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Course profile

Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Fundamentals (MRES7100)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
External
Attendance mode
Online

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
External
Attendance mode
Online
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Mathematics & Physics School

This unit of study explores the principles and methods that underpin Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a key molecular imaging technique. Topics covered include Physical principles of nuclear magnetic resonance (MR), underlying mechanisms of relaxation in MR and descriptions of the way in which pulse sequences are able to exploit relaxation to produce contrast.

On completion of this unit, students will have a thorough understanding of the MRI methodology, and the molecular basis for endogenous contrast. The use of contrast agents to modify image contrast and target particular molecular features will be introduced. The factors affecting the accuracy and potential sources of artefact in MRI images will be explored.

This foundation course is compulsory within the post-graduate Master of Magnetic ResonanceᅠTechnology and Master of Molecular Imaging programs.ᅠ It will provide the background knowledge that is essential to understand the material presented in later courses.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Required:

Trigonometry: Sin(x), Cos(x), Tan(x).
Trigonometry:ᅠPythagoras theorem (a2+b2=c2).
BasicᅠCalculus: Solvingᅠlinear equations (y = a+bx).

Prefered:ᅠ(will be revisited during the course)

Basic Calculus: Solving exponential equationsᅠ(e-x= y).
Basic Calculus: Complex numbers.

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

MRES7001

Restrictions

Enrolment restricted to Master of Magnetic Resonance program suite, GC MRPET or Master of Molecular Imaging 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 atᅠ Centre for Advanced Imaging, Building 57, Level 2 Seminar Room.ᅠ

Internal tutorial structure

External tutorial structure

Tuesday and Thursday, 10-11am (Brisbane time).

Tutorial recordings posted on Blackboard

Aims and outcomes

On completion of this unit, students will have a thorough understanding of the MRI methodology, and the molecular basis for endogenous contrast.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Evaluate the basis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

LO2.

Evaluate the mechanism of MRI relaxations.

LO3.

Evaluate the basis of chemical shifts and fat suppression.

LO4.

Evaluate the process of MR data acquisition and creation of MR images.

LO5.

Evaluate the properties of spin echo and gradient echo sequences.

LO6.

Evaluate the strategies for generating MR image contrasts.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Examination Final Assessment
30%

Exam week 1 - Exam week 1

Examination Period

Quiz Assessment series 1 (Quizzes)
  • Online
40%

Quiz Module 1 22/07/2024 - 30/07/2024

Quiz Module 2 22/07/2024 - 6/08/2024

Quiz Module 3 29/07/2024 - 13/08/2024

Quiz Module 4 5/08/2024 - 20/08/2024

Quiz Module 5 12/08/2024 - 27/08/2024

Quiz Module 6 19/08/2024 - 10/09/2024

Quiz Module 7 2/09/2024 - 17/09/2024

Quiz Module 8 9/09/2024 - 1/10/2024

Quiz Module 9 16/09/2024 - 15/10/2024

Quiz Module 10 7/10/2024 - 22/10/2024

Tuesdays at 9am (Weeks 2-13)

Essay/ Critique Assessment series 2 (Essays)
  • Online
30%

5/09/2024 1:00 pm

17/10/2024 1:00 pm

Assessment details

Final Assessment

Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
30%
Due date

Exam week 1 - Exam week 1

Examination Period

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

The final assignment will take the form of a ‘take home assignment’. The questions will be released in the exam week via Learn.UQ Blackboard. Once released, you will have 24 hours to prepare your answers and send them back through “Turnitin”. The exam/assignment is worth 30 mark, which is equal to 30% of the overall mark. The exam rule states that students must achieve at least 45% of the marks for this examination to pass the course and a pass grade overall of 4 or higher. That means you must get more than 13.5/30 in the final exam to pass. 


Structure of exam:

The aim of the exam is to examine what you understand about the application of theory to the MRI experiment. The exam is open-book and consists of 6 questions with multiple sub-questions similar in structure to the assignments given during the course. There will be no multiple choice questions. You should attempt all parts of the questions.

Materials in exam:

This is an open book exam. 

Exam technique:

Do’s  

Read the instructions and questions carefully.

Understand and analyse the question.

Answer the question that has been set.

Attempt to answer all parts of the question.

Make your diagrams and calculations clear. We need evidence that you have recognised and can demonstrate the correct equation and constants with correct units to award marks.

Manage your time. Check the weight of the questions. Which questions are worth more? Allocate more time to these. If you have time at the end, you can come back and review questions that you haven’t answered.

Practice on sample papers that are available through the library.

Don’ts

Answer the question you hoped to see

Write everything you know about the topic

Exam details

Planning time no planning time minutes
Duration 1440 minutes
Calculator options

Any calculator permitted

Open/closed book Open Book examination
Exam platform Learn.UQ
Invigilation

Not invigilated

Submission guidelines

Submission via Turnitin

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

If you are unable to submit the final assessment item within the 24 hours, you must apply for an extension and provide documentation. If approved you will be advised of the date to sit the assessment, and must submit this within 24 hours of opening it.

Late submission

Once the exam paper is released in Learn.UQ Blackboard, you will have 24 hours to prepare your answers and send them back through “Turnitin”.

This exam is worth 30 marks in total. Late submission penalty is 1 mark deduction per minute for a maximum of 30 minutes – after which a mark of zero will be recorded.

If you are unable to submit the exam within the 24 hours you must apply for an extension and provide documentation. If approved you will be advised of the date to sit the assessment, and must submit this within 24 hours of opening it.

Assessment series 1 (Quizzes)

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
40%
Due date

Quiz Module 1 22/07/2024 - 30/07/2024

Quiz Module 2 22/07/2024 - 6/08/2024

Quiz Module 3 29/07/2024 - 13/08/2024

Quiz Module 4 5/08/2024 - 20/08/2024

Quiz Module 5 12/08/2024 - 27/08/2024

Quiz Module 6 19/08/2024 - 10/09/2024

Quiz Module 7 2/09/2024 - 17/09/2024

Quiz Module 8 9/09/2024 - 1/10/2024

Quiz Module 9 16/09/2024 - 15/10/2024

Quiz Module 10 7/10/2024 - 22/10/2024

Tuesdays at 9am (Weeks 2-13)

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

Each week the students are required to answer a series of questions provided on Blackboard.

Submission guidelines

Blackboard Quizzes at Learn.UQ.

Each quiz is worth 4 mark. There are 10 quizzes with a total 40 mark, or 40% of the overall mark.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

These quizzes are due on Tuesdays 9 am. They are open in Blackboard for a minimum of 1 week before the due date.

The length of each quiz is 20 minutes and they must be completed in a single sitting.

Students must attempt the quiz no later than 8.30 am on the due date to ensure a timely completion.

Assessment series 2 (Essays)

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
30%
Due date

5/09/2024 1:00 pm

17/10/2024 1:00 pm

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

There are two assignments, each worth 15%, or 30% in total. The questions for each assignment will be available in Learn.UQ Blackboard under the Assessment Panel (Assessment Series 2).

Submission guidelines

These assignments are to be submitted through Turnitin.

Assignment 2A, is due on Thursday @1 pm, at the end of Week 7.

Assignment 2B, is due on Thursday @1 pm, at the end of Week 12.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Assignment 2B (due week 12) has a maximum of 1 week extension, as it will be discussed in a tutorial to prepare for the exam. 

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

Late submission

Unapproved and unauthorised late submission of this assessment will be penalised with 2 mark deduction per day for a maximum of 7 days – after which a mark of zero will be recorded.

Course grading

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

Grade Description
1 (Low Fail)

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: 1% Demonstrates very limited understanding of the theory of the underlying physics and terminology of Magnetic Resonance, and the molecular basis for the source of MR contrast, and of the basic concepts in the course material. This includes attempts at answering some questions but demonstrating very limited understanding of the key concepts.

2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: 30% Demonstrates limited understanding of the theory of the underlying physics and terminology of Magnetic Resonance, and the molecular basis for the source of MR contrast, and demonstrates limited knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems. This includes attempts at expressing their deductions and explanations and attempts to answer a few questions accurately.

3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: 47% Demonstrates some understanding of the theory of the underlying physics and terminology of Magnetic Resonance, and the molecular basis for the source of MR contrast, and demonstates a knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems.

4 (Pass)

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: 50% Demonstrates an understanding of the theory of the underlying physics and terminology of Magnetic Resonance, and the molecular basis for the source of MR contrast, and demonstrates a knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems.

5 (Credit)

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: 65% Demonstrates a good understanding of the theory of the underlying physics and terminology of Magnetic Resonance, and the molecular basis for the source of MR contrast, and can apply the techniques to solve problems.

6 (Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: 75% Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the theory of the underlying physics and terminology of Magnetic Resonance, and the molecular basis for the source of MR contrast, and is proficient in applying the techniques to solve problems.

7 (High Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: 85% Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the theory of the underlying physics and terminology of Magnetic Resonance, and the molecular basis for the source of MR contrast, and is highly proficient in applying the techniques to solve both theoretical and practical problems.

Additional course grading information

In order to pass this course, students must receive at least 45% of the available marks for the final assessment and achieve a pass grade (4) or better overall.ᅠ

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.  

The supplementary assessment for this course will take the same format as the end of semester exam. Students need 45% of the marks to pass.

Additional assessment information

Artificial Intelligence

The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute 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

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

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
Lecture

Module 1: Properties of nuclei and MR signal detection

Learning outcomes: L01

Tutorial

Module 1: Properties of nuclei and MR signal detection

Learning outcomes: L01

Lecture

Module 2: The transverse plane and relaxation

Learning outcomes: L02

Tutorial

Module 2: The transverse plane and relaxation

Learning outcomes: L02

Lecture

Module 3: Longitudinal relaxation

Learning outcomes: L02

Tutorial

Module 3: Longitudinal relaxation

Learning outcomes: L02

Lecture

Module 4: Nuclear enviornment

Learning outcomes: L03

Tutorial

Module 4: Nuclear enviornment

Learning outcomes: L03

Lecture

Module 5: Frequency selective pulses and gradients

Learning outcomes: L04

Tutorial

Module 5: Frequency selective pulses and gradients

Learning outcomes: L04

Lecture

Module 6: Spatial encoding

Learning outcomes: L04

Tutorial

Module 6: Spatial encoding

Learning outcomes: L04

Lecture

Module 7: Image digititisation

Learning outcomes: L04

Tutorial

Module 7: Image digititisation

Learning outcomes: L04

Lecture

Module 8: Spin echo imaging

Learning outcomes: L05

Tutorial

Module 8: Spin echo imaging

Learning outcomes: L05

Lecture

Module 9: Gradient echo imaging

Learning outcomes: L05

Tutorial

Module 9: Gradient echo imaging

Learning outcomes: L05

Lecture

Module 10: Image contrast

Learning outcomes: L06

Tutorial

Module 10: Image contrast

Learning outcomes: L06

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.