Clinical Path

The physical, mathematical, and experimental foundations of bioimaging are studied with historical context and are presented in the following sequence: bioimaging, principles, bioimaging mathematics, and bioimaging physics, leading to the study of the different bioimage generation techniques (modalities).
4 credits
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

This course will provide an overview of the underlying principles of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and the various methodologies used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) with emphasis on methods applied in biomedical 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.
4 credits
Prerequisite: consent of instructor

Many of the established and state-of-the-art modalities in diagnostic imaging 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.
2 credits
Prerequisite: consent of instructor

This course is designed to give the student a working knowledge of the parametric and non-parametric statistical procedures that are commonly used to analyze data generated from in vivo imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, PET and SPECT.
2 credits
Prerequisite: consent of instructor

Imaging techniques such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have seen rapid rates of growth in the past years. It is vital that professionals 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.
2 credits
Prerequisite: consent of instructor

First phase of the directed research project, either thesis or practicum, in the field of bioimaging. Students choose an area of concentration in bioimaging, and identify a line of research with clearly defined specific objectives to be conducted.
2 credits
Prerequisite: consent of instructor

The main theoretical aspects of bioimaging are studied, including image meaning, image generation, image quality (analysis, improvement, and limits), image information content (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.
4 credits
Prerequisite: 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 background to brain physiology: electrical activity, synaptic transmission, cell metabolism and haemodynamic response associated with neuronal activity.
2 credits
Prerequisite: consent of instructor

This course familiarizes the student with common pathologies found in magnetic resonance imaging and the appearance of these pathologies in various imaging protocols and the imaging appearance of a variety of pathological aberrations affecting patients. The knowledge of disease processes and their signal characteristics on various imaging sequences is essential to ensure the best practices in patient care and quality imaging. This course will include a high level review of clinical imaging in various disease states. Lectures are geared toward a practical, problem-solving approach to conditions and a systematic approach to interpretation of diagnostic imaging studies will be utilized.
4 credits

This course is the first of two structured clinical internship courses designed to provide students with clinical practice and patient management training. Student progression in competency levels through clinical performance objectives are accomplished through demonstration and observation, after which the student assists in performing specified clinical activities. When a satisfactory degree of proficiency is apparent, the student performs specific activities under supervision to achieve clinical competency specified under Article II of the American Registry Radiological Technologies (ARRT) Rules and Regulations.
4 credits

This course is the second of two structural clinical internship courses designed to provide students with clinical practice and patience management training. Student progression in competency levels through clinical performance objectives are accomplished through demonstration and observation, after which the student assists in performing specified clinical activities. When a satisfactory degree of proficiency is apparent, the student performs specific activities under supervision to achieve clinical competency specified under article II of the American Registry Radiological Technologists (ARRT) Rules and Regulations.
4 credits

This is the capstone course for the clinical program path.  Utilizing the base of knowledge gained throughout the previous year, and applying learned methods in bioimaging, this practicum provides the student an opportunity to perform a guided research activity focused on practical applications in bioimaging.  The specific objective of this capstone requirement is to prepare the student to be able to directly contribute to the process of bioimaging and to equip the student with practical experience in evaluating and planning practical activities in the field.
2 credits