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 course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) sequences commonly used in clinical and research settings. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the building blocks of MRI sequences, including radiofrequency (RF) pulses, magnetic field gradients, spatial encoding methods, and signal sampling. They will learn their characteristics and manipulation methods and how to combine them to form different sequences that produce images with various contrast weightings, such as proton density, T1-, T2, T2* and other contrasts.
Starting from the basic gradient-echo and spin-echo sequences, students will explore the composition and parameters of various sequences and how to vary them to achieve different contrasts. More advanced and emerging sequences will also be explored, enabling students to confidently manipulate scanner parameters and generate desired MRI contrast.
MR images are prone to artefacts from various sources, and identifying them is essential for MRI researchers and technicians. This course will introduce the different types of static and dynamic artefacts that commonly occur on MR images, explain their causes and the methods to eliminate or reduce them.
The skills and knowledge attained in this course will prepare students of the program for later courses in advanced applications of MRI and practical operation of MRI scanners within the clinical environment.
The foundation course is a essential component of the postgraduate Master of Magnetic Resonance Technology program. It covers the construction of practical MRI pulse sequences and their resulting contrasts, providing the foundational knowledge necessary to comprehend the material covered in subsequent courses. The course will analyse sequences important for clinics and research to understand the signal origin and contrast weighting. The course also include practical demonstrations of MRI data acquisitions with a number of sequences to familiarise students with the standard procedures of modern MRI scans. Video recording of the demonstrations will be available to external students.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course assumes successful completion of MRES7100, Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Fundamentals
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MRES7100
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MRES7004
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- Another instance of the same course
MRES7400 external and MRES7400 in-person are jointly taught.
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. All tutorials are recorded and posted on Blackboard. Some weeks will require a double session for practical demonstrations and quiz review; others will be a single-hour session. Please see the Learning Activities section for course timetables.
Tutorials are held atﾠCentre for Advanced Imaging, Building 57, Level 2 Seminar Room.
Internal tutorial structure
External tutorial structure
Monday, 4 pm to 5 pm
Tutorial recordings posted on Blackboard ﾠ ﾠ ﾠ ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
Upon finishing this course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the implementation and parameters of various clinically important and commonly used sequences. They will also gain an in-depth understanding of how the choice of sequence parameters affects the contrast of images. Students will be capable of identifying common artefacts on MR images and reducing them by changing the parameters.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Create MRI sequences by applying knowledge of magnetic field gradients and RF pulses.
LO2.
Predict the effect of adjusting sequence parameters on image contrast.
LO3.
Explain the performance of advanced sequences in producing the desired contrast.
LO4.
Understand the practical implementation and limitations of imaging sequences.
LO5.
Recognise and explain image artefacts and suggest approaches for their correction.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Online Quizzes based on modules
|
30% |
9/08/2024 2:00 pm 23/08/2024 2:00 pm 6/09/2024 2:00 pm 20/09/2024 2:00 pm 18/10/2024 2:00 pm
Each quiz covers the material of two modules. The quiz will be released following the lecture on the first module and must be submitted by 2:00 pm on the Friday after the lecture on the second module. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Assignment based on Practical Demonstrations
|
30% |
20/09/2024 2:00 pm
Resubmissions are allowed before the due date. |
| Examination |
Final Examination
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
Assessment details
Online Quizzes based on modules
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
9/08/2024 2:00 pm
23/08/2024 2:00 pm
6/09/2024 2:00 pm
20/09/2024 2:00 pm
18/10/2024 2:00 pm
Each quiz covers the material of two modules. The quiz will be released following the lecture on the first module and must be submitted by 2:00 pm on the Friday after the lecture on the second module.
Task description
Students are required to complete five online quizzes, each covering the material from two modules.
Submission guidelines
Students will submit their answers online.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
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.
Students are required to submit the answers online before the due date. Otherwise, the penalty will be applied. Submissions received after the quiz tutorial session will be awarded zero marks. The tutorial is usually scheduled for the following Monday after the due date, before the lecture.
Assignment based on Practical Demonstrations
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
20/09/2024 2:00 pm
Resubmissions are allowed before the due date.
Task description
Students will review practical demonstrations and implementations of pulse sequences, and answer questions relating to those demonstrations.
Submission guidelines
Students will submit their answers via TurnItIn on Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 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.
Final Examination
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Task description
Non-invigilated online exam (during Exam Period). These exams are centrally controlled and run using a separate Blackboard site. You will be advised of the date and time in which to complete the examination once the examination timetable has been determined. Note that late penalties will be strictly applied as per university policy.
The examination will be centrally timetabled and in the form of a Blackboard Test (Part A) in combination with Blackboard Asssignment (Part B). The exam should be completed within a 120 minutes duration with a 10-minute perusal time - there is also a 15-minute upload allowance. The exam will be available and open during the Examinations Period for 130 minutes (+ 15 minutes submission) starting at the time specified in the student's personal examination timetable (to be announced prior to week 13 of semester). Note that there will be a 15 minutes submission period in total so the students need to complete both parts of the exam within the 130 minutes + 15 minutes submission starting at the time specified in the student's personal examination timetable. The exam will not auto-submit - students need to monitor the time they take on the exam. Students need to complete the exam within the allocated time, any exams submitted late will have a late penalty applied. If the exam is commenced after the specified time, the end for the examination does not change. There will be no requirement for identity certification.
Structure of exam
The aim of the exam is to examine what you understand about the application of MR theory to the MRI experiment, the origin of contrast generated by clinically relevant sequences and the origin of image artefacts. The exam will be divided into two parts. Part A will mostly consist of True/False and Multiple Choice questions in the form of an online Blackboard quiz and should be answered and submitted online. Part B will be in the form of short answer type questions which may include the requirement for hand-written sketches and calculations to be performed. You can print the Part B of the exam and write on
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (online) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Materials | Any written or printed material is permitted; material may also be annotated. |
| Exam platform | Learn.UQ |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
Submission guidelines
The exam consists of two parts: Part A-Blackboard test, and Part B- Blackboard assignment.
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.
Late submission
Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.
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: Demonstrates very limited understanding of the theory and practise of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, the source of MR contrast, the design of pulse sequences 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. 1% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates limited understanding of the theory and practise of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, the source of MR contrast, the design of pulse sequences 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. 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates some understanding of the theory and practise of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, the source of MR contrast, the design of pulse sequences and demonstrates knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems but an inability to apply these successfully. 47% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates an understanding of the theory and practise of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, the source of MR contrast, the design of pulse sequences and demonstrates knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems and can apply these successfully to some extent. 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates a good understanding of the theory and practise of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, the source of MR contrast, the design of pulse sequences and demonstrates knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems and shows ability to apply these successfully. 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the theory and practise of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, the source of MR contrast, the design of pulse sequences and demonstrates a proficient knowledge of the techniques used to solve practical problems successfully. 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the theory and practise of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, the source of MR contrast, the design of pulse sequences and demonstrates a highly proficient knowledge of the techniques used to solve both theoretical and practical problems successfully. 85% |
Additional course grading information
In order to pass this course, students must receive at least 45% of the available marks for the final examination and achieve a pass grade (4) or better overall.ﾠ
ﾠ
ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Supplementary assessment in this course will be a 2-hour examination similar in style to the end-of-semester examination. A passing grade is required in this examination to be granted a passing grade in the course.
Additional assessment information
Assignments:
Plagiarismﾠin assignments, orﾠrecycling of previously submitted work, will result in anﾠacademic penaltyﾠthat could include a mark of zero for that assignment.
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.
Additional learning resources information
Students are encouraged to use the UQ Library services.
There is information about facilities available to remote students, including borrowing and photocopy requests.ﾠ Students are also encouraged to access a number of international databases available through the library. The name and email address of the library contact person is distributed each semester, and students are assuredﾠof the librarian'sﾠwillingness to answer any queries.
The UQ Blackboard website is essential to the course. It offers a study schedule, all course resources, lecture recordings, quizzes, access to assessment, and a discussion board. It also provides relevant references and addresses. Students are required to check the Blackboard website regularly.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Module 1 Introduction: Pulse Sequence Revision Module 1 reviews the basics of MRI techniques covered in MRES7100. Students need to study online materials that cover the fundamental concepts of the course. |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Module 2 RF Pulses: Function, Design, Calibration Module 2 covers the functions of radiofrequency (RF) pulse in MRI sequence. The practical aspects, such as, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and flip angle calibration, of different RF pulses will also be covered. |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Module 3 Pulsed Gradients: Balancing the Equation Module 3 explains the magnetic field gradients and theirs role in slice selection, and phase and frequency encoding. It will also explore the spatial encoding of MRI signals. |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Module 4 Parallel Imaging Module 4 covers two parallel imaging techniques: SENSE and GRAPPA. It will also explore their impacts on acquisition time and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Module 5 3D Imaging. Multi-echoes: Dixon, MEDIC This module will cover the difference between 2-D and 3-D imaging sequences, the chemical shift of fat, Dixon's method and multi-echo gradient echo acquisition. A practical demonstration of the sequences will be arranged. |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Module 6 GRE: Steady State - Hahn, DESS, FISP This module will address the establishment of steady state in imaging. It will discuss three gradient echo sequences: Spoiled, Balanced, and Refocused. The module will also explore the formation of both Hahn echo and Stimulated echo. |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Module 7 GRE: CIS, Feel the VIBE The module examines two 3D fast steady-state gradient echo sequences: VIBE ad CISS. |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Module 8 Turbocharged: MPRAGE or MP2RAGE? This module will discuss three frequently-used imaging sequences: TurboFLASH, MPRAGE and MP2RAGE. |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Module 9 FLAIR, DIR. Making HASTE This module will cover fast spin-echo sequences, including fast spin echo (FSE), HASTE, SPACE and FLAIR. Dual inversion recovery method will also be introduced. |
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-semester break Mid-semester break, no lecture or tutorial. |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Module 10 Spotting trouble - static artefacts This module will examine some of the most common static artefacts on MRI images, discussing their origin, manifestation, and potential remedy methods. |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
QLD public holiday - King's Birthday Queensland public holiday, no lecture or tutorial. |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Module 11 Spotting trouble - motion artefacts This module will explore artifacts associated with motion, respiration, and blood flow, along with strategies to mitigate them. |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Course Revision Revision and catch-ups. |
Additional learning activity information
Quiz questions will be reviewed during the tutorial session before the lecture following the due date. Tutorials are not held every week.
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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.