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Course profile

Magnetic Resonance Instrumentation (MRES7002)

Study period
Sem 2 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Mathematics & Physics School

Magnetic Resonance Instruments for clinical applications. Function & performance concepts for superconducting MRI magnets, RF & gradient coils. Spectrometer architectures. Technology implications of modern fast/advanced imaging sequences. Instrumental & patient induced artifacts & their amelioration.

The course explores nuclear magnetic resonance hardware components and principles necessary to generate a magnetic resonance image. The hardware mechanism to induce a magnetic field (or magnetise) an object of interest is first established to show how signals can be generated under different circumstances. The acquired signal then neccesitates the formation of an image. The course also provides implications arising from various hardware components, how these impact scanning and how they persist in MR images. The primary safety limitations for safe MR imaging are provided with respect to the system hardware components. This foundation course is compulsory within the postgraduate Magnetic Resonance Technology program. It provides the required MR hardware knowledge that is a prerequisite for enrolment in later courses.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Undergraduate qualification in radiography, biomedical engineering or medical physics (or international equivalent).

Restrictions

Enrolment restricted to Master of Magnetic Resonance program suite students.

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Timetables will be posted on the course Blackboard.ᅠAll tutorials are recorded and posted onto Blackboard.ᅠ

Tutorials are held atᅠCentre for Advanced Imaging, Building 57, Level 5 Seminar Room. When you arrive contact reception to get access)

Internal tutorial structure

Wednesday 2pm to 3pm

External tutorial structure

Tutorial recordings posted on Blackboardᅠ ᅠ ᅠ ᅠ

Aims and outcomes

1. Describe the different modalities of imaging in the field of medicine. 2. Define the hardware requirements of obtaining medical images using magnetic resonance imaging approaches. 3. Identify the problems within magnetic resonance images and their associated hardware cause. 4. Discuss the effect on patient of theᅠvarious magnetic fields and other possible clinician/patient concerns.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Different imaging modalities - Explain in general the medical imaging modalities used for diagnosis and treatment planning of patients.

LO2.

Different imaging modalities - Outline the different types of medical images obtained using various imaging modalities, such as CT, X-ray, PET, Ultra Sound, SPECT, Optical and MRI.

LO3.

Hardware requirements - Outline the primary components of an MRI static magnet.

LO4.

Hardware requirements - Define the x-, y- and z-gradient coils in an MRI scanner and their functionality.

LO5.

Hardware requirements - Describe the construction of various types of MRI RF coils and the manner in which these operate.

LO6.

Hardware requirements - State the physical limitations of each primary MRI hardware component.

LO7.

Hardware requirements - Understand the need for safety limits posed on MRI hardware.

LO8.

Hardware problems - Link different types of image artefacts to possible hardware causes.

LO9.

Hardware problems - State the image artefacts caused by impurities in the magnet, gradient coils and RF coil magnetic fields.

LO10.

Effect of magnetic fields - Describe the issues with magnetic fields and clinicians and how these affect their day to day work.

LO11.

Effect of magnetic fields - Describe the issues with magnetic fields and how these cause problems for patients.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Essay/ Critique Assignment (Part 1): Specify your topic choices
  • Hurdle
2%

14/08/2025 5:00 pm

Tutorial/ Problem Set 3x Tutorial Questions
  • Hurdle
18%

27/08/2025 5:00 pm

17/09/2025 5:00 pm

15/10/2025 5:00 pm

Presentation Assignment (Part 2): Your topic
  • Hurdle
30%

29/10/2025 5:00 pm

Examination Final Examination
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
50%

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Assignment (Part 1): Specify your topic choices

  • Hurdle
Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
2%
Due date

14/08/2025 5:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11

Task description

Type: Topic choice (word document)

Task Description: For the assignment, the student has the opportunity to choose their project from a supplied list. The first assessment task for MRES7002 is to choose three topics and justify your selection. Based on your preference, each student will be assigned one topic only for Part 2 of the assignment (see 'Assignment (Part 2): Your topic').

The assignment (Part 1) has the following structure

  1. Selection of three topics from the list provided to indicate your preference for the major assignment.
  2. Provide a maximum of 100 word statement per chosen topic outlining the reason why you decided on the above three topics.

Hurdle requirements

See COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.

Submission guidelines

All written assignments eg. essays, reports, proposals, literature reviews etc must be submitted through Turnitin.  Students are permitted to submit a draft prior to final submission.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.

3x Tutorial Questions

  • Hurdle
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Written
Category
Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
18%
Due date

27/08/2025 5:00 pm

17/09/2025 5:00 pm

15/10/2025 5:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11

Task description

There are three independent MRES7002 question sets which are assessable. Each set has questions which will cover material from about three weeks of tutorials. In the week following the submission you will be provided with feedback. Your answers will be marked and in total are worth 18% of your course.

Hurdle requirements

See COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.

Submission guidelines

All written assignments eg. essays, reports, proposals, literature reviews etc must be submitted through Turnitin.  Students are permitted to submit a draft prior to final submission.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.

Assignment (Part 2): Your topic

  • Hurdle
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Oral, Written
Category
Presentation
Weight
30%
Due date

29/10/2025 5:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09

Task description

Overview: The purpose of the assignment is for students to research and present (MS PowerPoint) a topic in MR instrumentation highlighting current state-of-the-art technological and capability in the area. Library catalogues, scientific journal databases and internet sites are expected to be searched to locate appropriate overviews and cutting-edge information. Take care to ascertain that the information obtained has been rigorously reviewed and is not simply of a promotional nature. This is particularly important when using information downloaded from the Internet.

Presentation information: Your presentation must have the following structure (numbered headings as shown below):

Title page (1 slide): Chosen topic, name and student number

  1. Outline (6%, 1 or 2 slides): Detailing the structure of the presentation. This should be presented like the CONTENTS of a textbook, and the rest of the presentation should follow this content exactly.
  2. Introduction (20%, 6 to 8 slides): Presenting topic key concepts and provide background information leading into the topic.
  3. Topic key concepts (20%, 6 to 8 slides): Provide detailed topic information, ensuring the main concepts are explained clearly and concisely.
  4. Advantages and disadvantages, limitations and drawbacks (20%, 4 to 7 slides): Point out how the key technique fits within the broader MRI or medical imaging field. How useful is the topic of choice in practice? What are the applications?
  5. Directions (10%, 1 to 3 slides): What kind of research and developments were outcomes of the findings within the area of your chosen topic?
  6. Summary (10%, 1 to 2 slides): List the key topic points of your findings
  7. References (4%, slides as needed): All material used from the internet, photos, books, and journal papers etc. require proper referencing. Reference style can be chosen freely but must be consistent (see Learning resources chapter 3.5 for more details). These slides are not counted in the total slide count.


Notes:

  • The indicated marks per section given above are a guide only and thus may vary slightly depending upon your presentation and the topic.
  • The number of slides or text length does not lead automatically to a higher/better mark. Marks depend on how clearly and concisely key concepts and topics are described. For example, the choice of using text over figures, and vice versa may result in more or less slides to describe the same thing.
  • Figures, illustrations and diagrams (as appropriate): Supporting the presentation and should come with figure captions. Captions should generally not be just a copy of the original, but written to provide clear information on what the figure shows, and linked to the material of the presentation.
  • Text: The topic is a (MS power-point or similar) presentation; therefore, text should be concise but sufficiently detailed for a reader to understand the key concepts presented. To keep the slides clear use 1 concept per 1 bullet point, with 3 concepts maximum per slide as a general rule. Additional notes under the slides are NOT permitted.
  • Equations: Used to support your concepts if necessary and keep equation numbers to a minimum. For each equation, the variables and terms used must be explained and their relevance highlighted.
  • Do not exceed the maximum number of slides per section


Hurdle requirements

See COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.

Submission guidelines

All written assignments eg. essays, reports, proposals, literature reviews etc must be submitted through Turnitin.  Students are permitted to submit a draft prior to final submission.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.

Final Examination

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
50%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11

Task description

The final exam will be an in-person, paper-based exam. Students enrolled externally, please refer to the course profile for External students for in-person examination arrangements.   

Hurdle requirements

See COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

Any calculator permitted

Open/closed book Open book examination - any written or printed material is permitted; material may be annotated
Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 19

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Demonstrates very limited understanding of the theory underlying the instrumental requirements of an MRI or spectroscopy system and the basic concepts of the course. This includes attempts at answering some questions but demonstrates limited understanding of the key concepts.

2 (Fail) 20 - 44

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Demonstrates limited understanding of the theory underlying the instrumental requirements of an MRI or spectroscopy system and has limited understanding of the analysis of the superconducting magnet systems, rf coils and actively shielded gradient coils and of the architecture of modern spectrometers and their spectral and imaging processing capabilities. This includes attempts at expressing their deductions and explanations, and attempts to answer a few questions accurately.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 - 49

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: Demonstrates some understanding of the theory underlying the instrumental requirements of an MRI or spectroscopy system and has some understanding of the analysis of the superconducting magnet systems, rf coils and actively shielded gradient coils and of the architecture of modern spectrometers and their spectral and imaging processing capabilities.

4 (Pass) 50 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Demonstrates an understanding of the theory underlying the instrumental requirements of an MRI or spectroscopy system; has some knowledge of the analysis of the superconducting magnet systems, rf coils and actively shielded gradient coils; demonstrates a knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Demonstrates a good understanding of the theory underlying the instrumental requirements of an MRI or spectroscopy system; can apply that knowledge to an analysis of the superconducting magnet systems, rf coils and actively shielded gradient coils; can extrapolate to an understanding of the architecture of modern spectrometers and their spectral and imaging processing capabilities.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the theory underlying the instrumental requirements of an MRI or spectroscopy system; can apply that knowledge to an analysis of the performance of superconducting magnet systems, rf coils and actively shielded gradient coils; can extrapolate to a good understanding of the architecture of modern spectrometers and their spectral and imaging processing capabilities.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the theory underlying the instrumental requirements of an MRI or spectroscopy system; can apply that knowledge to a comprehensive analysis of the performance of superconducting magnet systems, rf coils and actively shielded gradient coils; can extrapolate to a good understanding of the architecture of modern spectrometers and their spectral and imaging processing capabilities.

Additional course grading information

In order to pass this course, you must meet ALL of the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):

1. Students must obtain an overall mark of at least 40% in the final exam; and

2. Students must complete and submit ALL course assessment items and learning tasks.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply. 

Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.  

If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.  

Supplementary assessment in this course will be a 2-hour examination similar in style to the end-of-semester examination. To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment. 

Additional assessment information

Submission of Assignments

Submission of assignments by EMAIL will NOT BE ACCEPTED.

All written assignments eg. essays, reports, proposals, literature reviews etc must be submitted through Turnitin.

Turnitin submission

  1. Access the Assessment folder on the course Blackboard site
  2. Upload an electronic version through the assessment Turnitin site
  3. You will be sent a receipt, retain the receipt as proof of submission.
  4. If you don't receive a receipt, then your assignment has not been submitted - please re-submit.

Failure to submit on time will result in a late penalty being applied (see the assessment task for details). You need to ensure that you submitted by the due date, late submission will result in the late penalty being imposed.

PLAGIARISM: You should be aware that the University employs purpose-built software to detect plagiarism. It is very important that you understand clearly the practical meaning of plagiarism.

Students are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) which makes a comprehensive statement about the University's approach to plagiarism, including the approved use of plagiarism detection software, the consequences of plagiarism and the principles associated with preventing plagiarism.

DEFINITION OF PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.

EXAMPLES OF PLAGIARISM:

1. Direct copying of paragraphs, sentences, a single sentence or significant parts of a sentence;

2. Direct copying of paragraphs, sentences, a single sentence or significant parts of a sentence with an end reference but without quotation marks around the copied text;

3. Copying ideas, concepts, research results, computer codes, statistical tables, designs, images, sounds or text or any combination of these;

4. Paraphrasing, summarising or simply rearranging another person's words, ideas, etc without changing the basic structure and/or meaning of the text;

5. Offering an idea or interpretation that is not one's own without identifying whose idea or interpretation it is;

6. A 'cut and paste' of statements from multiple sources;

7. Presenting as independent, work done in collaboration with others;

8. Copying or adapting another student's original work into a submitted assessment item.

Artificial Intelligence

To pass this course, students will be required to demonstrate a detailed understanding of course material together with a range of associated skills independent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) tools.

For assessment tasks that are completed in-person (including examinations) termed “secure assessment”, the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted unless otherwise advised. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Other non-secure assessment tasks (such as assignments) are designed to help you develop your understanding and skills, and to prepare you for secure assessment. You are thus generally encouraged to complete such assessment without the use of AI/MT, unless explicitly advised to the contrary in the assessment item. In any event, if you choose to use such tools, then you must clearly reference any such use within your submitted work. A failure to reference AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates

Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

  • Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
  • Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
  • If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
  • If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
  • If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
  • For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum date applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for details. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
  • Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
  • If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
  • There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.

 Applications to defer an exam

In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.

Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

  • Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
  • There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
  • Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
  • All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
  • You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
  • If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

All students have access toᅠ

  • lecture notes
  • Peer assessmentᅠ
  • tutorials
  • Blackboard

Students will learn from the MRT website, Blackboard content including quizzes and assessment. Self-directed learning is encouraged with input from the course coordinator.ᅠ

Referencing
Variation in referencing styles exist in journals relevant to MRI science; therefore, we do not specify a particular style but prefer the use of either the Vancouver or Harvard referencing style. Both styles are attached. Click on the link to get access toᅠUQ referencing style guides

To help with referencing, students can use the citation manager,ᅠEndNote. To download this, follow theᅠinstructions

To reference material presented by a lecturer or tutor

Cite the lecturer's name, title for the item, then the course, year and URL; for example,ᅠ
R. Pellicer-Guridi. Tutorial Session 4 Module 2 and 3 Part B, MRES7002 Semester 2, University of Queensland 2019. Available from [add the URL]. Hint: To add the URL simply highlight the full URL in the website field and then cut and paste.ᅠ

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks
Lecture

RF coils

RF coils and shimming in MR system: hardware and applications. Module 5: Radiofrequency coils

Learning outcomes: L05, L09

Lecture

System architecture

Introduction to MRES7002, Module 1: MRI System Overview

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06

Lecture

Main Magnet

Module 2: Magnets

Learning outcomes: L03, L07, L08, L09

Lecture

Shimming the main magnet

Shimming in MR systems. Study of Module 3: Shims and shimming

Learning outcomes: L04, L06, L09

Lecture

Graduent coils

High field MR - what are the pros and cons? MR gradient coils: action and performance. Study Module 3: Pulsed field gradients

Learning outcomes: L04, L06, L09

Lecture

Signal reception and the receiver

Study Module 6: Signal reception and digitisation

Learning outcomes: L05, L07, L08

Tutorial

Magnetic Properties of Tissue

Study Module 7: Electrical and Magnetic properties of Tissue

Learning outcomes: L07, L10, L11

Tutorial

Tutorials and Course recap

Revision, Questions and Answers

Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.