Advanced MR Physics 2

This advanced MRI course builds on the course Advanced MR Physics 1. It focusses on MR imaging methods and applications. The mathematical and physical framework laid down in AMRP 1 is used to focus on MR imaging methods and applications: fast spin- and gradient-echo imaging, spectroscopy, MR angiography, perfusion, diffusion and susceptibility weighted imaging and quantification, scan acceleration techniques.

After completing the course, the participant:

• understands the physical origin of the treated topics in terms of the underlying NMR signal
• understands and can mathematically describe the methods used for spin excitation, spatial encoding and related image reconstruction of the treated topics
• understands and can mathematically describe the methods for generating the contrast weighting of the treated topics;
• can derive optimal scan parameter settings in terms of signal-to-noise-ratio, contrast weighting, scan duration, etc.
• understands the quantification methods of various physiological quantities and processes covered in the treated topics

Scientists and engineers (STEM domain) with basic knowledge of MRI, who want to develop a deeper understanding of MRI physics.

In total, 14 sessions of 2-3 hours, 2 per week, on the same day, during February - April.

Exam / final assessment at the end of the course: 16 April 2027.

This course takes a blended learning approach. Recorded lectures will be available to prepare for interactive face-to-face lectures and tutorial sessions on-campus.

For the lectures (morning sessions) attendance is highly recommended; the tutorial sessions in the afternoon are mandatory.

Alongside these, participants are expected to dedicate approximately 8-10 hours per week to self-study, individual assignments. Questions on theory and exercises can be posted on the appropriate forum on the university digital learning environment (UU Teams) or asked during the lectures or tutorials. The exam will be on location (i.e. not online).

General questions

For general questions, please contact:

Content questions

For specific questions about the course content, please contact:

Assumed previous knowledge:

• Advanced MR Physics 1

• Please note: bring your laptop (with matlab installed) to all practical sessions
• Hand-outs and additional reading material provided by the lecturers
• Handbook of MRI Pulse Sequences; Bernstein, Matt A.; Elsevier Academic Press
  Please note that the book is available as an e-book (download) on the website of Utrecht University Library.
• Magnetic resonance imaging: Physical principles and sequence design; Robert W. Brown, et al.; John Wiley & Sons, New York, 2nd Edition
  Please note that the book is available as an e-book (download) on the website of Utrecht University Library.
• In Vivo NMR Spectroscopy: Principles and Techniques, de Graaf et al, 3rd Edition
  Please note that the book is available as an e-book (download) on the website of Utrecht University Library.
• MRI from Picture to Proton – 3rd Edition; Donald W. McRobbie et al

Please note that this course is part of the existing MSc and PhD programs Medical Imaging within the Graduate School of Life Sciences.

Tuitition fees may alter during the year.