BMEN 4430, Spring 2021

Course Description

Topics include the fundamental principles of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and the physics and mathematics of image formation with an emphasis on the application of MRI to scientific research and clinical diagnostics. The course will examine both theory and experimental design techniques.

Course Objectives

At the end of the course, attendees should

• be familiar with the concepts of MRI
• understand the basic magnetic resonance scanner and hardware architecture
• have a basic overview of the various MRI techniques
• recognize the spectrum of research and clinical MRI applications
• be able to describe the potential, limitations and pitfalls of MRI
• be able to discuss MRI aspects before an audience of peers
• be able to provide some critique of MRI projects and manuscripts

Suggested Textbooks

1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Physical Principles and Sequence Design, Robert W. Brown, Yu-Chung N. Cheng, E. Mark Haacke, Michael R. Thompson, Ramesh Venkatesan, ISBN 9780471720850, https://clio.columbia.edu/catalog/10873044
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Handbook, edited by Luca Saba, ISBN 9781482216202, https://clio.columbia.edu/catalog/12583458
3. Principles of Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Signal Processing Perspective, Zhi-Pei Liang, Paul C. Lauterbur, ISBN 0780347234, https://clio.columbia.edu/catalog/12461127
4. MRI: Basic Principles and Applications, Brian M. Dale, Mark A. Brown, and Richard C. Semelka, ISBN 9781119013037, https://clio.columbia.edu/catalog/11720594
5. The Mathematics of Medical Imaging: A Beginner’s Guide, Timothy G. Feeman, ISBN 9783319226651, https://clio.columbia.edu/catalog/11685941
6. MRI: Essentials for Innovative Technologies, Giuseppe Placidi, ISBN 9781439840405, https://clio.columbia.edu/catalog/9586884
   Note that electronic versions of all books are available through Columbia's online library free of charge

Note that electronic versions of all books are available through Columbia's online library free of charge

Policies 

The course follows Columbia University policies, including those describing the Rights and Responsibilities of its members. Also, please note the Faculty Statement on  Academic Integrity.

Homework Assignments

All homework is due at the beginning of the next class and to be submitted via Courseworks.

Course Participation Grade

To receive full points for participation, in addition to remaining generally engaged and vocal during class lectures and discussions, students will be expected to participate in the following activities:

PollEverywhere quizzes during lecture: Every course lecture will involve a variable number of live quiz questions to which students will be expected to submit answers in real time for a participation score. Everyone enrolled in the class via Courseworks is automatically enrolled in PollEverywhere; this can be confirmed on https://www.polleverywhere.com/login by submitting either one’s Columbia (UNI) email address or, for non-UNI students, the non-Columbia email address through which one enrolled in Courseworks and clicking “Log In Via Columbia.” Students should confirm at the beginning of each lecture that they are logged in to PollEverywhere, and at quiz time students will be directed to a URL that will enable them to participate in live questions.

Piazza discussion: Every week students will be expected to post at least one question and at least one answer to another student’s question on our Piazza forum, moderated regularly by the course instruction team.

Please let the instruction team know if you have any trouble accessing either PollEverywhere or Piazza. Students who anticipate needing to miss a lecture should contact the instruction team in advance so that alternate assignments can be arranged.

Make Up Exams

Only students with legitimate reasons will be allowed to postpone examinations or make up for missed ones. Note that

1) students are expected to present appropriate documentation, e.g. a doctor's note

2) all make-up exams will be oral – no exceptions.

Additional

All aspects of this syllabus are subject to change.

Suggestions and feedback are welcome.

Downloadable Syllabus (below)

File Upload

2021_Spring_BME-E4430_Syllabus_v05Jan2021.pdf