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)

MR spectroscopy

From Fourier to image: principles of MR image formation, k-space - echo formation

Basic MRI contrast mechanisms, BOLD fMRI, contrast agents

Advanced contrast mechanisms & overview of imaging modalities

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Solid introduction to mri

According to one student, this website is a very good resource for learning the basics of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This reviewer was happy with the learning experience and believes this site can help them become a good MRI technologist.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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