BMEN E4490, Fall 2021

Course Description

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) allows the detection and quantification of chemical compounds from localized regions in living tissue, e.g., the brain, in a noninvasive fashion. It thereby provides a powerful tool to assess key aspects of brain metabolism and function. The repertoire of measurable compounds along with the quantitative character of the derived information makes MRS a versatile tool for the identification of clinical conditions, for longitudinal patient monitoring and for treatment control and monitoring of virtually all disorders with a metabolic signature.

This educational course comprises all aspects of in vivo MRS from theory to experiment, from data acquisition to the derivation of metabolic signatures, and from study design to clinical interpretation. Anyone interested in gaining an understanding of MRS techniques, their potential and the limitations of their application in vivo will find this course useful. The course bridges the gap between theoretical concepts, hands-on training in MRS data literacy and direct experimental experience on a human 3T MR scanner. This 13-session combined academic course and “boot-camp” will provide novices in MRS the requisite know-how for future engagement in MRS research and diagnostics.

Course Objectives

At the end of the course, attendees should

• be familiar with the concepts of magnetic resonance and MRS
• understand the basic magnetic resonance scanner and hardware architecture
• have a basic overview of research and clinical/neuroscience MRS applications
• have a basic understanding of the biochemistry targeted with in vivo MRS
• recognize metabolic signatures in clinical diagnostics and pathology
• have a basic understanding of MRS study design and execution
• be able to handle, correct and process MRS data
• be able to quantify MRS data and to derive metabolic profiles
• be able to provide a basic clinical/neuroscience interpretation of biochemical results
• be able to describe the potential, limitations and pitfalls of MRS
• be able to provide some critique of MRS projects and manuscripts before an audience of peers

Suggested Textbooks

1. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: Tools for Neuroscientific Research and Emerging Clinical Applications. Edited by Charlotte C. Stagg, Douglas L. Rothman, ISBN 9780124016880, https://clio.columbia.edu/catalog/10748129
2. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Diagnosis of Neurological Diseases. Edited by Else R. Danielsen, Brian Ross, ISBN 0824702387, https://clio.columbia.edu/catalog/4059334
3. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Degenerative Brain Diseases. Edited by Gülin Öz, ISBN 9783319335551, https://clio.columbia.edu/catalog/12260315
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. In Vivo NMR Spectroscopy: Principles and Techniques, Robin A. de Graaf, ISBN 9781119382546, https://clio.columbia.edu/catalog/13906052

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. Academic integrity violations will be referred to the Student Conduct and Community Standards Office and may constitute grounds for automatic failure of the course.

Homework Assignments

All homework is due at the beginning of the next class and to be submitted via Courseworks (courseworks2.columbia.edu).

Course Participation Grade

To receive full points for participation, students will be expected to remain generally engaged and vocal during class lectures and discussions.

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.

Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA): Course Environment

Names/Pronouns. You deserve to be addressed in a manner that reflects your identity. You are welcome to tell us your pronoun(s) and/or name (if different from University records) at any time, either in person or via email.

Discrimination. We embrace the diversity of gender, gender identity & expression, sex, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability status, family status, socioeconomic background, and other visible and non-visible identities. Columbia University does not tolerate unlawful discrimination, discriminatory harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual exploitation and all such conduct is forbidden by Columbia University Policy.

Accessibility. We want you to succeed in this course. Contact [email protected] for learning accommodations.

Duty to Report. You deserve a University community free from discrimination, harassment, and gender-based misconduct including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation. It is therefore University policy to require Columbia faculty and staff to report to EOAA any instance or allegation of prohibited conduct involving any undergraduate or any graduate student that is disclosed to, observed by, or otherwise known to that employee. This requirement to report is in place to help ensure that students are provided appropriate resources and to allow the University to mitigate harm to our community.

There are confidential resources on campus who do not have a Duty to Report, including: Sexual Violence Response & Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center (SVR), Ombuds Office, Medical Services, University Counseling and Psychological Services, University Pastoral Counseling, Columbia Office of Disability Services. University employees working in a confidential capacity will not report information shared with them.

Additional

All aspects of this syllabus are subject to change.

Suggestions and feedback are welcome.

Downloadable Syllabus (below)

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202109_BMEN4490_2021_Syllabus.pdf