MORNING CATEGORICAL COURSE
Absolute Beginners' Guide to Anatomical and Functional MRI of the Human Brain

Organizers: Alan Connelly, Ph.D. and Chloe Hutton, Ph.D.
Skill Level: Basic

Tuesday 6 May, Wednesday 7 May, Thursday 8 May and Friday 9 May 2008

Overview:

In four one-hour sessions, this course will provide an introduction to how MRI of the human brain works. A different MRI technique will be presented on each day: quantitative MRI, diffusion, functional MRI, and perfusion.

Each topic will cover the neuroanatomical and physiological features relevant for the technique, the basic principles, underlying physics, and the most commonly used data acquisition and analysis methods.

Educational Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

  • Identify the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological parameters which are accessible to MR measurement;
  • Describe the underlying physics of MR neuroimaging techniques;
  • Describe the data acquisition and analysis techniques most commonly used for anatomical and functional MRI of the brain; and
  • Recognize the potential value of advances such as parallel imaging, fast imaging techniques and high magnetic field strengths for imaging the brain.

    Audience Description:

    This course is aimed at both new and experienced researchers and clinicians seeking a complete introduction to neuroimaging techniques. No prior knowledge of the methodology is required. Attendees will be a mix of Ph.D. students, postdoctoral students, clinicians and researchers. Clinicians who are interested in neuroimaging techniques and their applications could greatly benefit from this course.
      The final 10 minutes of each session will be reserved for questions  
         
    Tuesday    
    7:00 - 8:00 Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Quantitative MRI Ralf Deichmann, Ph.D.
         
    Wednesday    
    7:00 - 8:00 Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Diffusion MRI Derek K. Jones, Ph.D.
         
    Thursday    
    7:00 - 8:00 Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Functional MRI Peter A, Bandettini, Ph.D.
         
    Friday    
    7:00 - 8:00 Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Perfusion MRI Glyn Johnson, Ph.D.