Instrumentation, Signal Processing and Imaging

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Analyse the principles of operation of equipment and techniques in each specialism.
• Discuss the role of each modality in the patient pathway including the main clinical applications.
• Critically evaluate the risks and benefits related to equipment and techniques
• Explain the possible health effects of equipment and techniques used in each specialism.
• Explain the quality assurance and legislative framework for equipment and techniques in each specialism.
• Systematically analyse available data sets (quantitative and qualitative) which underpin the practice of healthcare science and with particular reference to this module’s content
• Critically appraise professional journal articles and associated literature using established appraisal tools
• Explain the basic equipment and techniques used within Cardiology, Vascular, Respiratory and Sleep Sciences, utilising the correct terminology.

Learning outcomes are met through coverage of the following topics:

Mathematical concepts

Fundamental and derived physical quantities and their units

Basic mechanics

Concepts of impedance

Time and frequency domains

Linearity and nonlinearity, distortion

Equipment functions and characteristics,

Equipment safety,

Application and choice of equipment,

Amplifier characteristics and functions,

Noise and noise reduction,

Operation, specifications, advantages and limitations of filters,

Digitisation of signals,

Computer acquisition, storage and analysis of physiological signals,

Measurement techniques underpinning the measure of:

• Volume and flow measuring devices used to measure dynamic lung volumes and flows and static lung volumes
• Respiratory Gas Analysis
• Pulse oximetry
• Airflow, respiratory effort, body position, sound during sleep
• Electrocardiography
• Blood pressure measurement
• Imaging techniques including ultrasound, XRay, CT, MRI, isotopes

Hazards and safe use of imaging techniques.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials, case studies, self-directed learning, use of the Faculty virtual learning environment (Blackboard) and the collaborative sharing of experience from practice placements and other experiential learning. A key element of this module is to ensure students gain hands-on experience with instrumentation and signal processing equipment in order to ensure they are able to apply theoretical concepts.

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

The following equipment is incorporated into the module in quantities that enable students to work in groups of no more than four. • Labtutor and associated hardware (for cardiac and respiratory/sleep practicals) • A Pacing device • A Pressure transducer, instrumentation, stand and consumables (saline) • A Test filter, Oscillator, Oscilloscope and associated leads • An Electrocardiograph, Oscillator, Oscilloscope and associated leads • Prototyping circuits, batteries, components, test devices • An Ambulatory ECG device • Pulse Oximeters • Spirometers.

Instrumentation and measurement magazine, Elsevier.

Digital signal processing, Elsevier.

For resources which are required or considered useful for the module: key texts, text books, data books, software, web sites, other sources of related information..

Internet Resources

Instrumentation and measurement magazine.

Journal Articles

IEEE transactions on medical imaging, IEEE.

Medical engineering and physics, Elsevier.

Annals of biomedical engineering, Springer.

Textbooks

Allisy-Roberts, P.J., Williams J (2007). Farr's Physics for Medical Imaging. Saunders Ltd.

Khandpur. R.S. (2003). Handbook of biomedical instrumentation. New Delhi: McGraw-Hill.

Cameron J.R., Skofronick, J.G., Grant, R.M., (1999). Physics of the Body. Madison: Medical Physics Publishing.

Greenhalgh, T. (2012). How to read a paper : the basics of evidence-based medicine. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell : BMJ Books  Chichester.

Brown, B.H., Smallwood, R.H., Barber, D.C., Lawford, P.V.,Hose D.R., (1998). Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering. CRC Press.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: External