RAD3004 - Neuroimaging for neuroscience research - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Mark Strudwick

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Michael Farrell

Unit guides

Offered

Clayton

  • Second semester 2018 (On-campus)

Synopsis

This unit extends knowledge of the basic physical principles of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and addresses safety and the protocols and processing methods used to image brain structure and function.

The unit will introduce the student to neuroimaging techniques for application to neuroscience research. The purpose of the common sequences used to image brain structure and function will be covered and students will learn how to select the most appropriate imaging protocol for the common sequences from within an evidence - based framework.

The unit will enable students to recognise the benefits and limitations of neuroimaging approaches to the characterisation of brain structure and function in health and disease.

Students will be introduced to experimental paradigms and analysis approaches used in neuroimaging research. The unit will conclude with an examination of the application of quality assurance and quality control principles to MRI imaging of the brain and CNS.

Outcomes

At completion of this unit the unit will be able to:

  1. Apply principles of evidence-based health care practice to MRI imaging in the clinical context
  2. Explain the role played by the practitioner/researcher in the application of safety principles within the MRI suite.
  3. Describe a range of indications, participant presentations, participant preparation and positioning methods for MRI studies of the brain.
  4. Select the appropriate MRI protocol and post processing techniques for MRI studies of the brain structure and function from within an evidence-based framework.
  5. Use brain images to apply analytical theory and methods supporting the investigation of brain structure and function.
  6. Apply the principles of quality assurance and quality control to MRI imaging in the context of neuroimaging research.

Assessment

  • Secure online examination (45 minutes) (15%)
  • 1 x secure online image recognition and analysis examinations (45 minutes) (15%)
  • 2 x MRI case studies (1,500 words each) (40%)
  • Technical quality assurance and quality control report (1,000 words) (30%)

Workload requirements

On-campus - 6 hours per week of teacher directed studies (approximately 2 hours of lectures and 4 hours tutorials) and 6 hours of self-directed study for 12 weeks.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study