Abdomen Form and Function (DSON) introduces students to anatomy and physiology relevant to sonographers in the imaging of the abdominal and pelvic cavities. The course starts with a module on histology which sets the stage for the rest of the course. The focus of the course is on relational and cross sectional anatomy in the abdominal / pelvic cavities and abdominal wall. Abdominal organs associated with the gastrointestinal tract such as liver, gallbladder and pancreas are emphasized. In addition, structure and function of the spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands and the blood vessels supplying the region is included in the course.

Human Behaviour 1 (DSON) explores psychological and sociological concepts, research and applications of relevance to sonographers in training and in clinical practice. This course includes skills for interaction and communication; preventing and managing distress in clients and self; working with cultural diversity; group interaction and work teams; dealing with client needs associated with pregnancy, age and abilities, mortality, managing interpersonal conflict, harassment, reporting child abuse and ethics; balancing expectations of patients with requirements of workplace regarding disclosure of information; and recognizing and responding to patient anxiety and depression. Emphasizes improving sensitivity and human relations skills in dealing with both clients and staff. Students in this program have a particular focus on the unique aspects of caring for clients who are pregnant and their families.

This course integrates relational anatomy, cross sectional anatomy and physiology with sonographic principles in the imaging of the normal abdomen and male pelvis. Common pathologies or anatomic variants that students are likely to encounter in their first practicum are introduced. Theory taught in this course will be integrated with laboratory experience in DSON 1011 through both live and simulated practice.

Women's Health Sonography 1 integrates embryology, relational and cross sectional anatomy and physiology with sonographic principles in imaging of the normal female pelvis and first trimester of pregnancy. Common pathologies and variants that students are likely to encounter in their first clinical are introduced. Theory taught in this course will be integrated with laboratory practice in DSON 1011 through both live and simulated practice.

Cardiac Sonography 1 integrates anatomy, the cardiac cycle and hemodynamics with sonographic principles in the imaging of the heart. The focus of this course is on the assessment and interpretation of patterns in the normal heart as seen with 2 dimensional and m-mode imaging. Color and pulsed wave Doppler are introduced. Theory taught in this course will be integrated with laboratory practice in DSON 1012.

General Sonography Lab 1 introduces students to abdominal sonography. The initial focus is on lab safety, scan planes, image orientation, transducer movement, following structures and basic scanner controls. Students apply this knowledge through hands on scanning in abdominal and pelvic applications using live settings. Use of the PACS system for storage and retrieval of images, communication and safe ergonomic practices form an integral part of all applied lab courses in this program.

Cardiac Sonography Lab 1 introduces students to sonographic imaging of the heart. The focus of this course is to integrate communication, professional responsibility, patient care and workplace safety with the operation of sonographic equipment in the creation and interpretation of 2D and M-mode cardiac images. Students will use the PACS for storage and retrieval of images.

Sonography Principles 1 is an introductory course that presents the basic physical principles that apply to diagnostic ultrasound imaging. The course will review some mathematical tools (i.e. basic algebra, logarithms, and trigonometry), describe the properties of waves and relate these properties to sound and ultrasound. The physical principles of ultrasound creation and detection will be described along with the basic instrumentation used in single element and multi-element transducers. The pulse-echo imaging technique will be covered and real time imaging modalities will be explained. Digital imaging and storage will be reviewed along with an overview of the Picture Archiving and Communication system (PACS) in relation to the Radiological Information System (RIS). Finally, a brief introduction to Colour Doppler Imaging will be given. The emphasis of this course will be in the integration of concepts with applications.

This course prepares the student for entry into the clinical environment. The student role and responsibilities will be discussed including professional behaviour, clinical evaluation and performance expectations. Professional awareness topics including registry, professional societies and continuing medical education requirements are also covered.

This course is a continuation of DSON 1001. The emphasis in this course is on commonly seen focal pathology and congenital anomalies of the abdomen and male pelvis. Sonographic imaging of the normal neck and scrotum is introduced. Critical thinking skills are developed through the correlation of sonographic findings with clinical history and alternate imaging modalities. Theory taught in this course will be integrated with laboratory experience in DSON 2011 through both live and simulated practice. Prerequisites: DSON 1001

Women's Health Sonography 2 is a continuation of DSON 1002. This course covers second and third trimester pregnancy as assessed with sonography. Normal maternal and fetal anatomy are discussed, along with some common abnormalities that students may encounter in their first practicum. Color and pulsed wave Doppler are introduced for the assessment of blood flow hemodynamics. Prerequisites: DSON 1002

Cardiac Sonography 2 is a continuation of Cardiac Sonography 1. The focus of this course shifts to the etiology, hemodynamics, sonographic patterns and quantification of cardiac disease. The course begins with modules on heart failure, systolic and diastolic performance abnormalities. Underlying mechanisms and therapeutic uses for common cardiac drug classes are covered. These concepts are then applied in modules on mitral regurgitation and stenosis. Students are challenged throughout this course to fully appreciate the many variables that are factors in the accurate assessment and documentation of cardiac pathology. Transesophageal imaging is introduced. This course is continued in DSON 3003. Prerequisites: DSON 1003

Sonography Clinical 1 is the first clinical course in the program. Students in this course gain hands on experience in the settings of abdomen, pelvis, obstetrics, vascular and cardiac sonography. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to satisfactorily perform portions of normal, uncomplicated studies with minimal assistance as defined in the Clinical Manual and individual clinical target summaries. Effective communication with patients and staff and safe practice are emphasized through all clinical courses in this program. Prerequisite: All other level 2 courses.

Vascular Sonography 1 introduces students to imaging of the carotid arteries and lower extremity veins. The course begins with anatomy and blood flow hemodynamics then shifts to sonographic applications. The focus in this course is on normal patterns as obtained with 2 dimensional and color / pulsed wave Doppler assessment of the carotid arteries and lower extremity veins. Integration of sonographic appearances with hemodynamics and physical principles is emphasized Prerequisites: DSON 1003

General Sonography Lab 2 is a continuation of DSON 1011. Students gain additional experience in the sonographic assessment and documentation of abdominal and pelvic organs. Students will learn imaging techniques of carotid arteries and leg veins, including Doppler. Organization, image quality and time management are emphasized in this course. Principles of human behaviour are incorporated throughout this course. Use of the PACS system for storage and retrieval of images, communication and safe ergonomic practice form an integral part of all applied lab courses in this program. Prerequisites: DSON 1011

Cardiac Sonography Lab 2 introduces students to the use of color and spectral Doppler in normal and uncomplicated situations. Completion of one full normal cardiac study will be the goal of this course. Students will continue to integrate communication, professional responsibility, patient care and workplace safety with the operation of sonographic equipment in the creation and interpretation of 2D, M-mode, spectral and color Doppler images. Students will use the PACS for storage and retrieval of images. Principles of human behaviour will be applied to this course. Prerequisites: DSON 1012

NURS 1186 is a patient care lab course for sonographers. The goal of this course is to provide the student with the knowledge and skills to provide patient care in diagnostic ultrasound departments in hospital and health care clinics. The course introduces the student to the hospital environment and basic safety concepts of providing patient care Professionalism and professional communication skills will also be explored. Class work includes a mixture of lectures, on-line assignments and activities, classroom activities, return demonstrations of theoretical concepts and written on-line examinations. The course includes topics such as occupational health and safety, moving and transferring patients, medical and surgical asepsis, patient assessments and medical emergencies.

This course builds upon the concepts presented in the first level Sonography Physics 1 course. The main focus will be on Doppler imaging for diagnostic sonography, describing the underlying physics and instrumentation for the different Doppler imaging modes (Continuous Wave Doppler, Pulsed Wave Doppler, Colour, Power and tissue Dopper). In addition, the biological effects of ultrasound, and ultrasound safety will be presented. The course is specific to Sonography with an emphasis on conceptual understanding of the physical phenomena. Prerequisites: PHYS 1073

Pathophysiology 1 (DSON) includes commonly encountered pathology and pathophysiology of the abdominal and pelvic cavities as encountered by sonographers. The course starts with cellular changes relevant to content covered in this course. It includes modules on conditions such as diabetes and hypertension and the role they play in the disease of other organs. The focus of this course is on pathology and pathophysiology of the hepatobiliary (including spleen and pancreas), lymphatic, urinary and female reproductive (including pregnancy) systems. This course is continued in BHSC 3143. Prerequisites: BHSC 1143

This course introduces students to workplace communication and provides practice in communicating with co- workers, supervisors, and patients. The course includes organizing and explaining information, writing procedures and short reports. Students also research a new technique in imaging and deliver an oral presentation to colleagues. The course also includes study skills to support student success at BCIT. Sonographers spend time each day communicating with patients, supervisors, and radiologists. As students and professionals, you will often act as a translator of technical information for patients, giving them instructions and explanations about imaging technology and exams. You will also share techniques and technical information with colleagues and contribute as a member of the Imaging Department's team in making suggestions for improving patient care and departmental efficiency. The course consists of two hours of lab each week. Course materials and discussions provide the basic theory and demonstrations; the labs provide opportunities to discuss and apply the theory and practise your communication skills.

This course is a continuation of DSON 2001. The emphasis in this course is on more complex pathology and pathophysiology of the abdomen, male pelvis and neck. Scanning the normal and abnormal gastrointestinal tract, scrotum and salivary glands are introduced as well. Advanced imaging techniques and critical thinking skills are developed through correlation of clinical history with sonographic areas of interest and findings. Prerequisites: DSON 2001 and DSON 2004

Women's Health Sonography 3 is a continuation of DSON 2002. The emphasis in this course is on more complex pathology and pathophysiology of the female pelvis and all stages of pregnancy as assessed with sonography. Examples of complex conditions include maternal disease as it affects the fetus and complications of multiple pregnancy. Critical thinking skills are developed through correlation of clinical history with sonographic areas of interest and findings. Prerequisites: DSON 2002 and DSON 2004

Cardiac Sonography 3 is a continuation of DSON 2003. Modules in this course include aortic valve disease, right heart disease, prosthetic & percutaneous valves, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, pericardial disease and pleural effusions. Advanced imaging techniques such as stress and contrast echocardiography are introduced. The role for complementary imaging such as nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging is also included. The emphasis throughout this course is on the integration of clinical findings and hemodynamic changes with sonographic imaging in settings of cardiac disease. Prerequisites: DSON 2003 and DSON 2004

Vascular Sonography 2 is a continuation of DSON 2005 - Vascular Sonography 1. The emphasis shifts from normal features to abnormal findings in the carotid arteries and extremity veins through the integration of clinical signs and symptoms, sonographic findings and hemodynamic consequences of vascular disease. Peripheral arterial Doppler and vascular grafts are introduced. Prerequisites: DSON 2004 and DSON 2005

General Sonography Lab 3 is a continuation of DSON 2011. The focus in this course is on consistent application of knowledge and skill in abdominal, pelvic and vascular scanning situations. Hemodynamic and Doppler principles will be applied to abdominal, carotid artery, lower extremity venous and upper extremity venous studies. Students will be assessed on history taking, communication, instrumentation, scanning technique, image quality, time management and overall performance. Use of the PACS system for storage and retrieval of images, communication and safe ergonomic practice form an integral part of all applied lab courses in this program. Prerequisites: DSON 2011 and DSON 2004

Cardiac Sonography Lab 3 introduces students to the full cardiac sonography routine in normal and uncomplicated situations. The focus of this course will continue to be on integration of communication, professional responsibility, patient care and workplace safety with the operation of sonographic equipment in the creation and interpretation of 2D, M-mode, spectral and color Doppler images. Students will use the PACS for storage and retrieval of images. Prerequisites: DSON 2012 and DSON 2004

Sonography Physics 3 is a continuation of Sonography Physics 2. The emphasis is on the physical principles of fluid motion as applied to blood flow and ultrasonic Doppler imaging. Quality assurance and control will be presented as part of a sonography program. Finally, tissue harmonic imaging, contrast imaging, and elasticity imaging in diagnostic sonography will be studied. All the concepts covered in previous courses are tied together in this course to emphasize their relevance to clinical practice. Prerequisites: DSON 2004 and PHYS 2073

Human Behaviour 2 (DSON) is a continuation of BHSC 1144. Student experiences in practicums are used to guide further development of skills necessary for interactions that are compassionate, safe and effective. Unique aspects of care of patients who are pregnant or fearful (i.e. cancer diagnosis, cardiac disease) is emphasised. Student awareness of bias and personal beliefs is explored within the context of patient care that is respectful in all regards. Prerequisites: BHSC 1144 and DSON 4004

Research principles for sonography covers topics which enable students to critically assess a medical research article and learn the steps involved in composing a literature review. The course is composed of five modules including Introduction to research, Types of Research, Common Statistical Concepts, Ethical Issues in Research and The Literature Review. This course will prepare students for DSON 4007 where they will compose a literature review or perform a case study. Prerequisites: DSON 4004

Abdominal and Superficial Structures 4 is a continuation of DSON 3001. The goal of this course is to integrate academic and clinical sonographic applications. Pediatric sonography, superficial mass assessment, musculoskeletal imaging and emerging technologies will be emphasized. Sonographic assessment during biopsies or interventional procedures, and post organ transplants will be discussed. Prerequisites: DSON 3001 and DSON 4004

Women's Health Sonography 4 is a continuation of DSON 3002. The emphasis in this course is on more complex pathology and pathophysiology of the female breast and all stages of pregnancy as assessed with sonography. Critical thinking skills are developed through correlation of clinical history with sonographic areas of interest and findings. Topics such as assisted reproduction and prenatal screening are included, along with advances in technology such as 3D / 4D and Spatial Temporal Image Resolution (STIC). Prerequisites: DSON 3002 and DSON 4004

Cardiac Sonography 4 is a continuation of DSON 3003. Modules covered in this course includes cardiomyopathy, pericardial disease, cardiac masses, great vessels and congenital disease. The congenital module has an emphasis on conditions are repairs as seen in the adult population. Students in this course will apply previously covered concepts such as anatomy, physiology and altered hemodyamics to fully integrate the clinical and sonographic features of each condition. Prerequisites: DSON 3003 and DSON 4004

Sonography Clinical 2 is a continuation of DSON 2004 Sonography Clinical 1. Students in this course gain additional hands on experience in the settings of abdomen, pelvis, obstetrics, and vascular and / or cardiac sonography. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to perform complete examinations on patients with common pathology with minimal assistance. Effective communication with patients and staff and safe practice are emphasized through all practicum courses in this program. Prerequisites: DSON 2004 and all level 3 courses

General Sonography Lab 4 is a continuation of DSON 3011 - General Sonography Lab 3. Students will fine tune sonographic skills in general sonography (including vascular) to gain consistency and accuracy and also develop advanced techniques such as abdominal Doppler. Prerequisites: DSON 3011 and DSON 4004

Cardiac Sonography Lab 4 is a continuation of DSON 3012 - Cardiac Sonography Lab 3. Students will fine tune sonographic skills in cardiac imaging to gain consistency and accuracy. Students will be introduced to interprofessional education in the simulated clinical environment. Prerequisites: DSON 3012 and DSON 4004

Designed for students in medical radiation and imaging programs, this online course provides students with the knowledge and perspectives required for professional practice in the Canadian health system. The course examines the structure of the Canadian health system and legal aspects of health care delivery. It then examines issues associated with health care organizations and departments, such as managing and contributing to change, and appropriate use of resources in health care work environments.

Sonography Clinical 3 is a continuation of DSON 4004. Students in this course gain additional hands on experience in the settings of abdomen, pelvis, obstetrics, superficial structures, vascular and cardiac sonography. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to perform complete examinations on all patients with consistency and accuracy. Effective communication with patients and staff, safe practice, and problem solving skills are emphasized through all practicum courses in this program. This course includes final comprehensive written examinations on all aspects of the program. Prerequisites: All level 4 courses

The Sonography Project course is an on-line self directed course. Students select an aspect of sonography of particular interest and prepare a paper on this topic. They will perform a literature review and find peer reviewed articles which are relevant to the project. They will prepare a written paper using standardized formatting. The project will be presented to the class at the end of the course. It is a goal of this course that students will submit their project to the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography for consideration for publication. This is an individual project. Plagiarism is not acceptable. Prerequisites: DSON 3004 and all level 4 courses