Basics of Medical Imaging with Hands-on MRI

The course will cover the fundamental principles of medical imaging, including the basics of the 4 major medical imaging methods: Ultrasound, X-Ray CT, PET, and MRI. The focus will be on MRI and how it is used to capture both the anatomy and function of the human brain. The course will also provide hands-on experience with acquiring brain images using a 3T MRI scanner. Students may learn how to process and characterize MRI images from healthy volunteers. Functional MRI (fMRI) data will be used to learn the basics of statistical analysis used in neuroscience research.

Target group

Medical imaging is arguably the most multi-disciplinary field in modern science and technology. Development, implementation, and application of imaging methodology requires expertise from engineering, computer scientists, chemists, biologists, clinicians -- to mention a few. Medical imaging is also one of the areas where AI tools may prove crucial in narrowing the healthcare disparities across the globe. This course is designed with this diversity of students’ backgrounds in mind.

Course aim

Describe the fundamental physical principals that result in the image intensity variations seen in X-Ray, Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

Describe the concept of a point spread function (PSF), line spread function (LSF), and modulation transfer function (MTF) and describe how one might measure them in a given imaging system Understand the role of social, cultural, political, economic and other elements as determinants of health

Design a simple functional MRI paradigm and acquire the fMRI images on a 3T scanner. Describe how the concept of a point spread function (PSF) and modulation transfer function (MTF) are applied in MRI. Describe how spatial and temporal resolution interact in fMRI acquisitions.

Apply mathematical tools, such as Convolution and Fourier transform, to analyse the fMRI images acquired on a 3T scanner.

Credits info

15 EC
All our modules have been formally approved for 15 Sussex credits; equivalent to 7.5 ECTS or 3-4 US credits. This means that your study at Sussex over the summer can count towards your degree.

Sussex modules are accepted for transfer credit towards degrees at most colleges and universities. But policies and degree requirements vary, so you should obtain approval for transfer of module credit before you apply.

Please consult with your study abroad advisor before choosing your modules to ensure you are able to transfer any credit you need.

Fee info

GBP 3: The total fees for this module will be £3,723, with the breakdown as follows:

tuition – £2,313
lab fee – £250
accommodation and campus programme fee – £1,160.

Scholarships

If you are applying from one of our partner institutions, you will be entitled to a reduction in tuition fees. Please contact your study abroad office or summer@sussex.ac.uk for more information.