Course Descriptions

GMS IM 600 Bioimaging Foundations Prereq: consent of instructor. The physical, mathematical, and experimental foundations of bioimag-ing are studied with historical context and are presented in the following sequence: bioimaging, prin-ciples, bioimaging mathematics, and bioimaging physics, leading to the study of the different bi-oimage generation techniques (modalities). Jara. 4 cr

GMS IM 610 Magnetic Resonance: Principles, Methods, and Applications in Biomedical Research Prereq: consent of instructor. This course will provide an overview of the underlying principles of nu-clear magnetic resonance (NMR) and the various methodologies used in magnetic resonance imag-ing (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) with emphasis on methods applied in bio-medical research. The course will emphasize the connection between the basic manipulation of the spin system via the sequence of RF and gradient pulses (the pulse sequence) and the information that can be retrieved from the observed object, be it a solution of an isolated protein of the human brain. Hallock. 4 cr

GMS IM 620 Bioimaging Theory & Imaging Processing Prereq: consent of instructor. The main theoretical aspects of bioimaging are studied, including image meaning, image generation, image quality (analysis, improvement, and limits), image information con-tent (generation and extraction), and image assisted modeling of biologic systems. Mathematical foundations and basic techniques for digital image processing are studied theoretically as well as in a hands-on approach in the Image Processing Laboratory. Studied topics include linear and matrix al-gebra, calculus, image processing techniques for image enhancement, image manipulation for struc-tural analysis (segmentation, quantification and measurement), and for three-dimensional visualiza-tion and exploration. Hallock. 4 cr

GMS IM 630 Methods of Functional Imaging of the Brain Prereq: consent of instructor. This course will provide an overview of the various existing methods for detecting and mapping brain function in vivo. A brief introduction will provide the necessary back-ground to brain physiology: electrical activity, synaptic transmission, cell metabolism and haemody-namic response associated with neuronal activity. Jara. 2 cr

GMS IM 650 Bioimaging Practicum Prereq: consent of instructor. Students participate directly in day-to-day imaging activities including clinical (radiology daily noon conferences) as well as research activities (hands-on imaging experi-ments with phantoms and animals). Jara. 4 cr 

GMS IM 651 Statistical Analysis of Neuroimaging Data Prereq: consent of instructor. This course is designed to give the student a working knowledge of the 10 parametric and non-parametric statistical procedures that are commonly used to analyze data gener-ated from in vivo imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, PET and SPECT. Killiany. 2 cr

GMS IM 655 Special Topics in Bioimaging Var cr.

GMS IM 660 Radiation Protection & Ethics Prereq: consent of instructor. Many of the established and state-of-the-art modalities in diagnostic im-aging rely upon radiation as the imaging agent. However, radiation in itself is considered a hazard that must be controlled. This course will introduce the fundamentals of understanding radiation, the risks of radiation exposure, and the methods of minimizing its harmful potential while maximizing its beneficial qualities. Norbash. 2 cr

GMS IM 670 Special Topics in Bioimaging Prereq: consent of instructor. Imaging has come to increasingly serve as a substrate and necessary ingredient for progressively more complex diagnoses and therapy. The increasing significance of the imaging components has been classically appreciated in fields such as radiation therapy, where planning of treatment based on images is integral to the therapy itself, and has spread beyond the boundaries of such disciplines to numerous surgical fields such as neurosurgery, orthopedics, and ear, nose, and throat surgery. TBA. 2 cr, on demand.

GMS IM 680 Professional Development Prereq: consent of instructor. This is a preparatory course for students making the transition from a formal academic program into the dynamic work place. It will cover those fundamental skills required to facilitate searching, locating, and qualifying for the job of one’s choice. It will cover topics such as building a portfolio, networking, resume writing, and interviewing skills. Speakers in the various fields of imaging will be invited to discuss how he or she made the transition into the workplace and stu-dents will have the opportunity to discuss and discover the various pitfalls on the paths of entry into the field of his or her choice. Zucker. 2 cr

GMS IM 690 Imaging of Neurological Disorders of the Brain Prereq: consent of instructor. This course will look at the role played by modern, minimally invasive imaging techniques in the detection, management, research and testing of treatment efficacy of vari-ous neurological diseases that affect the brain. Each week a different disorder will be presented. Killiany. 2 cr

GMS IM 700 Thesis Research I Prereq: consent of instructor. First phase of a four-semester directed research project, the MBI pro-ject in the field, select a faculty member in the greater Boston area who will agree to serve as an the-sis advisor, identify a line if research and define the specific objectives of a project to be conducted in the following three semesters. Jara. 2 cr

GMS IM 701 Sectional Anatomy for Imaging Professionals Prereq: consent of instructor. Imaging techniques such as computerized tomography (CT) and mag-netic resonance imaging (MRI) have seen rapid rates of growth in the past years. It is vital that pro-fessionals working with these imaging tools have a strong working knowledge of gross anatomy to understand the images they are looking at. This course is designed to give students in the Masters in Bioimaging program the fundamental knowledge they will need of gross anatomy. The course is taught from medical images such as CT and MRI rather than more traditional methods since this is the source of information the MBI students are expected to encounter in their future. Moore, Siwek. 2 cr, Fall and Spring, sem

GMS IM 710 Thesis Research II Prereq: consent of instructor. Second phase of a four-semester thesis research project in the field of bioimaging during which students postulate a hypothesis, design an experimental protocol to test the hypothesis, acquire data (pilot and final). Jara. 2 cr

GMS IM 730 Thesis Research III Prereq: consent of instructor. Third phase of a four-semester thesis project in the field of bioimaging during which students finish data analysis and primarily concentrate on writing a comprehensive technical report describing in detail their work in Phases I and II. Jara. 2 cr

A full listing of all GMS courses offered can be found on the Division’s website.