Visualizing the Living Body: Diagnostic Imaging from Coursera

This course teaches learners the underlying principles behind conventional radiography, computerized axial tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. The radiology of chest, abdomen, pelvis, extremities, spine and brain are taught in this course using a combination of lectures and extensive practical activities and assessments.

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

Describe the principles of conventional radiography, CT MRI and ultrasound

Describe systematic approaches to imaging interpretation

Describe the use of windowing in CT

Describe sequences in MRI and their relevance.

This course is part 4/4 in the Yale Human Anatomy Specialization.

Topics covered in the lectures include: Introductions to conventional radiography, computerized tomography (CT), ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), chest radiology, CT of chest, chest radiology: introduction to pathology, normal CT anatomy of the abdomen, renal anatomy, colon cancer, renal neoplasm, normal pelvic imaging, normal male pelvis imaging, normal female pelvis imaging, radiology of the upper extremities, radiology of the lower extremities, musculoskeletal imaging modalities, introduction to spine radiographs, skull radiography, brain CT imaging fundamentals, brain CT imaging pathology, brain: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and brain MRI pathology

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Radiology

In this module you'll learn the principles of diagnostic imaging, be introduced to conventional radiography, computerized tomography (CT), ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Chest Radiology

This module covers chest radiology, CT of chest, and an introduction to chest radiology pathology

Abdomen Radiology

This module covers normal CT anatomy of the abdomen, renal anatomy, colon cancer, and renal neoplasm

Pelvis Radiology

This module covers normal pelvic imaging, normal male pelvis imaging, normal female pelvis imaging,

Extremities Radiology

This module covers radiology of the upper extremities, radiology of the lower extremities, and musculoskeletal imaging modalities

Skull and Brain Radiology

This module covers skull radiography, brain CT imaging fundamentals, brain CT imaging pathology, brain: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and brain MRI pathology

Spine Radiology

This module covers and introduction to spine radiographs

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces students to the principles of diagnostic imaging and various radiology techniques

Covers a comprehensive range of topics in radiology, including chest, abdomen, pelvis, extremities, spine, and brain imaging

Provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing further studies in radiology

Led by Charles Duncan and William B. Stewart, experienced instructors in radiology

Offers a combination of lectures and hands-on activities to enhance learning

Aligned with the curriculum of Yale Human Anatomy Specialization, providing a structured learning path

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 Visualizing the Living Body: Diagnostic Imaging with these activities:

Review High School Physics

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This course assumes you have some basic knowledge of physics principles. If it's been a while since your last physics course, now's the time to brush up on those concepts so you can fully engage with the material throughout the course.

Browse courses on Physics

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Identify areas where you need a refresher
Find resources to review the concepts (e.g., textbooks, online courses, videos)
Set aside time to go over the concepts
Take practice problems or quizzes to test your understanding

Read about Physics of Radiology

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This course heavily relies on understanding the Physics of Radiology. By reviewing this book, you will prime yourself for the most success possible in the course.

View Physics in Nuclear Medicine E-Book on Amazon

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Gather necessary materials
Establish a reading schedule
Take notes as you read
Discuss with classmates or online forums
Complete comprehension questions at the end of each chapter

Watch online tutorials on radiology

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There are many excellent online tutorials on radiology available. In this activity, you will watch a few of these tutorials to learn more about the basics of radiology.

Browse courses on Radiology

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Search for online tutorials on radiology
Watch a few of the tutorials
Take notes on the key concepts
Answer the questions or complete the exercises that are included in the tutorials

Three other activities

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Join a study group

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Studying with others can be a great way to learn and retain information. In this activity, you will join a study group with other students taking this course.

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Find other students who are interested in forming a study group
Schedule regular meetings
Discuss the course material and work together on practice problems
Quiz each other on the material

Practice interpreting medical images

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The ability to interpret medical images is a critical skill for radiologists. This activity will provide you with the opportunity to practice this skill and improve your ability to identify and diagnose medical conditions.

Browse courses on Medical Imaging

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Find a collection of medical images (e.g., from a textbook, online database, or clinical practice)
Analyze the images and make a diagnosis for each one
Compare your interpretations with those of a radiologist or other expert
Identify areas where you need additional practice

Create a study guide

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Creating a study guide is an excellent way to reinforce your learning and improve your understanding of the material. In this activity, you will create a study guide that covers the key concepts and principles of radiology.

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Review your notes and textbooks
Identify the key concepts and principles
Organize the information into a logical structure
Create a study guide that includes definitions, examples, and practice questions

Career center

Learners who complete Visualizing the Living Body: Diagnostic Imaging will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Ultrasound Technologist

Ultrasound Technologists perform ultrasound exams to create images of internal organs and tissues. They use these images to diagnose and treat medical conditions. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Ultrasound Technologist by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of ultrasound imaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ultrasound Technologist

CT Technologist

CT Technologists perform CT scans to create images of internal organs and tissues. They use these images to diagnose and treat medical conditions. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a CT Technologist by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of CT imaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for CT Technologist

Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapists deliver radiation therapy to patients with cancer. They use machines to deliver precise doses of radiation to tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Radiation Therapist by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of radiation therapy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radiation Therapist

Nuclear Medicine Physician

Nuclear Medicine Physicians use radioactive isotopes to diagnose and treat medical conditions. They interpret nuclear medicine images to identify abnormalities and make recommendations for treatment. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Nuclear Medicine Physician by providing a comprehensive overview of the principles of nuclear medicine imaging.

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Medical Physicist

Medical Physicists use their knowledge of physics to develop and improve medical imaging technologies. They work with radiologists and other medical professionals to ensure that imaging equipment is safe and accurate. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Medical Physicist by providing a comprehensive overview of the principles of diagnostic imaging techniques.

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Radiologist

Radiologists apply their understanding of imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases. They interpret medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to identify abnormalities and make recommendations for treatment. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Radiologist by providing a comprehensive overview of the principles behind diagnostic imaging techniques.

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Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic Technologists perform a variety of imaging exams, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. They use these images to diagnose and treat medical conditions. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Radiologic Technologist by providing a comprehensive overview of the principles of diagnostic imaging techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radiologic Technologist

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear Medicine Technologists perform nuclear medicine exams to create images of internal organs and tissues. They use these images to diagnose and treat medical conditions. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of nuclear medicine imaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Health Physicist

Health Physicists protect people from the harmful effects of radiation. They develop and implement radiation safety programs for hospitals, clinics, and other workplaces. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Health Physicist by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of radiation safety.

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MRI Technologist

MRI Technologists perform MRI exams to create images of internal organs and tissues. They use these images to diagnose and treat medical conditions. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an MRI Technologist by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of MRI imaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for MRI Technologist

Mammographer

Mammographers perform mammograms to screen for breast cancer. They use these images to diagnose and treat breast cancer. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Mammographer by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of mammography.

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Radiology Administrator

Radiology Administrators manage the day-to-day operations of radiology departments. They oversee staff, budget, and equipment. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Radiology Administrator by providing a comprehensive overview of the principles of radiology management.

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Radiation Safety Officer

Radiation Safety Officers develop and implement radiation safety programs for hospitals, clinics, and other workplaces. They ensure that radiation is used safely and effectively. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Radiation Safety Officer by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of radiation safety.

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Medical Writer

Medical Writers create written materials about medical topics. They work with doctors, scientists, and other medical professionals to develop educational materials, marketing materials, and journal articles. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Medical Writer by providing a comprehensive overview of the principles of medical imaging.

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Science Writer

Science Writers create written materials about scientific topics. They work with scientists, engineers, and other science professionals to develop educational materials, marketing materials, and journal articles. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Science Writer by providing a comprehensive overview of the principles of medical imaging.

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