Introduction to MRI

The course provides a broad theoretical foundation for MR imaging, with these main topics:

1. MR physics with contrast mechanisms (T1, T2, T2*, contrast agents)
2. MRI hardware
3. MR safety
4. Image formation
5. MR pulse sequences
6. Parallel imaging
7. Diffusion-weighted MRI
8. MR angiography
9. Artifacts

Candidates that completed the course should have achieved:

Knowledge

The student:

• Can describe the hardware of an MRI scanner
• Understands and can describe the basic physics of MRI
• Can explain the principle for contrast in MR images
• Can explain theoretical safety issues of an MRI examination
• Understands and can describe different pulse sequences
• Understands the mechanisms for image formation in MRI

Skills

The student:

• can assure the safety for patients in different MRI exams
• can describe and apply different pulse sequences
• can perform MR imaging according to knowledge based practice
• can assess the technical MR image quality
• can search for relevant literature and write assignments according to scientific guidelines

General competence

The student:

• can apply MRI theory for practical MR imaging purposes
• can reflect and communicate on professional topics within the course content

The course is in large web-based, and learning activities are largely in digital forms. We have on-campus training at NTNU in Trondheim early in the semester, with a mix of lectures, group work and seminars. This will last for 3-4 days. Teaching and learning throughout the semester happens through digital platforms. Teaching is structured by topics and with several learning activities, like lectures, practical exercises in the lab, and seminars. Through the semester, students hand in 6 different mandatory assignments.

Course material will be available through the e-learning platform.