Biomedical Visualisation from Coursera

Visualisation is a rapidly progressive specialty in academia, research and industry, and becoming the future of science. With the advancement of digital technologies and their applications, biomedical visualisation is an evolving and popular field. With new techniques and technologies to image, process and analyse data related to the human body, and its biological processes, it is at the forefront of the digital revolution. Why not view our course trailer video. Copy and paste this link into your browser https://youtu.be/vB_QcIVSiTs

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Define and describe anatomical terminology related to the human body.

Describe the various body systems, what comprises them, and how they relate to function.

Create your own 3D modelling and animations using industry standard, open-source software (Blender).

Analyse various visualisation techniques and methods, and be able to apply them to areas of biomedical science.

This course is the first of its kind on Coursera. It explores the structure and function of the human body including terminology used. It showcases visualisation techniques available using technology to image and display data related to the body and biological processes.. It also provides training in the creation of animations, and examines the applicability of different types of reality.

You will learn from experts in these fields and with the knowledge you will gain from this course, be able to evaluate and apply how best to use visualisation in your own discipline.

No prior experience is necessary but should be able to learn at an intermediate level.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Visualisation and the Human Body

Module 1 will cover introductory material of visualisation and its applications, as well as exploring the basis of human anatomy. You will learn about a historical journey of "visualisation" to the present day advances and uses with biomedical science. Exploring the human body, you will learn its structure and function; the body systems and their roles; as well as learning frequently used terminology within anatomy. Examples of visualisation techniques will be covered, and as a learner you will be able to name examples as and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.

3D Models and Animation

Module 2 will give you an introductory lesson into 3D modelling software "Blender" and modelling terminology. By completion you will be able to create your own organic 3D models and animations using Blender. You will be taught a brief introduction to modelling and its vast variety of uses within Biomedical Science. The theory and process of segmentation from patient imaging data will be explored as another option to obtain realistic 3D models.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Module 3 will introduce virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The history and background of virtual reality will be explored, and how augmented reality rose in popularity within this field as well. This week will allow you as a learner to hear interviews with VR and AR experts. They will discuss their research, theory and some of the applications of this technology in biomedical science. The wide variety of applications will be taught, and why it has become such a popular tool in research, teaching and in other areas.

Extended Reality: The Realities and The Future

Module 4 is the concluding module for Biomedical Visualisation. New theory that will be introduced are Mixed and 'Extended reality' as a whole, and what could potentially come of the realities in the future. This week is for the learner to reflect on what they have learned throughout this course. When to best use visualisation techniques; their advantages and disadvantages; and how you could use what you have learned throughout the course for future projects in your area of interest.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines human anatomy and related terminology, which is standard within biomedical science

Emphasizes the latest techniques for imaging and analyzing biomedical data

Leverages industry-standard, open-source software Blender, providing hands-on experience

Guides learners to build anatomical 3D models, a core skill for visualization

Introduces emerging technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, for immersive learning

Offers insights from experts in visualization, connecting theory to professional application

Reviews summary

Insightful biomedical visualisation

Learners say this engaging course is largely positive with well received interviews and snippets from experts. The course delves into biomedical visualisation with a focus on the various applications of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) in the biomedical field. It also provides hands-on experience with Blender software for 3D modelling. Though praised for its informative content and interesting videos, the course is criticized for having too much reading and limited practical applications. Despite some drawbacks, students appreciate the knowledge and skills gained from the course, particularly regarding the future of biomedical visualisation.

Students are introduced to Blender software for 3D modelling.

"The course gives comprehensive discussions about the applications of digital technology in the industry, specifically in the health/life sciences."

"It gives you very useful insights about what can be done with the different realities. And actually, I now have a few ideas to work on thanks to that."

Interviews with researchers present cutting-edge information on biomedical visualisation.

"I learnt a lot from this course.Thank you."

"It was a really interesting course. I learned a lot about medical field."

"Really gave a good general idea of the the field of Biomedical Visualization!"

Despite the hands-on introduction to Blender, students express a desire for more practical applications.

"It would be better if we had more classes on the use of Blender, or maybe explore other softwares such as SolidWorks."

The course includes substantial reading assignments on biomedical visualisation topics.

"This course is mostly filled with readings. Could have been better if more video were included."

"A lot of information compared to just 3 videos of teaching how to use blender practically. I prefer the videos to the assigned reading."

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 Biomedical Visualisation with these activities:

Review Biology and Human Physiology

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Strengthen your understanding of the human body and its systems to better grasp the context of biomedical visualizations.

Browse courses on Biology

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Consult textbooks or online resources on biology and human physiology.
Focus on key concepts related to anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry.
Complete practice questions or quizzes to test your understanding.

Brush Up on Basic Computer Graphics Concepts

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Ensure a solid foundation in computer graphics principles to enhance your ability to create effective biomedical visualizations.

Browse courses on Computer Graphics

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Review materials from previous courses or textbooks.
Watch online videos or tutorials on basic computer graphics.
Practice applying these concepts through simple exercises.

Review: Gray's Anatomy for Students

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Expand and familiarize yourself with the structure and function of the human body and its biological processes.

View Gray's Atlas of Anatomy E-Book (Gray's Anatomy) on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of Gray's Anatomy for Students.
Review the table of contents and identify sections relevant to the course.
Read the assigned sections and take notes on key concepts.
Complete the chapter review questions to test your understanding.

Five other activities

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Practice Anatomical Terminology and Identification

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Reinforce your understanding of anatomical terminology and structures to facilitate effective communication in the field of biomedical visualization.

Browse courses on Anatomy

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Download an anatomical atlas or use an online resource.
Practice identifying anatomical structures and their correct terminology.
Complete multiple-choice quizzes or labeling exercises.
Engage in discussions with peers to clarify any uncertainties.

Explore 3D Modeling Techniques with Blender

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Gain practical experience in creating and animating 3D models, which will be essential for visualizing and analyzing biomedical data.

Browse courses on 3D Modeling

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Identify online tutorials or video courses on Blender.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and practice creating basic models.
Experiment with different modeling techniques and tools.
Create a simple 3D model of a biological structure or process.

Compile Resources on Biomedical Visualization Techniques

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Expand your knowledge of biomedical visualization techniques by compiling a comprehensive list of resources.

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Search for online articles, tutorials, and software options.
Organize the resources based on technique or application.
Include brief descriptions and links to each resource.
Share your compilation with peers or instructors for feedback.

Collaborate on a Biomedical Visualization Project

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Enhance your understanding and skills by working alongside peers on a collaborative biomedical visualization project.

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Find a group of peers with complementary skills.
Brainstorm ideas for a biomedical visualization project.
Assign roles and responsibilities based on expertise.
Regularly communicate and share progress with the team.
Provide constructive feedback and support to each other.

Develop an Interactive Visualization of a Biomedical Concept

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Apply your knowledge of biomedical visualization techniques to create an engaging and informative visualization that effectively communicates a complex biomedical concept.

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Identify a biomedical concept that you want to visualize.
Choose an appropriate visualization technique and software.
Gather and prepare the necessary data.
Design and develop the visualization.
Evaluate and iterate on the visualization to improve its effectiveness.

Career center

Learners who complete Biomedical Visualisation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Medical Illustrator

Medical Illustrators are responsible for creating visual representations of medical information, including human anatomy. This course can provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field, including an understanding of human anatomy, 3D modeling, and animation. Additionally, this course will help you develop the critical thinking and communication skills necessary to effectively convey medical information to a variety of audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Illustrator

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design, develop, and test medical devices and equipment. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology, as well as the technical skills necessary to design and develop medical technologies. Additionally, this course will help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills necessary to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Medical Animator

Medical Animators create 3D animations and other visual content to explain medical concepts and procedures. This course can provide you with the technical skills necessary to create realistic and engaging medical animations. Additionally, this course will help you develop the storytelling and communication skills necessary to effectively convey medical information to patients and healthcare professionals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Animator

Medical Writer

Medical Writers create written content for a variety of medical audiences, including patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. This course can provide you with the strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology, as well as the writing and communication skills necessary to succeed in this field. Additionally, this course will help you develop the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to effectively convey medical information to a variety of audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Science Communicator

Science Communicators interpret and communicate scientific information to a variety of audiences, including the general public, policymakers, and the media. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology, as well as the communication skills necessary to effectively convey scientific information to a variety of audiences. Additionally, this course will help you develop the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to understand and interpret scientific research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communicator

Medical Imaging Technician

Medical Imaging Technicians operate and maintain medical imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines and MRI scanners. This course can provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field, including an understanding of human anatomy, medical imaging techniques, and patient care. Additionally, this course will help you develop the technical skills necessary to operate and maintain medical imaging equipment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Imaging Technician

Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Laboratory Technicians perform a variety of laboratory tests on patient samples, such as blood, urine, and tissue. This course can provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field, including an understanding of human anatomy, medical laboratory techniques, and patient care. Additionally, this course will help you develop the technical skills necessary to perform medical laboratory tests.

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Surgical Technologist

Surgical Technologists assist surgeons during surgical procedures. This course can provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field, including an understanding of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and patient care. Additionally, this course will help you develop the technical skills necessary to assist surgeons during surgical procedures.

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Veterinarian

Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in animal anatomy and physiology, as well as the diagnostic and treatment skills necessary to succeed in this field. Additionally, this course will help you develop the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to diagnose and treat animal diseases and injuries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Veterinarian

Dentist

Dentists diagnose and treat diseases and injuries of the teeth and gums. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in oral anatomy and physiology, as well as the diagnostic and treatment skills necessary to succeed in this field. Additionally, this course will help you develop the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to diagnose and treat dental diseases and injuries.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use to patients. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in pharmacology and human anatomy, as well as the communication skills necessary to succeed in this field. Additionally, this course will help you develop the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to understand and interpret medication information.

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Nurse

Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology, as well as the patient care skills necessary to succeed in this field. Additionally, this course will help you develop the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to assess and care for patients.

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Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants provide medical care to patients under the supervision of a physician. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology, as well as the diagnostic and treatment skills necessary to succeed in this field. Additionally, this course will help you develop the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to diagnose and treat patient diseases and injuries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant

Doctor

Doctors diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology, as well as the diagnostic and treatment skills necessary to succeed in this field. Additionally, this course will help you develop the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects, including science, math, and English. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology, as well as the communication skills necessary to succeed in this field. Additionally, this course will help you develop the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to understand and explain scientific concepts to students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher