Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Applications module (BE31002)
Explore medical imaging techniques and their clinical applications. You will do this through real-world cases, image analysis, and hands-on computational work
Medical imaging is a cornerstone of modern healthcare. It supports everything from early diagnosis to treatment planning and surgical intervention.
In this module, you’ll explore how key imaging techniques such as X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound and PET are used to visualise the body. You will also explore how they are used to guide clinical decision-making.
You’ll build a working understanding of how these systems function, how images are generated, and what makes each modality suitable for different clinical situations.
Alongside the technical foundations, you’ll also explore how computational tools—including AI—are used to reconstruct, store, and interpret medical images.
Case-based learning is a core feature of this module.
You’ll work with real-world diagnostic examples to analyse medical images, interpret clinical findings, and communicate insights in a professional context.
You’ll also be introduced to Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), the infrastructure that underpins modern imaging workflows.
Group work, practical activities and structured workshops will help you build confidence in both theoretical and applied aspects of medical imaging.
What you will learn
In this module, you will:
- explore the key imaging modalities used in healthcare and their clinical roles
- learn about image acquisition, processing, and computational imaging methods
- take part in seminars, hands-on workshops and case-based tutorials
- work in groups to interpret medical images and present your findings
- understand the ethical and safety considerations of diagnostic imaging
By the end of the module, you’ll be able to:
- explain how major imaging systems work and where they are used clinically
- apply physics and maths principles to imaging scenarios
- analyse and compare medical images across different modalities
- communicate your diagnostic findings in writing and presentations
- approach advanced imaging topics with confidence in further study or work
Assignments / assessment
- Written tests (60%)
- This will consist of two in-class tests. These will cover imaging principles, clinical applications, and computational imaging
- Case-based project (40%)
- This will consist of a group report and presentation. These will analyse real diagnostic images and communicating findings in a clinical context
Teaching methods / timetable
- Interactive seminars
- These will introduce the key imaging technologies and their role in diagnosis and treatment
- Workshops
- These will guide you through hands-on tasks in computational imaging and image processing
- Case-based tutorials
- You will use real medical images to develop your interpretation and decision-making skills
- Group discussions and presentations
- These will help you learn collaboratively and share different perspectives
- Structured independent study
- This will support your understanding of core concepts and prepares you for assessments
You’ll also work on a detailed imaging case study. This will allow you to apply what you’ve learned to present your findings in a professional format.