Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

After a summary of basic MR physics, the following topics are covered: solving the Schrodinger equation for single-spin systems, coherence and de-phasing, spin-spin and spin-lattice interactions, theory of contrast agents, spatial signal encoding, pulse sequences for manipulating and sampling of net magnitization, k-space trajectories, signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios, signal optimization, parallel imaging techniques. Quantitative estimation of physiological parameters, dynamic studies with parametric mapping, multivariate image analysis. Clinical applications of MRI, including new methods such as functional MRI, perfusion and diffusion MRI, and clinical MR spectroscopy. Investigative procedures for MRI of brain, heart and cancer. Use of MR in biomedical and biotechnological research.

After completing the course, the student:
1 Should have knowledge about the main components of the MR -scanner and the most common examination methods in patient care regarding heart, brain and cancer diagnostics.
2 Should describe and undersstand the most common principles in MRI like T1/T2 weighted imaging, prefusion, diffusion, fMIR, relaxometry, contrast imaging and MR-spectroscopy.
3 Understand the physical principles behind a MR signal and how manipulation of pulse sequenses can generate different types of methods as mentioned above.
4 Should understand how spatial signal encoding can generate MR-images.
5 Should be able to interpret collected MRI and MRS data and separate artifacts from real signals.
6 Should know how to use different analysis techniques to identify,illustrate and classify collected data.
7 Should be able to set up and run basic MR-experiments on their own. Evaluate an interpret the implications and importance of the results and their weekness and strenghts.

The course is module based with two gatherings lasting 3-4 days during fall term. Language will be English if international students are participating. The course consists of lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises and presentations. All students are expected to take part in all activities.
This course has an upper limit for number of attending students. The maximum number of students is 15 in total for MEDT8009 and MEDT8011 together. The reason is that these two courses run with a coordinated time schedule for hands on lab exercises on MR-scanners with limited access. This course will not be held if the total number of attending students is below 5 participants.