Introductory description

ES97D-15 Biomedical Imaging and Medical Devices

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Lectures and Seminars:

1. Introduction to Imaging and Sensing, to include a general introduction to the course. Introduction or revision of core concepts including statistics, vector calculus, k-space, Fourier transforms.

2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), to include: the physical basis of MRI, sequences commonly used in the clinic and research, system interfaces, data formats and post-processing tools, quality control in image acquisition and interpretation, functional MRI and statistical approaches to data processing, instrumentation, safety.

3. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), to include: the physical origin of the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrum, methods of spatial localisation and quantitative analysis, characteristic spectra in health and disease.

4. Electroencephalography (EEG), to include: the physical, electrophysiological, and technological principles underlying the generation and measurement of Electroencephalography (EEG) signals, spatio-temporal nature of EEG signals, and the link with Magnetoencephalography (MEG), Brain mapping using EEG and EMG.

5. Computed Tomography (CT) to include: the physical and mathematical basis for X-Ray Computed Tomography (CT), concept of a sinogram, Radon Transform for image reconstruction by back-projection, processing tools including 3D reconstruction, instrumentation, and safety. Production of X-ray images, attenuation coefficients, choice of suitable energy, contrast, hardware.

6. Radionuclide Imaging (RI) to include: the theory of radioactive decay and detectors, radiopharmaceuticals and their production, nuclear medicine imaging systems, clinical applications, instrumentation including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) systems.

7. Ultrasound in Medicine to include: ultrasound imaging, generation and detection of ultrasound, ultrasound propagation, choice of frequency, A-scan, B-scan, M-mode imaging and echo cardiography. Use of Doppler techniques for blood flow etc. Use of ultrasound in therapy.

8. Introduction to Image Processing, to include: Segmentation, registration and fusion, and quantification; software including open-source packages.

9. Advanced Techniques and Applications, with topics including (but not exclusively): Transcranial Sonography, Multimodal imaging (PET-MRI), Dual-energy CT, Imaging for Current Applications (choice of topics might include Surgery, Spinal Cord Imaging, Dementia, Automated Segmentation, etc.)

Examples Classes (2 hours) worked examples reflecting the level at which the module will be examined, and an opportunity for the students to raise questions about the course content.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the complex underlying principles of modern medical imaging and sensing [M1, M2].
• Critically evaluate, compare and contrast the primary methods in clinical practice for investigation of the human body and brain [M1, M2].
• Perform quantitative and qualitative assessments related to the theoretical and practical constraints on state-of-the-art imaging and sensing technologies, including spatial and temporal resolution, sensitivity, and specificity for the structural or functional properties to be detected [M1, M2].
• Understand key drivers for the development of advanced applications, including an appreciation of how medical imaging and sensing support areas of diagnostics, surgery, and therapy [M1, M2].
• Understand how recent developments, e.g. in multimodal imaging, are advancing progress at the frontiers of medical research and delivered healthcare [M1, M2].
• Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters [M17].

Indicative reading list

Essentials of In Vivo Biomedical Imaging, Simon R. Cherry, Ramsey D. Badawi, Jinyi Qi, 2015 by CRC Press Textbook ISBN 9781439898741

MRI from Picture to Proton, Second edition, By Donald W. McRobbie, Elizabeth A. Moore, Martin J. Graves, Martin R. Prince, Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Online ISBN:9780511545405, Hardback ISBN:9780521865272, Paperback ISBN:9780521683845

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Research element

The coursework gives the student the opportunity to research a topic independently and in depth, using published sources, and to present their findings.

Interdisciplinary

This module integrates content from biomedical engineering, medical physics, and medicine.

Subject specific skills

Awareness of, and conceptual understanding of the core medical imaging technologies and applications in the clinical and research environment, combined with direct insights from - and an opportunity to interact with - radiology practitioners.

This module has a track record of equipping students to apply for clinical physics/engineering careers in the NHS, and/or to enter postgraduate research in the field of medical imaging.

Transferable skills

This module enables the student to develop their ability and confidence to assimilate and use conceptual-level understanding of an extensive technical syllabus in an unfamiliar area.

This module also supports the student to independently and competently find and collate information on a challenging topic, and to communicate this in an accessible way in a short video, encouraging development of organisational and presentation skills at a high level.

A guide to working with high-level technical resources such as peer-reviewed journal papers is embedded in the module, to support access to, and confidence in using, advanced imaging material in the main syllabus and independent research undertaken for the coursework. This is valuable as a long term skill, but also has immediate benefit for those using such sources in their independent project work.