WEEKEND EDUCATIONAL COURSE
MR Physics for Physicists
ORGANIZERS: Michael H. Buonocore, M.D., Ph.D., Michael Markl, Ph.D. & Andrew G. Webb, Ph.D.
 
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate to Advanced
Saturday, 7 May 2011
OVERVIEW
This one-day course will explore the physical methods and mathematical models that underlie nearly all research and development in MRI and MR spectroscopy. Each lecture will be given by a Ph.D. scientist or engineer who has made significant contributions in their topic area, and who also has a reputation for being a good teacher. Lectures are provided in the general topics of spin physics, equations used to model the imaging process, tissue characterization and mapping of tissue parameters, and imaging with receiver and transmitter arrays. The course will consist of fourteen 25 minute lectures, with 5 minute discussion periods after each lecture. All speakers will be available for additional questions and discussion during 'meet the teachers' breaks in the course.
 
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course participants should be able to:
« Derive equations used to describe spin and magnetization dynamics;
 « Describe equations for modeling fast sequences and correcting motion artifacts;
 « Explain models and methods for mapping of tissue characteristics and parameters; and
 « Describe the physics for imaging with RF transmitter and receiver arrays.
Click on to view the abstract pdf and click on to view the video presentation.
     
  Moderators: Michael H. Buonocore, M.D., Ph.D. & Michael Markl, Ph.D.
  Spins & Magnetization  
08:30 The Proton Spin & Magnetic Moment & their Detection in MRI  Michael H. Buonocore, M.D., Ph.D.
09:00 Spin Density Matrix to Describe Spin Populations & Coherence Transfers  M. Albert Thomas, Ph.D.
09:30 Physical Mechanisms & Mathematical Models of Spectral-Edited MRS   Changho Choi, Ph.D.
10:00 Break  
  10:00 -10:15 Meet the Teachers  
     
  Imaging Equations  
10:30 Spin Phase Graphs & the Analysis of Echo Formation & Signal Contrast   Matthias Weigel, Ph.D.
11:00 Modeling of Fast Sequences Not in Equilibrium   Carl Ganter, Ph.D.
11:30 Equations for Imaging with Hyperpolarized Agents   Sean B. Fain, Ph.D.
12:00 Break  
  12:30 - 12:45 Meet the Teachers  
     
13:30 Mathematical Models for Retro- & Prospective Motion Correction   Maxim Zaitsev, Ph.D.
     
  Tissue Parameter Mapping  
14:00 Modern Methods for Accurate T1, T2 & Proton Density Mapping   Sean C. L. Deoni, Ph.D.
14:30 Contrast Mechanisms Using SSFP Sequences   Jongho Lee, Ph.D.
15:00 Break  
  15:00 - 15:15 Meet the Teachers  
     
15:30 Tissue Characterization Using MR Elastography   John B. Weaver, Ph.D.
16:00 Methods & Models for Assessing the Physical Characteristics of Short T2 & T2* Tissues   Michael Garwood, Ph.D.
     
  Imaging Physics  
16:30 Modeling, Mapping, & Application of RF Transmit Fields   Peter Börnert, Ph.D.
17:00 Optimal Coil Combination & Reconstruction Using Receiver Arrays   Felix Breuer, Ph.D.
17:30 Traveling Wave RF Excitation & Reception   David O. Brunner
18:00 Adjournment  
  18:00-18:15 Meet the Teachers