Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology

To apply for this course you must have a radiography professional qualification or relevant clinical MRI experience.

The course is offered at Masters level.

Course content includes:

• Nuclear Resonance:
  • Properties of hydrogen nuclei: spin, precession, Larmor frequency
  • Net magnetisation
  • Nuclear magnetic resonance
  • Radiofrequency excitation and signal detection
  • Chemical Shift
  • Free Induction Decay
  • Relaxation mechanisms
  • Stages of a spin-echo sequence
  • K-space
  • Relationship between TR and TE for T1W T2W and PD contrast
  • Basics of contrast in relation to tissue type.
• Spatial Encoding:
  • The effect of bipolar gradients on the magnetic field, precession frequency and spin phase
  • The stages of spatial encoding in 2D and 3D imaging
  • The relationship between amplitude, gradient application time and dephasing
  • Similarities and differences between frequency spatial encoding and phase encoding
  • Advantages and disadvantages of 3D imaging
  • Look at the relationship between spatial encoding and the notion of spatial frequency.
• Pulse Sequences - parameters and relationships to anatomical and pathological appearances:
  • Spin Echo sequences
  • Gradient echo sequences
  • Echo planar Imaging sequences
  • Magnetisation-prepared sequences.
• Signal suppression techniques:
  • Spatial presaturation
  • Magnetisation transfer suppression
  • Frequency selective saturation.
• Instrumentation and safety:
  • Types of main magnet, their advantages and drawbacks
  • The cryogen its role, temperature maintenance and safety implications (quench)
  • Specifications and performance of a magnetic field gradient
  • Acoustic noise
  • The components of the radiofrequency channel and the different types of antenna
  • Projectile and eddy current effects
  • Materials at risk and the precautions prior to an MRI examination
  • Peripheral nerve stimulation during an MRI examination
  • Factors affecting SAR and how to reduce it.
• Improving contrast:
  • Magnetisation transfer
  • Fat Saturation
  • STIR
  • Contrast agents.
• Parallel acquisition methods.
• Image quality and artefacts.
• Quality Assurance.

Delivery:

The course is delivered online via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which will be a wiki. The teaching and learning strategy will embrace a series of vodcasts and enquiry-based learning activities presented via the VLE. You will engage in knowledge construction, peer learning and social constructivism through work on the wiki.

The course is completed over 10 weeks with you being expected to fully contribute each week. Whilst this can be done in your own time, it is highly recommended that you look to negotiate regular study time, recommended at a half day a week equivalent, with your manager.

Funding may be available to support your learning. Please contact your Trust Education Lead. If you work in the private, independent and voluntary sector, please contact your employer who will advise you.