Introduction to Medical Imaging from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Master the fundamentals of medical imaging systems
List common uses of x-ray, ct, mri ultrasound, and photoacoustic imaging
Know the primary advantages and disadvantages of each method

Understand the comparative costs
Look at any medical image and determine if it was created using one methods covered in class
Excel in academic, medical, and/or clinical programs requiring this basic knowledge

Master the fundamentals of medical imaging systems
List common uses of x-ray, ct, mri ultrasound, and photoacoustic imaging
Know the primary advantages and disadvantages of each method
Understand the comparative costs
Look at any medical image and determine if it was created using one methods covered in class
Excel in academic, medical, and/or clinical programs requiring this basic knowledge

Syllabus

Overview

Overview of course goals and expectations

This lecture includes the following key topics:

Noninvasiveness of Imaging
Medical Imaging Theory
Timeline of Medical Imaging
Temporal and Spatial Resolution
Cost Comparisons

Test your knowledge about basic principles all medical imaging scientists understand

Understand basic principles, advantages, disadvantages, and applications of x-ray imaging

Detailed overview of section on projection x-ray imaging. The remaining sections follow this same general outline.

This lecture includes the following key topics:

EM Radiation
Atomic Structure
Electron Structure
Ionization
X-Ray Interactions with Matter
Compton Scattering Equation

This lecture includes the following key topics:

X-ray Tubes
Image Formation
Collimator
Anti-Scatter Grid
Image Examples
Adverse Effects
Dose and Dose Rate
Geiger Counter
Protective Equipment
Pros & Cons

Have you or someone you know ever had a broken bone? This lecture describes how some bone fractures are classified using x-ray images.

Projection X-ray

Understand basic principles, advantages, and disadvantages of CT imaging

This lecture includes the following key topics:

CT Slice Nomenclature
Pixels vs. Voxels
Projection vs. Tomography
Equipment
Imaging Methods
Sinogram

Stretch your mind with this lecture and try to predict the appearance of different sinograms for different geometrical targets.

Learn radon transform math and and apply it to algebraic matrix reconstruction principles to make your very own 4-pixel CT image

Represent your CT data using g(R,theta) notation

This lecture includes the following key topics:

Backprojection
Filtered Backprojection
Image Formation Recap
Dose-Quality Trade-off
Image Quality Metrics
Example Images
Noise Artifacts
Pros & Cons

CT Imaging

Understand basic principles, advantages, disadvantages, and applications of ultrasound imaging

This lecture includes the following key topics:

Ultrasound System Architecture
Probe Components
Piezoelectric Effect
Transverse vs. Longitudinal Waves
Compression and Rarefaction
Reflection, Transmission, and Refraction
Acoustic Impedance

A Note on Refraction and Sound Speed

This lecture includes the following key topics:

Pulse Echo Imaging
Beamforming
Envelope Detection
Time-Depth Relationship
A-mode, B-mode, M-mode
Image Examples

This lecture includes the following key topics:

Speckle
Clutter
Shadowing
Speckle Tracking
SLSC
Doppler Imaging
Recent Advances
Pros & Cons

Sound In, Sound Out

This my research paper describing one of the many benefits of 3D speckle tracking. You should be able to understand most of the details within after completing this section of the course.

This is another one of my research papers. It describes additional methods that can be used to track tissue motion and compares them against each other. This is the most comprehensive study of advanced tracking methods for the liver to date.

Understand basic principles, advantages, disadvantages, and applications of MRI

This lecture includes the following key topics:

MRI System Components
The Electromagnet Properties
Proton Response to Magnetic Field
Precession
Larmor Frequency
Magnetization Vectors

This lecture includes the following key topics:

RF Coils
Proton Response to RF Energy
Faraday Induction
Flip Angle Measurements
Gradient Coils
Slice Selection

More Details on the Larmor Frequency and Flipping Protons

This lecture includes the following key topics:

Magnetization Vector Recording
Obtaining Image Contrast
Example Images
MRI Safety
Noise Artifacts
Pros & Cons

Ever wondered what the brains of patients with neurological diseases looked like? Satisfy your curiosity with this lecture.

Flip, flip, spin

Recap and Outlook

By now, you have all of the information you need to determine which imaging method made these brain images. Look for key features that are unique to each imaging method.

Solutions to "Guess That Image"

This lecture includes the following key topics:

Light and Sound Relationship
Contrast Mechanism
Common Applications

This lecture includes the following key topics:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Small Lasers
SLSC Applied to Photoacoustic Imaging
Interventional Imaging Potential

This lecture includes the following key topics:

Reasons to Include Robots
Eye Protection
Pros & Cons

Identify the Imaging Method

Help me help you (and future students like you). After completing the lectures, let me know whether or not this course fulfilled you expectations and met our initial learning objectives.

Short and Sweet Course Feedback

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores medical imaging principles, methods, and applications in healthcare, ensuring command of the field among non-expert healthcare providers

Provides a strong foundation in medical imaging fundamentals for beginners and enhances the knowledge of experts, making it suitable for learners with varying experience levels

Taught by an experienced and knowledgeable instructor with expertise in medical imaging

Includes interactive lectures and comprehensive quizzes for better understanding and knowledge retention

Examines common imaging modalities, including x-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and photoacoustic imaging

Develops an understanding of the advantages, disadvantages, and applications of each imaging method, allowing learners to make informed choices

Provides theoretical knowledge and practical applications through assignments, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience

Covers the history, science, math, and economics of medical imaging systems, offering a comprehensive understanding of the field

Includes research papers authored by the instructor, providing valuable insights into the latest advancements in medical imaging

Emphasizes the importance of noninvasiveness in medical imaging, highlighting its benefits for patients

This course may require access to specific software or equipment for practical assignments, which could pose a barrier for learners without access to these resources

While the course covers a range of imaging methods, it does not delve deeply into advanced techniques or specialized applications, which may be of interest to learners seeking more comprehensive knowledge

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Medical Imaging with these activities:

Review basic physics

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Review the basic principles of physics, such as forces, motion, and energy.

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Read through your old notes or textbooks.
Do some practice problems.
Take a practice quiz.

Review human anatomy

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Review the basic structure and function of the human body.

Browse courses on Human Anatomy

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Read through your old notes or textbooks.
Do some practice problems.
Take a practice quiz.

Volunteer at a hospital or clinic

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Volunteer at a hospital or clinic to gain hands-on experience with medical imaging equipment and procedures.

Browse courses on Medical Imaging

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Contact your local hospital or clinic and ask about volunteer opportunities.
Complete the necessary volunteer training.
Start volunteering and helping out with medical imaging tasks.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Attend a medical imaging workshop

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Attend a medical imaging workshop to learn about the latest advances in the field.

Browse courses on Medical Imaging

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Find a medical imaging workshop that you are interested in.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and learn about the latest advances in medical imaging.

Create a diagram of a medical imaging system

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Create a diagram that illustrates the different components of a medical imaging system and how they work together.

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Research the different components of a medical imaging system.
Sketch out a diagram of the system.
Label the different components of the diagram.
Write a brief description of how the system works.

Practice interpreting medical images

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Practice interpreting medical images to improve your ability to identify and diagnose diseases.

Browse courses on Image Analysis

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Find a collection of medical images online.
Study the images and try to identify the different anatomical structures.
Look up the normal and abnormal appearances of the different anatomical structures.
Practice interpreting the images and diagnosing the diseases.

Discuss medical imaging cases with classmates

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Discuss medical imaging cases with classmates to improve your understanding of the different imaging modalities and how they are used to diagnose diseases.

Browse courses on Case Studies

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Find a group of classmates to study with.
Choose a medical imaging case to discuss.
Research the case and prepare a presentation.
Present the case to your classmates.
Discuss the case with your classmates.

Contribute to an open-source medical imaging project

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Contribute to an open-source medical imaging project to gain experience with real-world medical imaging applications.

Browse courses on Medical Imaging

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Find an open-source medical imaging project that you are interested in.
Read the project documentation and get familiar with the codebase.
Start contributing to the project by fixing bugs, adding new features, or improving the documentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Medical Imaging will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear Medicine Technologists help doctors diagnose and treat disease using radioactive isotopes and imaging techniques. This course may be useful for Nuclear Medicine Technologists who need to gain a better understanding of the underlying principles of Medical Imaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and systems, including Imaging technology. This course may be useful for Biomedical Engineers who need to enhance their knowledge of the principles of Medical Imaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

MRI Technologist

MRI Technologists operate MRI machines to produce images of the human body for diagnostic purposes. This course may be useful for MRI Technologists who need to enhance their knowledge of the principles of MRI and how it is used to produce medical images.

See salaries and explore the career path for MRI Technologist

Medical Imaging Analyst

Medical Imaging Analysts use their knowledge of medical Imaging to develop and implement new imaging technologies and applications. This course may be useful for Medical Imaging Analysts who need to gain a better understanding of the principles of Medical Imaging and how it is used in the field.

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Radiology Technologist

Radiology Technologists perform imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. This course may be useful for Radiology Technologists who need to review the principles of Medical Imaging.

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Ultrasound Technologist

Ultrasound Technologists use ultrasound imaging to capture images of internal organs and structures. This course may be useful for Ultrasound Technologists who wish to enhance their understanding of ultrasound Imaging physics.

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Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapists treat cancer by administering radiation therapy to patients using advanced Imaging technology. This course may be useful for Radiation Therapists who wish to understand how radiation affects the human body and how to effectively use radiation therapy to treat cancer.

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Dosimetrist

Dosimetrists calculate the dosage of radiation to be delivered to patients undergoing radiation therapy. This course may be useful for Dosimetrists who need to enhance their knowledge of the principles of Medical Imaging and how it is used in radiation therapy.

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Cardiovascular Technologist

Cardiovascular Technologists use various imaging techniques to assess the heart and blood vessels. This course may be useful for Cardiovascular Technologists who need to gain a better understanding of the principles of Medical Imaging specifically related to the cardiovascular system.

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Radiologist

Radiologists use their knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and imaging techniques to interpret medical images and diagnose diseases. This course may be useful for Radiologists who need to refresh their knowledge of imaging methods.

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Radiation Safety Officer

Radiation Safety Officers oversee the safe use of radiation in various settings, including medical Imaging facilities. This course may be useful for Radiation Safety Officers who need to gain a better understanding of the principles of Medical Imaging and how it is used safely.

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Medical Equipment Repair Technician

Medical Equipment Repair Technicians install, maintain, and repair medical equipment, including Imaging devices. This course may be useful for Medical Equipment Repair Technicians who need to gain a better understanding of the principles of Medical Imaging and how it is used in the field.

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Health Physicist

Health Physicists work to protect people and the environment from harmful radiation. This course may be useful for Health Physicists who need to understand the principles of medical Imaging and how it can be used safely.

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Medical Physicist

A Medical Physicist uses their deep understanding of physics to design and use Medical Imaging systems. Medical Physicists typically hold a PhD in Medical Physics. This course may be useful for those without a PhD or who need a refresher on the fundamentals of Medical Imaging that are essential to their work.

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Medical Laboratory Scientist

Medical Laboratory Scientists perform a wide range of laboratory tests to detect, diagnose, and treat diseases. Some of the tests involve analysis of body fluid samples using Imaging technology. This course may be useful for Medical Laboratory Scientists who need to understand the principles of imaging and how it is used in laboratory testing.

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