Syllabus

Course Title	:	Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Course Code	:	MEPH 568
Credit Hours	:	2
Prerequisite	:	Graduate Standing

Course Description

Physics and technology of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), emphasizing techniques employed in medical diagnostic imaging. Major topics: physics of MR, pulse sequences, hardware, imaging techniques, artifacts, and spectroscopic localization.

Main Textbook

Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Physical Principles and Sequence Design. E.M. Haacke, R.W. Brown, M.R. Thompson, and R. Venkatesan. First edition, 1999. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

References

* MRI from Picture to Proton. McRobbie et al

* Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Physical and Biological Principles. Bushong

* Principles of Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Signal Processing Perspective. Liang and Lauterbur.

* Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Physical Principles and Applications. Kuperman.

Teaching Tools

* Computer presentations

* Blackboard

* Transparencies

* Internet online courses

* Group discussions

* Visit to MRI department at a local hospital

Assessment

Activity	Weight
Problem Sets	10%
Exam #1	30%
Exam #2	30%
Final Exam	30%

Grading

Grade	Mark
A+	≥89
A	82-88
B+	75-81
B	68-74
C+	61-67
C	54-60
D+	47-53
D	40-46
F	<40

Course Content

Session	Topic
1.	An Overview of MRI Concepts
2.	A Review of the Hardware of MRI Scanner
3.	Classical Mechanical Description of MRI
4.	Rotating Reference Frames and Resonance
5.	Bloch Equation
6.	Quantum Mechanical Basis of Precession
7.	Quantum Mechanical Basis of Relaxation
8.	Principles of MR Signal Detection
9.	Pulse Sequences. Free Induction Decay
10.	Spin Echo, Inversion Recovery, and Spectroscopy
11.	Frequency Encoding and the Fourier Transform
12.	Gradient Echo and k-Space Diagrams
13.	Multi-Dimensional Imaging and Slice Selection
14.	2D, 3D, and Chemical Shift Imaging
15.	Continuous and Discrete Fourier Transforms
16.	Sampling, Aliasing, and the Nyquist Criterion
17.	Image Reconstruction and Artifacts
18.	Fourier Transform Image Reconstruction
19.	Filters and Point Spread Function
20.	Spatial Resolution
21.	Signal-to-Noise Ratio
22.	Contrast-to-Noise Ratio
23.	Chemical Shift in Spectroscopic Imaging
24.	Fast Imaging Techniques
25.	Echo Planar Imaging
26.	MRI Applications: Angiography, Perfusion Imaging, Diffusion Imaging, Cardiac Imaging (Visit to MRI clinic at a local hospital)
27.	Biological Effects of MRI and Safety Considerations
28.	Review of Selected Topics