Fundamentals of Biomedical Imaging: Ultrasounds, X-ray, positron emission tomography (PET) and applications from edX

This physics course covers the physical principles of major in vivo bio-imaging modalities and the different imaging techniques.

After a short study of ultrasound imaging, you will learn about the different X-ray imaging techniques. The understanding of the interaction of X-rays with tissue will lead to the study of three different techniques:

Computed Tomography (CT)
Emission Tomography
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

This course shows how existing physical principles transcend into bio-imaging and establish an important link into life sciences, illustrating the contributions physics can make to life sciences. Practical examples will be shown to illustrate the respective imaging modality, its use, premise and limitations, and biological safety will be touched upon.

During this course, you will develop a good understanding of the mechanisms leading to tissue contrast of the bio-imaging modalities covered in this course, including the inner workings of the scanner and how they define the range of possible biomedical applications. You will be able to judge which imaging modality is adequate for specific life science needs and to understand the limits and promises of each modality.

To learn more about biomedical imaging, join us in the second part of this course Biomedical Imaging: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the main imaging concepts that characterize the quality of imaging techniques for signal (snr) and contrast (cnr).
Understand the essential principles of ultrasound, x-ray imaging (ct), spect, pet.
For each of the above techniques, be aware of the factors limiting the image quality.

Describe/analyse typical applications.
Recognize the imaging technique used to produce a given image.

Understand the main imaging concepts that characterize the quality of imaging techniques for signal (snr) and contrast (cnr).
Understand the essential principles of ultrasound, x-ray imaging (ct), spect, pet.
For each of the above techniques, be aware of the factors limiting the image quality.
Describe/analyse typical applications.
Recognize the imaging technique used to produce a given image.

Syllabus

Introduction to the course, importance and essential elements of bio-imaging.

Ultrasound imaging; ionizing radiation and its generation.

X-ray imaging - when the photon bumps into living tissue, radioprotection primer.

Computed tomography - from projection to image.

Emission tomography - what are tracers and how to trace them in your body, x-ray detection, scintillation principle.

Positron emission tomography (PET) - imaging anti-matter annihilation.

Tracer kinetics - modeling of imaging data.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Deepens understanding of computed tomography (CT), SPECT, PET, and their use in detecting medical conditions and diagnosing diseases

Taught by an instructor who is a physics professor and an expert in in vivo bio-imaging

Designed for students with an interest in biomedical imaging and life science applications

Provides a firm grasp on tissue contrast mechanisms in bio-imaging modalities

Utilizes multi-modal delivery methods including videos, readings, and discussions

This course is part of a two-part series on biomedical imaging, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the field

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 Fundamentals of Biomedical Imaging: Ultrasounds, X-ray, positron emission tomography (PET) and applications with these activities:

Review High School Physics

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Reinforce your understanding of basic physics principles to provide a solid foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Kinematics

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Review your class notes or textbook from high school physics.
Take practice problems or quizzes online or in a workbook.
Attend a review session or workshop.

Follow Tutorials on Medical Imaging Software

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Enhance your understanding of medical imaging by exploring software tools used in the field.

Browse courses on DICOM

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Identify software commonly used in medical imaging, such as DICOM viewers or image analysis platforms.
Search for online tutorials or documentation for these software tools.
Follow the tutorials to familiarize yourself with the software's features and capabilities.

Join a Study Group

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Collaborate with peers to reinforce concepts, discuss readings, and solve problems.

Browse courses on Bio-Imaging

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Reach out to classmates or fellow students to form a study group.
Organize regular meetings to discuss course materials, assignments, and prepare for exams.
Take turns leading the group, presenting concepts, and facilitating discussions.

Four other activities

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Solve Practice Problems on Imaging Concepts

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Strengthen your understanding of the principles and equations governing imaging techniques by practicing problem-solving.

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Identify textbooks, online resources, or problem sets that provide practice problems on imaging concepts.
Set aside dedicated time for solving these problems.
Review your solutions and identify areas where you need further clarification.

Develop an Infographic on a Specific Imaging Modality

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Demonstrate your understanding of a specific imaging modality by visually presenting its key features and applications.

Browse courses on Ultrasound Imaging

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Select an imaging modality that interests you.
Research the modality's principles, applications, and advantages/disadvantages.
Create an infographic that visually summarizes your findings, using clear and concise language.

Review 'The Physics of Medical Imaging' by Bushberg et al.

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the physical principles underlying medical imaging techniques.

View The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of the book and allocate dedicated time for reading.
Take notes, highlight key concepts, and summarize each chapter in your own words.
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises and problems to test your understanding.

Contribute to an Open-Source Medical Imaging Project

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Gain practical experience in medical imaging by contributing to open-source tools and projects.

Browse courses on Medical Image Analysis

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Identify open-source projects related to medical imaging on platforms like GitHub.
Review the project's documentation and codebase to understand its purpose and functionality.
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes, feature enhancements, or documentation improvements.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Biomedical Imaging: Ultrasounds, X-ray, positron emission tomography (PET) and applications will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Biophysicist

A Biophysicist will acquire and research biophysical data. It is useful to have a background in physics that includes subjects such as those covered in this course, as they will provide a solid foundation in the principles of imaging in biosystems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biophysicist

Medical Physicist

A Medical Physicist will need to understand the principles behind medical imaging techniques such as those taught in this course and how these techniques can be safely used in a medical setting. This course can form part of a Radiation Safety Officer training program.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Physicist

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

A Nuclear Medicine Technologist will often be involved in the use of imaging techniques such as PET, which is included in this course. The course helps to provide a solid foundation in the principles and safe use of medical imaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Radiologist

A Radiologist will need to be able to interpret the outputs of imaging techniques such as those taught in this course. It may be useful to have a background in physics that includes subjects such as those covered in this course, as they will provide a solid foundation in the principles of imaging in biosystems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radiologist

Imaging Scientist

An Imaging Scientist is responsible for research in imaging techniques, as well as developing and testing new imaging technologies. This course may be useful for providing a basic grounding in medical imaging.

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Biomedical Engineer

A Biomedical Engineer will need to understand the principles behind medical imaging techniques such as those taught in this course. Courses will help provide a solid foundation in the principles of imaging in biosystems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Medical Equipment Sales Representative

A Medical Equipment Sales Representative is responsible for selling medical equipment such as imaging systems. This course may be useful for providing a basic grounding in medical imaging and its techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Equipment Sales Representative

Quality Assurance Specialist

A Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for ensuring the quality of medical imaging equipment. This course may be useful for providing a basic grounding in medical imaging and its techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Specialist

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

A Regulatory Affairs Specialist is responsible for ensuring that medical imaging equipment meets regulatory requirements. This course may be useful for understanding some of the principles and techniques used in medical imaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Health Physicist

A Health Physicist is responsible for protecting people from the harmful effects of radiation. This course may be useful for understanding some of the principles and techniques used in medical imaging.

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Clinical Research Coordinator

A Clinical Research Coordinator is responsible for coordinating clinical research studies, which may involve the use of medical imaging techniques. This course may be useful for understanding some of the principles and techniques used in medical imaging.

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Radiation Therapist

A Radiation Therapist is responsible for administering radiation therapy to patients. This course may be useful for understanding some of the principles and techniques used in medical imaging.

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Science Writer

A Science Writer is responsible for writing about scientific topics for a variety of audiences. This course may be useful for understanding some of the principles and techniques used in medical imaging.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer is responsible for writing technical documentation for a variety of products and services. This course may be useful for understanding some of the principles and techniques used in medical imaging.

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Patent Attorney

A Patent Attorney is responsible for writing and prosecuting patents for inventions. This course may be useful for understanding some of the principles and techniques used in medical imaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney

Fundamentals of Biomedical Imaging

Ultrasounds, X-ray, positron emission tomography (PET) and applications

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