88004 - Physics of Medical Imaging

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will develop an understanding of the physics principles underlying the main imaging techniques (X-ray, nuclear medicine, ultrasounds)and an awareness of their clinical applications. He/she will also possess the necessary physics background that underpins day-to-day medical imaging physics activities, with the possibility of practicing with some of the techniques in laboratory sessions. In particular, the student will be able to: - design and characterize an acquisition system for medical imaging; - use digital image processing software; - characterize and optimize the components of a detection system through Monte Carlo simulation techniques; - design and realize procedures for evaluating and improving the image quality of medical imaging systems.

Course contents

- Introduction to Medical Imaging

- Image quality

- Planar imaging: radiography, mammography, fluoroscopy

- Computed Tomography (CT)

- Nuclear imaging: gamma camera, emission tomography, radionuclide production, radiopharmaceuticals, internal dosimetry

- Tomographic reconstruction algorithms

- Ultrasound imaging

Readings/Bibliography

PPT slides of the class lectures.

The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging, Jerrold T. Bushberg, J. Anthony Seibert, Edwin M. Leidholdt, Jr., and John M. Boone

Webb's Physics of Medical Imaging 2nd Edition, M A Flower, CRC Press

Teaching methods

Lectures, lab practice.

In order to attend the training sessions, all students are required prior attendance of e-learning modules 1 and 2 on health and safety in workplaces

Assessment methods

Report on the lab experiences.
Final examination: discussion of the lab reports and oral interview.

Teaching tools

Monte Carlo program for transporting radiation in matter.

Office hours

See the website of Nico Lanconelli