BMEN E6410, Fall 2020

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.

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: https://piazza.com/columbia/fall2020/bmene6410principlesandpracticesofinvivomrs

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.

Camera During Online Participation

Course participants attending online are expected to keep their camera on at all times.

Additional

All aspects of this syllabus are subject to change.

Suggestions and feedback are welcome.
 

BME bulletin: bulletin.engineering.columbia.edu/courses-2

Course registration: BMENE6410

For further information: [email protected]

Downloadable Syllabus (below)

File Upload

BMENE6410_2020_Syllabus_and_Course_Schedule.pdf