Postgraduate Biomedical Physics 2014-2015

This course provides instruction in the basic physics and engineering principles of imaging techniques used in medicine. It also provides an overview of the range of applications of imaging techniques in the modern medical environment. The course covers Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography, Radiodiagnosis (X-ray imaging), Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasound Imaging.

Aims:

• To demonstrate the application of engineering principles to help in the understanding of the human body and to provide aid with medical problems.

• To provide an introduction to modern electronics and some of its applications in medicine.

The first part of the course covers bioengineering, and clinical applications of electronics including ECG and blood pressure measurement, pacemakers, defibrillation and surgical diathermy. This is followed by lectures from specialist engineers, illustrating the wide variety of applications of engineering in medicine. Topics covered include cochlear implant technology, advanced “bionic” prosthetics, electrophysiology of the eye, and gait analysis.

Aims:

·         To provide a basic introduction to the operation of computer hardware and software.

·         To show the range of computing tools and how to use them in a scientific context.

·         To introduce the principles of computer programming in a practical environment.

·         To introduce students to the applications of computing in the clinical context.

The use of computers is pervasive in medical physics. This course provides an introduction to underlying principles and practical examples of computing in medical physics.  Hands-on learning is provided to build confidence with computer software.

·         You will gain hands-on experience of a modern gamma camera during the practical. Departmental visits allow access to state-of-the-art imaging systems and radioisotope production facilities.

·         Lectures are delivered by experienced clinical staff and leading academics. They reflect current best clinical practice and provide content around research methods and analysis techniques. This ensures the course remains current and reflects the full range of applications of the technique.

·         It provides an overview of career possibilities in medical imaging applications of radiation and provides a knowledge base to make informed choices around future careers or study. 

The wide range of related subjects covered, including basic Magnetic Resonance Imaging theory, practical applications and hands on experience, gives you a broad understanding of Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

You will be in the advantageous position of learning in an environment that was pivotal in the early development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and continues to contribute to its development.

The lecturers will be academics who are leading researchers, to ensure the course content is rooted in today’s best practice and science.

This course covers electronic instrumentation used for physiological measurements in the hospital environment.  Students will gain in-depth understanding of technological and physiological processes in medical devices, and of the need for medical equipment management, including quality assurance, maintenance and safety testing. Students will also gain experience of designing, constructing and testing electronic circuits for physiological measurement.

• Includes both background theory and hands-on practical work, providing an excellent basis for a career working with images/imaging systems/image-related applications and techniques

• Covers both standard image processing methods (as a basis for general expertise) together with some of the major high level applications used in the Medical Imaging community (which will also provide bullet points on your experience portfolio)

• Provides coaching in practical skills using Matlab, ImageJ and similar tools, to develop your expertise in the rapid development of imaging applications

• Includes short project work, to develop your ability to tackle more significant (and therefore more realistic) standalone imaging-based problems

The Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection Deeper Study will give you to opportunity to learn about a wide range of diagnostic modalities used in clinical practice, such as computed and digital radiography, fluoroscopy, CT and mammography.  You will also learn about Radiation Protection legislation in the UK and how this is applied.  The course will include hands-on practical work in ARI where you will have the opportunity to use x-ray equipment and a variety of detectors.  This course provides a solid knowledge base for going on to work in a medical physics department.

• Aim.  Provide a computing skills toolbox for medical physicists. 

• Career benefit.  The use of computers is now so all-pervasive in medical physics that any student choosing to extend their computing knowledge should find it of benefit.

• Range of topics.  Including scientific computing, networking, administration, security, web, distributed computing.

• Practical application. The material is delivered in a variety of ways.  Hands-on practical work is included, so that on completion of the course, students should have confidence in the practical application of the skills thus acquired.  Individual research tasks enhance students’ literature review and presentation abilities.

This course comprises a research project, lasting approximately 13 weeks (including write-up time). The project is intended to encourage development of interest in a particular aspect of the overall field of study. The student will also develop an understanding of research methods and skills including information retrieval, planning a work schedule and organisation of a working routine. Other transferrable skills that will be developed include initiative and independent thought by the student as well as the communication skills required for production of a thesis and for delivery of an oral presentation on the project.