Methodological Principles and Techniques in MRI

The course focuses on the practical application of MRI, using relevant techniques for imaging. It covers deeper aspects of MR physics, artifacts, contrast agents and choice of parameters. The MRI theory os related to anatomy and pathological changes, indications for MRI-exam and use of contrast agents, strategies for optimizing the image quality, patient care and handling, communication, and writing reports.

Candidates who have completed the course should have achieved:
The student should:
Knowledge:
- Have a broad knowledge of how anatomical structures and pathological changes are imaged with MRI
- Have a broad knowledge of safety, patient care, contrast mechanisms, indications and contraindications
- Have a broad knowledge of procedures for MRI examinations
- Have a broad knowledge of recording techniques, imaging parameters and artifacts
- Have knowledge of a variety of methods for assessing and measuring image quality in MR images
- Have knowledge of the principles and methods for a selection of methods for image processing and its importance for image quality and diagnostic use


Skills:
- Be able to assess theoretically and practically how anatomy and pathology are presented with or without contrast agent in MRI examinations
- Be able to identify anatomical structures and common pathological changes
- Be able to explain the indications for various MRI examinations
- Can assess image quality with respect to contrast and artifacts and perform image optimization
- Be able to select, customize and renew procedures for MRI examinations
- Be able to explain and evaluate the effect of changes in different imaging parameters

General competence:
- Be able to acquire knowledge and skills that ensure good ability to care for patients in an MRI department
- Be able to use theory for practical image diagnostic purposes, which contributes to increased efficiency and improved image quality

Lectures on campus and group assignments. Lectures are being held over 3-4 days in the spring semester with practical assignment on MRI scanner, and students have 7 compulsory assignments. Course material will be available on the e-learning platform; scientific papers, links to web-pages, short movies (animations, lectures etc.), self-tests, student assignments, and discussion boards with students and lecturers.