Instrumentation, Signal Processing and Imaging

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Discuss and justify the quality assurance (and if applicable 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
• Explain, using the correct terminology, the basic equipment / techniques used within the HCS specialisms of Cardiology, Vascular, Respiratory and Sleep Sciences
• Analyse the principles of operation of equipment and techniques in each specialism
• Critically evaluate the risks and benefits related to equipment and techniques, including safety
• Critically appraise professional journal articles and associated literature using established appraisal tools

• 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
• Fluid flow through tubes: Poiseuille’s Law, laminar and turbulent flow, blood flow
• Differentiation of volume and integration of flow signals
• Digitisation of signals
• Computer acquisition, storage and analysis of physiological signals

Techniques underpinning:

• volume and flow measuring devices used to measure dynamic lung volumes and flows and static lung volumes
• respiratory gas analysis
• pulse oximetry
• positive airway pressure therapy
• airflow, pulse oximetry, respiratory effort, body position, sound during sleep
• electrocardiography
• blood pressure measurement
• imaging techniques including ultrasound, X-ray, computerised tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), isotopes
• Hazards and safe of use of imaging techniques

This is a blended learning module and includes a number of online lectures, with associated work activity, to be completed prior to in-person sessions at which topics are discussed.

Through a combination of in-person lectures, seminars and tutorials you will learn how to apply knowledge gained to your future practice.

Formative

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

Written assignment

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Feedback will be provided verbally.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

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.