Medical Imaging and Analysis, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course is about medical imaging and how it can be applied to study the human body in health and disease. The course deals with various methods that are common in both clinical practice and in medical research to study organ function and detect diseases. The course introduces general image properties and common reconstruction and analysis techniques. The course then deals with the four major imaging modalities: X-ray / computed tomography, nuclear medicine with emphasis on positron emission tomography (PET), ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For each imaging modality, an overview of the instrumentation and relevant physics theory is given. A significant part of the course is devoted to algorithms used in the analysis of medical images. Computer laboratories for medical image analysis provide relevant practical experience with methods to facilitate the interpretation of collected data. The course is given in English.
 
The course consists of two parts: 
Module 1, theoretical work, 5 credits
Module 2, laboratory work, 2.5 credits
 
The course's laboratory work is based on real challenges in medical image processing, taken from ongoing research projects at the department. The emphasis of the laboratories is on image analysis.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding: 

• Define and describe the physics and key principles of important medical imaging modalities: Conventional X-ray, computed tomography, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound.
• Explain concepts about how the quality of medical images can be characterized and explain mathematical techniques of special importance in image acquisition and image reconstruction.
• Explain important concepts in medical image analysis (including image registration, segmentation, function detection / extraction, filtering). 

Skills and abilities: 

• Identify and perform relevant imaging experiments for a given task, taking into account the physics behind the imaging modality.
• Identify and apply algorithms and procedures for analyzes of medical images.
• Recognize and interpret characteristic image artifacts in medical images.

Judgement and approach: 

• Critically reflect on and discuss the role of the medical image in healthcare and medical research.
• Weigh the benefits and limitations associated with different medical imaging modalities in different scenarios in medicine.

Required Knowledge

At least 90 ECTS, of which 20 ECTS in physics, 5 ECTS in statistics and 5 ECTS in basic programming. Proficiency in English to meet the general entry requirements for higher studies in Sweden.

Form of instruction

The instruction is conducted as lectures, supervised laboratory work, seminars and demonstrations. Attendance is mandatory for the laboratory work.

Examination modes

Module 1: Theoretical work, 5 credits.
This part is tested through a written examination. Mini-tests are conducted on six occasions and can provide bonus points for the written exam (up to 10% of the exam's maximum score). The grading scale consists of Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). 50% of the exam's maximum score is required for a passing grade (G), and 80% is required to Pass with Distinction (VG).
 
Module 2: Laboration, 2.5 credits.
This part is examined through written laboratory reports. The grading scale consists of Fail (U) or Pass (G).
 
On the course as a whole, the potential grades are Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with distinction (VG). The grade is based on the grade received for module 1 and will not be given until all obligatory modules have been approved.
Students who do not pass the regular examination, renewed examination in accordance with the Umeå University Regulations for tests and examinations at the undergraduate and graduate level (FS 1.1.2-553-14) could be arranged. The first re-test is offered no later than two months after the first examination. When the ordinary examination takes place in May or June, a first retesting opportunity is given within three months after the first examination. In addition, at least another re-test within one year of regular examination is offered. Students who receive a passing grade on an examination may not retake the examination.
A student who has taken two examinations in a course or part of a course without passing, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there are specific reasons against it (6 ch. 22, § HF). Requests for new examiners should be addressed to the head of the Department of Radiation Sciences.
Changes can be made to the syllabus' examination form for students that have been granted pedagogical support due to disability. Adaptions to the examination form shall be considered based on the individual needs of the student. Eventual adjustments must accommodate the expected learning outcomes. At the request of the student, the course coordinator, in consultation with the examiner, should promptly make a decision on the matter and notify the student about the decision.

Other regulations

In the event that the course expires or major changes are introduced, the students are assured at least three occasions of examination (including regular examination) as prescribed in the syllabus to the course that the student originally registered in over a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expiration date.