RAB2300 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Course description

Magnetic Reconance Imaging (MRI) is an imaging technique with a growing medical importance. MRI examinations create digital images of internal organs using a very strong magnetic field and radiofrequency waves. MRI is particularly well suited to showing changes in muscles, connective tissue and the central nervous system. It is important for radiographers to have insight into MR physics and the general technique used in MRI. Specialised techniques such as MR angiography (MRA) and diffusion are becoming more commonly used for diagnostic imaging. Knowledge of MRI safety procedures is vital in order to safeguard patients and equipment.

Passed first year of the programme or equivalent

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:   

Knowledge  

The student can

• explain the basic physical principles for MRI technology 
• explain how MRI equipment is constructed, functions and is used 
• explain imaging, image criteria and simple image processing in MRI  
• explain how patients and laboratories are prepared for MRI  
• explain safety procedures for MRI examinations  
• describe the most common indications for MRI examinations 

Skills  

The student can

• recognise normal anatomy and obvious pathology in MR images 
• describe different methods for capturing MR images
• critically assess and analyse research articles and other scientific litteratur

General competence   

The student can

• discuss possibilities and limitations of MRI compared with other diagnostic imaging modalities  

The work and teaching methods include lectures, seminars, skills training and self-study. Digital learning resources will be made available to students in advance, so that a lot of the time they spend at the university will be used to work on assignments and group work.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:   

• a minimum attendance of 90 % at scheduled seminars and skills training sessions 

Portfolio assessment:

Part 1: Group assignment: Written analysis of an article in groups of up to 6 students, 1500 words (+/- 10 %)

Part 2: Individual written assignment, review of a fellow student’s analysis of an article in accordance with set criteria, up to 1000 words

Weighting: One overall grade is awarded based on the portfolio. Both assignments in the portfolio count equally with respect to grading, but if an F is awarded for one of the assignments, the overall grade will also be an F.

Resit exam: Students will be given one opportunity to submit a reworked version of the portfolio assignment(s) for which an F was awarded.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A-F

All exam papers are assessed by two examiners. At least 15 % of the exams will be assessed by an external examiner. The remaining papers will be assessed by two internal examiners. The external examiner's assessment should benefit all students.