2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MEDP5312M Magnetic Resonance Imaging

15 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Professor D Buckley
Email: d.l.buckley@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

GCSE Science & Maths (Double award or equivalent). Honours degree in a Biological or Physical Science or Medicine or equivalent or degree in Medicine or Dentistry.

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module covers the underlying principles and the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for use in hospitals and the biomedical research environment.

Objectives

To introduce the physical principles of MRI including signal and image formation and clinical application.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, a student should be able to:
1. Describe the mechanism of signal production in MRI
2. Outline three of the main components of a clinical MR system
3. Discuss the effects of the strength of the main MR field
4. Describe, compare and contrast the T1 and T2 relaxation mechanisms
5. Apply the knowledge of contrast mechanisms to explain the use of contrast media
6. Explain the principles of slice selection, frequency encoding and phase encoding
7. Explain how images with different tissue contrast properties can arise from use of the spin echo pulse sequence, and apply this understanding to predict image appearance for given tissue parameters
8. Define TE and TR
9. Given a pulse sequence timing diagram, write a narrative explanation
10. Explain the operation of inversion recovery and gradient echo pulse sequences
11. Summarise a typical quality assurance protocol and discriminate the purpose of the components
12. Apply knowledge of safety issues to a practical situation
13. Apply understanding of the field to an appropriate fictional case study
14. Evaluate one or more relevant clinical applications of MRI and its basis.

Skills outcomes
Ability to design MR imaging protocols to exploit a range of contrast mechanisms.

Syllabus

This module provides an introduction to the physical principles of magnetic resonance imaging in medicine, concentrating on the underlying mechanism of relaxation and how MR technology exploits relaxation to produce image contrast.

Outline of module content:
- Physical principles of nuclear magnetic resonance
- Relaxation mechanisms
- Spatial localisation and encoding
- Magnetic field gradients
- Spin echo, inversion recovery and gradient echo sequences
- T1 and T2 weighting
- Equipment
- Safety and legislation regarding higher magnetic fields
- QA
- Contrast media
- Examples applications
- Taster of advanced techniques.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Visit	1	2.00	2.00
Lecture	20	1.00	20.00
Independent online learning hours			30.00
Private study hours			98.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

- Guided reading and exercises via online course material ahead of lectures: 30 hours
- Private study and preparation for summative assessments: 94 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress is monitored through past exam questions, formative exercises and question and answer sessions during the lectures.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Poster	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

The poster is prepared and submitted electronically for assessment.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 30 mins	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 09/04/2014

Disclaimer

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