RADT 281 Principles of Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This course is an introduction to the physical principles of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), basic imaging parameters, image formation, and instrumentation. Fundamental principles covered include magnetism, MR pulse sequences, MR parameters and image weighting, 2D and 3D data acquisition, encoding, image processing, image artifacts, and quality assurance. Operation and use of equipment, radiofrequency systems, gradient systems, and data acquisition and processing systems are also presented.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

Permission from the radiologic technology chair based on qualifications

Hours Weekly

4 hours theory weekly

Course Objectives

1. Demonstrate basic patient care skills including protocol selection, contrast administration, contraindications, and acquisition of informed consent to ensure patient safety.
2. Identify the major hardware components in MRI and explain the functions of the primary magnet, the radiofrequency (RF) and the gradient systems.
3. State the Larmor equation and describe the appearance of net magnetization on a vector diagram.
4. Identify intrinsic and extrinsic MR parameters and parameters tradeoff.
5. Explain the difference between T1, T2 and T2* relaxation and their impact on image weighting.

Course Objectives

1. Demonstrate basic patient care skills including protocol selection, contrast administration, contraindications, and acquisition of informed consent to ensure patient safety.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • MR safety video

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • MR safety compentency

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Radiologic (X-Ray) Technology - A.A.S. Degree (Career)

   1. Practice as clinically competent entry-level technologists.

2. Identify the major hardware components in MRI and explain the functions of the primary magnet, the radiofrequency (RF) and the gradient systems.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Final exam

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course grading rubric

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Radiologic (X-Ray) Technology - A.A.S. Degree (Career)

   2. Demonstrate positioning skills.

3. State the Larmor equation and describe the appearance of net magnetization on a vector diagram.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Final exam

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course grading rubric
4. Identify intrinsic and extrinsic MR parameters and parameters tradeoff.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Parameters tradeoff activity

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Tradeoff grading rubric
5. Explain the difference between T1, T2 and T2* relaxation and their impact on image weighting.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Final exam

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course grading rubric