Description:

Covers acoustical physics, including the concepts and principles of sound transmission and the utilization of high frequency sound to produce images for diagnostic purposes. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the program or permission of the instructor.

Outcomes:

After completing this class, students should be able to:

• Identify, contrast, and compare the various types of mechanical waves and the sound spectrum
• Calculate frequency, wavelength, intensity, and identify relative sizes of objects
• Anticipate and evaluate reflection characteristics based on acoustic impedance calculations
• Discuss and note the differences between specular, diffuse, and Rayleigh scatterers
• Calculate levels of attenuation in tissue
• Describe and discuss the operational characteristics of an ultrasound transducer
• Describe, discuss, contrast, and compare the concepts of an array of elements and beam formation
• Apply the concepts of resolution and focusing to obtain the optimum image; evaluate the image for quality
• Calculate the range in a pulse-echo event
• Describe, discuss, contrast, compare, and identify the Doppler effect in a spectral display
• Identify and evaluate image artifacts and explain them using reasonable physical principles
• Develop an appreciation for the importance of physics in understanding and using ultrasound techniques