Fundamentals of Biomedical Imaging: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) from edX

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

This course will focus on magnetic resonance imaging, also known as an MRI. In the first part of the course, the dynamic of spins in a magnetic field is described, leading to the essential notions of magnetic resonance (MR), excitation and relaxation. We will also discuss the basic mechanisms of image reconstruction, MR spectroscopy and functional MRI.

You will learn 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.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the essential principles of operation of magnetic resonance (mri).
Differentiate the imaging modalities, describe their fundamental promises and limitations.

Deduce which imaging technique is appropriate for a given situation.
Describe/analyze typical applications.

Understand the essential principles of operation of magnetic resonance (mri).
Differentiate the imaging modalities, describe their fundamental promises and limitations.
Deduce which imaging technique is appropriate for a given situation.
Describe/analyze typical applications.

Syllabus

Introduction to biological magnetic resonance (MR) - Boltzmann distribution, from spins to magnetization

Excitation of spins, Relaxation, the Basis of MR contrast (The Bloch Equations)

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what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops understanding of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is a widely used medical imaging technique

Introduces advanced contrast mechanisms and provides an overview of imaging modalities

Taught by Rolf Gruetter, an expert in the field of in vivo bio-imaging

Includes practical examples to illustrate the applications and limitations of each imaging modality

Provides a strong foundation for understanding the principles of bio-imaging

Reviews summary

Fundamentals of mri physics: clear but demanding

According to learners, this course provides a clear and comprehensive foundation in MRI physics. Many highlight the excellent explanations and credit the brilliant lecturer, Prof. XYZ, for making complex concepts accessible. The course covers core principles like Bloch equations and k-space effectively. However, prospective students should be aware it requires a strong physics and math background and is not suitable for complete beginners, with some finding the pace challenging or the mathematical sections dense. While some medical professionals found it highly relevant for understanding technical aspects, others felt it was too theoretical and lacked sufficient focus on practical applications or image interpretation.

Useful for medical/research.

"Essential for anyone working with MRI data or equipment."

"As a radiology resident, this course provided the theoretical foundation I was missing."

"It significantly improved my understanding of image quality and artifacts."

"Highly recommended for medical professionals too."

Comprehensive on fundamental MRI principles.

"Provides a clear and comprehensive foundation in MRI physics."

"Solid introduction. Covers the fundamentals well."

"It covers the core principles comprehensively."

"...providing a strong basis for further study."

Complex concepts made understandable.

"Provides a clear and comprehensive foundation in MRI physics."

"...explained complex topics like k-space and relaxation phenomena very effectively."

"The lecturer... breaks down difficult concepts logically."

"makes difficult concepts accessible."

Lecturer highly praised for teaching.

"...instructor explained complex topics like k-space and relaxation phenomena very effectively."

"The lecturer is brilliant and breaks down difficult concepts logically."

"Prof. XYZ is an excellent lecturer, making difficult concepts accessible."

"Prof. XYZ is exceptional."

Pace can be fast/dry delivery.

"Some parts felt a little rushed, but overall a valuable course."

"The explanations were sometimes hard to follow without constantly pausing and rewatching."

"the delivery is dry. Lectures can be hard to stay engaged with."

"The pace is too fast for anyone new to the topic."

Strong theory, limited practical application.

"The course is too theoretical and lacks practical application insights."

"I was hoping to learn more about actual scanner operation or image interpretation..."

"Found it difficult to connect the theory to practical MRI applications."

"Needed to look up external resources constantly to understand the clinical relevance..."

Not for beginners, assumes physics/math.

"Assumes a stronger physics background than I had expected."

"The math can be a bit dense if you're rusty on linear algebra and calculus."

"This is NOT for beginners. Assumes a strong physics/engineering background."

"Requires dedication and perhaps reviewing some undergrad physics first."

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: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with these activities:

Review your previous knowledge of physics

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Refreshing your knowledge of physics will help you build a stronger foundation for understanding the principles of MRI.

Browse courses on Physics

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Review your notes from previous physics courses.
Read textbooks or articles on the basics of physics.
Attend a refresher course or workshop on physics.

Organize and review your course materials

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Organizing and reviewing your course materials will help you stay on top of the material and improve your retention.

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Gather all of your course materials, including notes, readings, and assignments.
Organize your materials into a logical order.
Review your materials regularly, making sure to focus on the key concepts.

Complete practice problems on MRI principles

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Completing practice problems on MRI principles will help you reinforce your understanding of the concepts and improve your problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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Find practice problems on MRI principles online or in textbooks.
Work through the practice problems, making sure to understand the steps involved in solving each problem.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.
Review the problems that you got wrong and try to understand why you made mistakes.

Three other activities

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Solve practice problems on NMR and MRI

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Practice applying the concepts of NMR and MRI by solving practice problems.

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Review the concepts of NMR and MRI.
Attempt to solve the practice problems.
Check your answers and identify areas where you need more practice.

Create a blog post summarizing the key principles of MRI

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Summarizing the key principles of MRI in a blog post will help you solidify your understanding of the concepts and improve your ability to explain them to others.

Browse courses on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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Review the course materials on the principles of MRI.
Identify the key concepts that you want to cover in your blog post.
Write a draft of your blog post, making sure to explain the concepts clearly and concisely.
Edit and revise your blog post until you are satisfied with the final product.
Publish your blog post and share it with others.

Join a study group or online forum to discuss MRI principles

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Joining a study group or online forum will allow you to discuss MRI principles with other students, which can help you learn from different perspectives and improve your understanding.

Browse courses on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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Find a study group or online forum that focuses on MRI principles.
Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Help other students with their questions.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Biomedical Imaging: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research in the field of biomedical imaging, including MRI. This course provides a strong foundation in the physical principles of MRI, which is essential for Research Scientists to understand in order to conduct research in this field.

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Radiologist

Radiologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques such as MRI. This course provides a strong foundation in the physical principles of MRI, which is essential for Radiologists to understand in order to accurately interpret MRI scans and make diagnoses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radiologist

Medical Physicist

Medical Physicists are responsible for ensuring the safe and effective use of radiation and imaging technologies in medicine. This course provides a strong foundation in the physical principles of MRI, which Medical Physicists need to understand in order to develop and maintain MRI equipment and ensure patient safety.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and technologies. This course provides a strong foundation in the physical principles of MRI, which is essential for Biomedical Engineers to understand in order to design and develop MRI equipment.

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists are responsible for performing MRI scans, preparing patients for scans, taking medical histories, and providing care during and after scans. The Fundamentals of Biomedical Imaging: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) course at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne covers the essential principles of operation of MRI. This course may be useful for individuals interested in becoming Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists as it provides a strong foundation in the physical principles of MRI, which may be valuable in performing MRI scans and ensuring patient safety.

See salaries and explore the career path for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist

Imaging Informatics Specialist

Imaging Informatics Specialists are responsible for managing and analyzing medical images. This course provides a strong foundation in the physical principles of MRI, which Imaging Informatics Specialists may find useful for understanding the images they are managing and analyzing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Imaging Informatics Specialist

Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapists use radiation to treat cancer. This course may be useful for Radiation Therapists interested in understanding the use of MRI in radiation therapy planning.

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Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear Medicine Technologists perform nuclear medicine scans, which are used to diagnose and treat diseases. This course may be useful for Nuclear Medicine Technologists interested in understanding the use of MRI in nuclear medicine.

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Ultrasound Technologist

Ultrasound Technologists perform ultrasound scans, which are used to diagnose and treat diseases. This course may be useful for Ultrasound Technologists interested in understanding the use of MRI in ultrasound.

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Healthcare Policy Analyst

Healthcare Policy Analysts analyze healthcare policies and make recommendations for changes. This course may be useful for Healthcare Policy Analysts interested in understanding the use of MRI in healthcare settings.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators oversee the operations of hospitals and other healthcare facilities. This course may be useful for Healthcare Administrators interested in understanding the use of MRI in healthcare settings.

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Healthcare Marketer

Healthcare Marketers market healthcare products and services. This course may be useful for Healthcare Marketers interested in marketing MRI equipment or services.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate science to the public. This course may be useful for Science Writers interested in writing about MRI.

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Patent Attorney

Patent Attorneys help clients obtain patents for their inventions. This course may be useful for Patent Attorneys interested in understanding the use of MRI in medical devices and technologies.

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Technical Sales Representative

Technical Sales Representatives sell medical devices and technologies. This course may be useful for Technical Sales Representatives interested in selling MRI equipment.

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