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RDGY40520

Academic Year 2024/2025

Technology of Magnetic Resonance Imaging I (RDGY40520)

Subject:
Radiography
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Medicine
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Allison McGee
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
Module Type:
Clinical Module
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module aims to enable students to develop specialised knowledge and understanding of the physical theories and principles underlying current Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology, thus encouraging a encouraging more informed clinical scanning practice. Topics addressed include: magnetism, resonance and MR signal generation, MR system hardware, spin echo-based and inversion recovery pulse sequence design, MR image weighting and contrast, and an introduction to MR contrast agents, artefacts, scanning features and basic safety in the MR environment.

Teaching methods include lectures and tutorials, with student learning further reinforced during compulsory clinical placements in an MRI department.

The assessment strategy comprises a mid-trimester written assignment together with an end-of-trimester written examination. Students who are unsuccessful at the first attempt of the EoT examination will be afforded an opportunity to resit the module during the Spring trimester. Details of the relevant timelines for this will be provided to students at the start of the trimester.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge Outcomes:
Students will be learning across the MR technology-related themes of MR image generation, MR equipment hardware, functional options and image quality. On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:
K1) Use scientific concepts to explain the physical processes that underpin MR signal generation and image formation.
K2) Appraise the components and operating principles of MR scanning equipment.
K3) Critically evaluate the pulse sequence characteristics & associated parameters that influence MR image quality.
K4) Evaluate and optimise the application of MR technology within the clinical setting.

Professional Skills & Competence Outcomes:
The module will facilitate the development of skills that will enhance clinical professional practice. On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:
S1) Develop skills to optimise the safe and appropriate use of MR technology to enhance image quality.

Attitudes & Quality / Personal Development Outcomes:
The module aims to foster the development of skills that will enable the student to contribute more effectively as a member of the healthcare team. On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:
A1) Present scientific and technical information accurately and succinctly.

Indicative Module Content:

Topics addressed include: magnetism, resonance and MR signal generation, MR system hardware, pulse sequence design, MR image weighting and contrast, and an introduction to the principles and applications of MR contrast agents, artefacts, scanning features and safety in the MR environment.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

31

Tutorial

3

Specified Learning Activities

26

Autonomous Student Learning

80

Placement/Work Experience

60

Total

200


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The teaching and learning approaches used in this module include: lectures, interactive, student-directed large- and small-group tutorials focusing on the applications and implications of selected aspects of MR technology to clinical MR scanning practice. Student learning is also reinforced during requisite clinical placement hours undertaken in an MRI department.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

To undertake this module, students are normally required to have successfully completed the following prior to commencing the Graduate Diploma or MSc MRI programmes:
1) BSc Radiography degree or equivalent academic award;
2) at least one year of post-qualification experience in General Radiography/ Imaging;
3) a minimum of four months clinical experience in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) department;
4) a Clinical Hours Declaration Form signed by the RSM as evidence of the agreement with a clinical MRI department to provide practical experience in MRI scanning over the duration of the Graduate Diploma (minimum 700 hours) or MSc MRI (minimum 900 hours) programme as appropriate.

For applicants from other professional groups, the following will apply:
1) applicants will be considered on individual merit;
2) written evidence of an agreement with a clinical MR imaging department to provide placement to enable the applicant to meet the module learning outcomes.

International students should contact the Academic Programme Director to discuss their prior clinical experience requirements.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Written assignment based on a topic addressed during the module Week 6 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40

No
Exam (In-person): 2-hour written examination based on topics addressed during the module End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Mid-Trimester Assignment: Class-level feedback identifying key strengths and areas for improvement will be provided via Brightspace within 20 working days after the submission deadline for the assigned coursework. Individual feedback based on a grading rubric will follow. End-of-Trimester Written Examination: Class-level feedback identifying key strengths, common errors and areas for improvement will be provided at the start of the Spring Trimester once provisional results have been made available to students via SIS Web. Individual feedback will be provided upon request.

Name Role
Ms Andrea Cradock Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Marie-Louise Ryan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer