BI3MI17-Medical Imaging

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites: BI1PH17 Physics for Biomedical Engineering BI2SP17 Signal Processing
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr John Bowen
Email: j.bowen@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In this module, you will gain an understanding of the techniques and processes for creating visual representations of the interior of the body for clinical analysis and medical intervention. The module covers the fundamentals, operation, design and application of the most commonly used medical imaging systems, including MRI, CT and ultrasound imaging, as well as fluorescence microscopy techniques. Relevant image processing techniques will be covered, with emphasis on those based around functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The module consists of lectures and practical sessions, during which you will learn to view, process and analyse human fMRI data.

Aims:
To understand the techniques and processes of creating visual representations of the interior of the body for clinical analysis and medical intervention. The module covers the fundamentals, operation, design and application of the most commonly used medical imaging systems, including MRI, CT and ultrasound imaging. Relevant image processing techniques are also covered.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Understanding of the principles, operation and application of medical imaging modalities. Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of each technique. The ability to design medical imaging systems. The ability to use and understand image processing tools to process/analyse biomedical images. To apply the methodologies involved in an intelligent manner and gain a basic understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the methods.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Principles and operation of: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), x-ray imaging, Computed Tomography (CT), Ultrasound Imaging, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Planar Scintigraphy, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Terahertz (THz) imaging (non-invasive biopsy and inter-operative probes), and fluorescence microscopy techniques. Image processing techniques for medical imaging modalities: Pre-processing of the imaging data; the general linear model and how it is used for modelling fMRI data; design efficiency for fMRI experiments; estimating haemodynamic impulse response functions; the principles and applications of principal component analysis.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, assignments and revision tutorials

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	14	20
Tutorials			4
Practicals classes and workshops	6
Guided independent study:	78	78
Total hours by term	98	98	4
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	80
Set exercise	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2.5-hour examination paper in May/June.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Two laboratory practical assignments.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Examination only. One 3-hour examination paper in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: None


2. Specialist equipment or materials: None


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None


4. Printing and binding: None


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 8 April 2021