personal notes, handouts, and other course

materials, the student should be able to do each of the following on a

written examination as evaluated by the instructor with an accuracy of not

less than 75%.

1.  Name the major landmarks of the bony pelvis and external genitalia

2.  Identify the sonographically significant pelvic muscles, organs and functions

3.  Distinguish between the appropriate cases for transabdominal and endovaginal scans

4.  Describe the disinfectant technique for transducers

5.  Describe scan orientation for transabdominal vs endovaginal ultrasonography

6.  Describe normal anatomy and physiology of pelvic organs

7.  Describe pathology of cervix, vagina, uterus, endometrium, ovaries, adnexa

8.  Describe interventional ultrasound, biopsies, hysterosalpingograms, infertility procedures

9.   List indications for obstetric sonography

10. List maternal risk factors

11. Describe normal fetal anatomy

12. List important questions to ask the patient before beginning the obstetric ultrasound exam

13. Describe the normal first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester obstetric sonogram

14. List the protocol for sonographic images for first trimester, second trimester and third trimester obstetric sonograms

15. Know the bioeffects of diagnostic medical sonography, safety of ultrasound, safety of Doppler to obstetric patient

16. Describe the medical ethics and confidentiality of findings regarding the obstretic patient

17. Describe first trimester, second trimester and third trimester complications

18. List obstetric measurements and gestational age

19. Fetal growth assessment

20. High risk pregnancy

21. Congenital anomalies, 2-D, 3-D and 4-D

22. Describe normal anatomy placenta, cord, amniotic fluid index

23. Describe fetal anomalies with face and neck, neural axis, thorax, anterior abdominal wall, abdomen, urogenital system, skeletal

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

If a student has a concern with the course instructor, the following “due process” protocol will apply.  The student will follow the protocol steps in the order shown.

1.       Make every effort to resolve the concern directly with the course instructor. The instructor should be contacted by the student before the conclusion of the course.

2.       If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the course instructor, the student should seek satisfaction from the immediate supervisor of the instructor within one week of the student–instructor meeting.

3.       If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the immediate supervisor of the instructor, the student should seek satisfaction from the Allied Health Division chairperson within one week of the student–supervisor meeting.

4.       If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the Allied Health division chairperson, the student should seek satisfaction from Assistant Dean of Career Technical programs within one week of the student–division chairperson meeting.

5.       If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the assistant dean, the student should seek satisfaction from the Vice-President and Dean of Instruction within one week of the student–Assistant Dean meeting.

6.       If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the Vice-President and Dean of Instruction, the student should seek satisfaction from the college President within one week of the student–Vice-President meeting.

7.       If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the President, the student should seek satisfaction from the college Board of Regents at the next regular meeting of the Regents.  The decision of the Regents will be final.

COURSE ETHICS

Each student will be required to prepare written assignments and take written examinations as a part of this course.  Students should be absolutely aware of the instructor’s policies relative to the ethics regarding plagiarism and any other unethical student conduct that may occur relative to a scored activity.

PLAGIARISM is the theft of another person’s work or thinking.  Words as well as ideas are intellectual property and can be stolen from another person as easily as money or property.  As such, plagiarism can be a violation of criminal law. Copying the published work of another person is illegal without the express permission of that person (e.g. internet and journal articles). Portions of a published work may be quoted provided the quote is properly cited. Even in those cases where the law may not be technically violated, plagiarism is unethical.  Frankly, it is simply the wrong thing to do. In this course, it is also considered plagiarism to copy the work of another student. No studentmay COPY ANOTHER STUDENT’S WORK on any assignment for credit even if permission is given.

Unethical conduct during a quiz or examination is also simply the wrong thing to do. To say the least, for a student pursuing a health-related career, unethical conduct may be considered a reliable predictor of unacceptable job performance in the medical environment. If a student makes a choice to “cheat” on a test, will that student also make similar choices relative to accurate patient care? This instructor takes the position that a dishonest student in the classroom may indeed pose a threat to the safety of any patient who comes into contact with that student.  Healthcare employers take a similar position. The health care industry and Amarillo College will not tolerate this type of unprofessionalism.       

At Amarillo College, there are grave academic penalties for any unethical conduct on the part of any student. The policy and penalty for such conduct is provided in the “General Catalog” as follows:

“A high standard of conduct is expected of all students.  It is assumed that obedience to the law, respect for properly constituted authority, personal honor, integrity and common sense will guide the actions of each member of the college community both in and out of the classroom.  Any student who fails to perform according to expected standards may be disciplined.”

One should conclude from this statement that unethical course conduct is absolutely unacceptable by Amarillo College policy.  To be more specific, in this course, plagiarism, dishonesty, or any other unethical course conduct, is cause, at the minimum, for a final course grade of “F” regardless of other grades earned to-date in the course.  At the maximum, it may be cause to request the college administration to dismiss the student from the sonography program and Amarillo College.

WARNING!  This ethics policy is STRICTLY enforced!

This instructor practices zero-tolerance and “takes no prisoners” in any matter related to a course ethics violation.  A student should not risk earning a failing grade in this course, and possibly any future enrollment privileges at Amarillo College, as the result of any unethical behavior.

Grading Criteria

The course will consist of several major examinations, several quizzes, a few out-of-class assignments and a final comprehensive examination. Major examinations will be announced about one week in advance. Quizzes are announced one lecture period in advance. At the lecture session immediately following each laboratory session, a quiz may be given that evaluates information presented during that laboratory session. From time-to-time, an in-class bonus point activity may be given. Any bonus activity will NOT be announced in advance and CANNOT be made up if the student is absent, regardless of circumstances.

Major examinations, including the final examination, will be objective in nature (e.g. multiple-choice).  Most quizzes will usually be subjective in nature (short answer, multiple choice).

Any out-of-class assignments will be returned to the student.  Major exams and quizzes will NOT be returned and will NOT be reviewed during class sessions.  Students may review a major with the instructor (in private) within one academic week from the date of the exam.  Afterwards, exam materials will be destroyed. 

The final course grade will be computed as follows:

1.       All major examination results (total points) will be averaged to count for 30%.

2.       All quizzes and any out-of-class assignments (total points) will be averaged and the average will count 10% of the final course grade.

3.       The final course examination will be comprehensive (covers the entire course) and will count 25% of the final course grade.

4.       A lab participation grade will be given weekly, and account for 10% of the final grade.  It will consist of participation in lab and workbook completion of the sections covered in that lab.

5.       A final lab practical will be administered at the end of the semester.  It will account for 25% of the final grade.

The following grade scale applies throughout this course:

A = 92 - 100

B = 83 - 91

C = 75 - 82

F = less than 75

               Note:  A grade of "D" is not possible in this course!

 

Decimal scores from all graded activities will be rounded as follows:

0.1 - 0.4            —         rounded down

0.5 - 0.9            —         rounded up

 

The final course average will be rounded in the same way.

Extra-credit work is NOT AVAILABLE in this course.  Under very special circumstances, it may be necessary for the course instructor to issue a final course grade of “incomplete” to provide additional time for the student to satisfactorily complete the course.  Such circumstances are rare and must be approved by the instructor.

When a final grade of “incomplete” is appropriate, a written contract to remove the “I” will be prepared by the course instructor and signed by the instructor and student. Normally, the grade of “I” must be converted to a passing grade within 90 days of the conclusion of the course. 

Under a very rare circumstance, a time extension of an additional 90 days is possible.  Each case will be handled on an individual basis and no one case shall set a precedent for another case.  If the “I” is not removed in accordance with the contract, the final course grade will be recorded as an “F”.

Attendance

Regular attendance is required to maintain an expectation of satisfactory progress (grade of ‘C’ or better) in this highly technical course. It is the responsibility of the student to be present in class each time it is scheduled to meet. Attendance will be recorded at each lecture.  Likewise, on-time arrival for class  is absolutely expected.

It is always the sole responsibility of the student who has been absent to complete any missed work in accordance with syllabus policies.

If a student is absent on the day of a scheduled examination, quiz, or submission of an out-of-class assignment, the student may make-up the missed points as follows:

1.         The missed work must be completed by 3:00 pm on the next course day following the absence.

2.         The missed work make-up score will be penalized 15% due to the absence.

On a rare occasion, a student may know in advance of an impending and UNAVOIDABLE absence.  If that absence is to occur on a day when a scored activity is to be taken, the student may petition the instructor, IN ADVANCE AND IN WRITING, for an “excused absence.”  Each excused absence request will be handled on an individual basis and the decision of the instructor will be final.  If approved by the instructor, an excused absence will not result in the loss of any points on the scored activity due to the absence.

 

Calendar

Additional Information

Electronic devices which produce audible sounds must be silenced during all lecture presentations.  Also, text messaging during class and lab is absolutely prohibited

 

STUDY TIPS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

This course is very technical and, as such, demands strong student study skills to complete the course satisfactorily. Sonography is NOT “rocket-science,” but it does require persistent and effective study to grasp and retain the information.The following study skill guidelines have been tested through many years, and when used consistently, have been proven to work. Of course, students have different learning styles. Therefore, all skills listed may not be appropriate for you. If you have already developed a study system that works, don’t change it!   If that is not the case, the you should give strong consideration to the adoption of one or more of these guidelines.

1.       Plan to study no less than two clock-hours each week for each hour of class time. If you are academically challenged you should spend even more time. Class time is used to collect notes — NOT to learn the greater part of the information.  Effective learning must continue to take place outside of the classroom.

2.       NEVER extend a study session beyond 30 minutes without taking a short break.  For most students, continuous studying without frequent short breaks generally serves little or no useful purpose. It is not usually possible for the average student to remain sufficiently focused beyond 30 minutes.

3.       During a study session, get active! Choose an area free of distractions and don’t get comfortable. Read your notes and the textbook out loud if the location permits. Using the additional sense of hearing further improves retention and learning.  Reading silently using only the sense of sight and limits learning ability. 

4.       Re-write your lecture notes within twelve hours. Notes taken during a lecture session must often be abbreviated to save time. This creates gaps in sentence and paragraph structure. Therefore, if a re-write does not occur relatively soon, gaps will be difficult to close later. Also, a re-write involves the sense of touch which improves retention and learning. When closing gaps, be sure to consult the textbook for additional information relative to the subject under study. A good dictionary can also be helpful.

5.       Study with a classmate when possible.  For most students, group study reinforces learning.

6.       NEVER “cram” for tests. Cramming may work, but any success is only temporary since this study technique involves short-term memory. Use of long-term memory is absolutely necessary to successfully complete any course which requires a comprehensive final examination and a program of study where an overall program exit comprehensive examination and certification examination is also required. Instead of relying on a “crisis approach” to learning, stay organized and review often.

7.       Ask questions during class sessions and/or visit with the course instructor outside of class to clarify information that may be difficult for you to grasp. If necessary, seek advice from the instructor for making improvements. However, seeking advice during the final couple of weeks of the course is probably too late!

8.       Avoid, at all cost, a pessimistic attitude. Instead, THINK POSITIVELY! A person in very likely to mentally move in the direction he or she thinks about most often. When a subject seems overwhelming, don’t panic!  When the brain is in “panic mode,” it cannot simultaneously be in an effective learning mode. If panic develops, STOP!  Re-evaluate your study skills and make immediate changes that can remove or reduce the difficulty. Chances are, the panic is the result of not enough time set aside to learn the information.

9.       Improve your self-confidence! An excellent online tool to help build self-confidence can be seen at …

                                                http://www.mindtools.com/selfconf.html