FYS-KJM9740 – MR-theory and medical diagnostics

Course content

The course introduces the basic principles of magnetic resonance spectroscopy – MRS (part I) and magnetic resonance imaging - MRI (part II). In addition to providing a comprehensive introduction to the theory of MRS and MRI, the course offers hands-on laboratory- and computer simulation exercises with the aim of giving the student a good understanding of central concepts of MRS and MRI with focus on applications in medical diagnostics.

Learning outcome

After finishing the course the student should be able to:

  • Understand the basic principles of nuclear magnetic resonance.
  • Understand how radio frequency pulses can be used to influence nuclear magnetization.
  • Understand how to apply spatial coding to the NMR-signal
  • Formulate the Bloch equation (describing how magnetization is influenced by e.g. relaxation and water diffusion) and solve this under different conditions/assumptions.
  • Understand the basic principles of MR spectroscopy and for MR image acquisition and reconstruction.
  • Knowledge of the main contrast mechanisms in MRI in relation to the proton relaxation- and physiological properties of tissues.
  • Understand relationship between MR sequence parameters and image contrast.
  • Able to apply this theory to simple examples through practical laboratory exercises and computer simulation exercises.

Admission

PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.

If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.

PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.

Prerequisites

Recommended previous knowledge

MAT1110 – Calculus and Linear Algebra FYS2140 – Quantum Physics and/or KJM1060 – Struktur og spektroskopi (discontinued).

MAT1110 - Calculus and linear algebra, FYS2140 - Quantum physics and FYS3150 Computational physics, or equivalent knowledge, as well as knowledge of the programming language Matlab or equivalent.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

The course extends over 7 weeks with 40 hours of lectures and 30 hours of practical work to be performed at Institute of chemistry and Oslo University Hospital.

As the teaching involves laboratory and/or field work, you should consider taking out a separate travel and personal risk insurance. Read about your insurance cover as a student.

Examination

The assessment will consist of a project assignment (part I), assessment of laboratory assignments (part II), all of which must be approved before any exams and a final oral examination (1 hour).

Language of examination

Subjects taught in English will only offer the exam paper in English.

You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Explanations and appeals

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed exam at the beginning of the next semester.

New examinations are offered at the beginning of the next semester for students who do not successfully complete the exam during the previous semester.

We do not offer a re-scheduled exam for students who withdraw during the exam.

Withdrawal from an examination

It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.

Special examination arrangements

Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.

Evaluation

The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.

Facts about this course

Credits
10
Level
PhD
Teaching
Every spring

If the course is offered, a minimum of four students is required for ordinary lectures to take place. If less than four students participate, an exam will be given, but one should not expect ordinary teaching.

Examination
Every spring
Teaching language
Norwegian (English on request)