CE3968: Medical Imaging and the Human Body

School Continuing and Professional Education
Department Code LEARN
Module Code CE3968
External Subject Code 100419
Number of Credits 10
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Zbigniew Sobiesierski
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2015/6

Outline Description of Module

Up until the 20th century, our understanding of human anatomy came largely from dissection. Beginning with a brief history of anatomy, this module examines how the application of x-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance and other imaging techniques have allowed us to delve inside the body in different ways, and so develop a more detailed understanding of a variety of body functions and conditions. METHODS OF TEACHING: Lectures, discussions and class exercises (20 contact hours). METHODS OF ASSESSMENT: coursework (50%). Written class test (50%).

On completion of the module a student should be able to

Knowledge and Understanding:

  • have knowledge of the range of different medical imaging techniques currently in use (X-ray CT scans, ultrasound, MRI and f-MRI, ECG, EEG and MEG, PET, uses and application of ionising radiation and radioactive materials)
  • exhibit knowledge of the scientific discovers which led to the development of different imaging techniques
  • show an understanding of the underlying mechanism/process that different techniques rely on or use
  • have an increased awareness of the acceptable level of risks associated with different imaging techniques

How the module will be delivered

10 X 2 hour lectures/ group work.

20 contact hours.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Intellectual Skills:

  •  integrate information provided in lectures, taught sessions and private study
  • present ideas and arguments effectively and coherently in written form, and to communicate them in oral presentations, as appropriate

Transferable Skills:

  • initiate and direct their own learning
  • communicate ideas effectively in written form
  • assemble information and draw appropriate conclusions from it

How the module will be assessed

Formative assignments will take the form of exercises based on material covered in taught sessions and students private studies.

 Summative assessment will take the form of a written assignment, together with a class test.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 100 Coursework N/A

Syllabus content

A brief history of anatomy 

The development and appliance of medical instruments.  The composition of the human body. 

X-rays: discovery, origin, and early uses of mobile x-ray machines for TB diagnosis. CT scans. 

Electricity: from electric therapy to ECG and EEG. 

Magnetism: from Mesmer to MEG, MRI and f-MRI.  Relation between T1 , T2 relaxation times and tissue contrast. 

From sonar to ultrasound, ultrasound for imaging and therapy. 

Radioactivity: natural and artificial sources, alpha, beta and gamma radiation. Sources of general radiation exposure in the UK.  Functional imaging with radioisotopes. 

Interaction of ionising radiation and range of charged particles. PET (Positron Emission Tomography). 

Assessing safety, evolution of acceptable levels of risk. 

Medical Imaging and the Electromagnetic Spectrum.

Bioinformatics: fingerprints, dental records and eye scans.


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