Advanced Biomedical Imaging Technologies module (ME52004)

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Credits

30

Module code

ME52004

Credit rating Level SHE level 5 (MSc)Volume 30 credits

Aims

  • To provide a grounding in the theory of relevant biomedical measurement systems including sensors, signal acquisition and conditioning principles, measurement techniques and instrumentation and detectors;
  • To impart the basic theory and physiological interactions of medical imaging modalities (including microscopy, endoscopy, x-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET and IR) and review applications and image-guided interventions;
  • To teach the basic physiological and anatomical principles of surgical interventions, interventional radiology and how the imaging objectives relate to disease and treatment
  • To review the working principles of existing surgical technology including robotics and how this addresses the surgical intent, including current minimal access techniques and understand the implications for image guidance.
  • To provide a basic understanding of the process of invention and its management; an introduction to entrepreneurship and its interface with invention; product development and its relationship to invention, resultant intellectual property and entrepreneurship

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand the principles of operation of  relevant sensors and detectors used in biomedical measurement for imaging and their technical specifications;
  • Be able to apply a range of signal analysis and signal processing methods ;
  • Understand how medical imaging systems work, how they interact with the tissue, how their images can be interpreted and the limitations of their application;
  • Be familiar with a range of medical imaging applications for different pathologies, including cellular, molecular imaging and interventions;
  • Know how image guidance interacts and operates with instruments and equipment in surgical intervention including robotics. Understand the equipment and instruments required and how it is use.
  • Understand the requirements in quality spatial, contrast and time resolution of imaging modalities used for different outcomes.
  • have knowledge of the research and engineering methods applied in the development of medical imaging;
  • Basic knowledge and understanding of the inventive process and its management, the entrepreneurial basis of business development; exploitation and value of Intellectual Property.

Indicative content

  • Physiologic quantities, basic concepts and principles of medical imaging instrumentation;
  • Signal types, measurement and sensor system properties, transfer functions, Fourier analysis, spectral analysis and filtering theory
  • Characteristics of detection systems, amplification, noise/noise reduction and biomedical sensor and detector types;
  • Measurement constraints in the physical environment
  • Principles and exemplar applications of x-ray and CT imaging;
  • Principles and exemplar applications of Nuclear and PET imaging
  • Principles of MRI imaging, MRI applications and MRI-guided interventions, MRI safety;
  • Current and future  developments of medical optical and photonics imaging, fluorescence, confocal, single/multiphoton, Raman, NIR;
  • Overview of diagnostic and interventional ultrasound and review of likely future developments;
  • Introduction to the objectives and practice of clinical diagnostic imaging;
  • Introduction to interventional principles, overview of instrumentation and devices, open, minimally invasive and image guided surgery.

Assessment: Coursework 30% Exam 70%

No. & duration of  exam(s): 1 written examination of 3 hours duration.

Teaching &  learning: 100 hours comprising of lectures, tutorials and seminars, case studies, practical laboratory work, demonstrations, etc.; 40 hours of coursework assignments; and 160 hours of self-study (total module hours: 300)

When taught: Semester 2

Modes of delivery & student participation

Modes of delivery: Classes/tutorials laboratory experiments (face to face teaching). Students are expected and encouraged to participate actively in classes via discussions, teamwork and feedback. Visit of clinical sites and interaction with clinicians.

Pre-requisites of entry requirementsThe normal entry requirement will be an honours degree or equivalent in a discipline that provides a suitable basis for the programme, e.g. biomedical, electrical, electronic or mechanical engineering.

Co-requisites: None

Anti-requisites: None

Courses

This module is available on following courses: