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RDGY40540

Academic Year 2024/2025

Technology of Magnetic Resonance Imaging II (RDGY40540)

Subject:
Radiography
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Medicine
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Allison McGee
Trimester:
Spring
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 demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the physical principles and technological requirements underlying the more complex Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques, thus encouraging more informed clinical scanning practice. Topics addressed include: gradient echo-based MR pulse sequences, MR scanner functional options and associated system management, MR image artefacts - physical basis and avoidance strategies, physical principles of vascular MRI and the MR appearances of haemorrhage, MR contrast agent characteristics and safety profile, MR facility design and associated safety considerations.

Teaching methods include lectures and tutorials, with student learning further reinforced during clinical placement in an MRI department. Completion of the specified minimum number of MR clinical placement hours for this module is compulsory.

The assessment strategy comprises a mid-trimester assignment together with a must-pass end-of-trimester written examination. Students who are unsuccessful at the first attempt of the EoT examination will be afforded an opportunity to complete an in-module component repeat assessment prior to the School Programme Exam Board. 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 following MR technology-related themes: k-space & MR image formation, MR scanner functional options and scanning techniques, gradient-echo based MR pulse sequence design and applications, flow phenomena, MR angiography (non-contrast and contrast-enhanced techniques) , physical basis of the MR appearances of haemorrhage, contrast agent characteristics & safety profile, artefacts and image quality, QA, MR facility design, biological effects, MR safety, equipment functional options and facility management.

On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:
K1) Use scientific concepts to explain the principles and applications of k-space, gradient echo-based MR pulse sequences and MR imaging techniques, with particular focus on body and vascular imaging.
K2) Analyse the appearance, cause and avoidance strategies relative to MR image artefacts.
K3) Evaluate appropriate quality assurance (QA) tests for MR equipment.
K4) Appraise MR safety and facility design issues from diverse perspectives.
K5) Challenge and optimise the application of MR technology across a range of clinical contexts.

Professional Skills & Competence Outcomes:
The module will facilitate the development of skills that will enhance professional practice. On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:
S1) Develop skills to optimise the use of MR technology.
S2) Develop skills to evaluate and safely manage the MR system and its environment in the clinical setting.

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.
A2) Communicate information effectively to their peers.
A3) Make judgements in the suitability and safety of MR technology in given clinical contexts.

Indicative Module Content:

Topics addressed include: gradient-echo based MR pulse sequence design and applications, MR scanner functional options, MR image artefacts - physical basis and avoidance strategies, physical principles of vascular MRI and the MR appearances of haemorrhage, contrast agent characteristics and safety profile, MR equipment functional options & management strategies, MR facility design and associated safety considerations.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

29

Tutorial

3

Specified Learning Activities

28

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 MR scanning practice. Student learning is also reinforced during requisite clinical placements in an MRI department.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

To undertake this module and meet the specified learning outcomes, students are normally required to have studied the following two 10-credit modules over the course of the previous Trimester: Technology of MR I (RDGY 40520) and Practice of MRI I (RDGY 40530).


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): Critique of specified applications of MR technology and safety in clinical practice Week 8 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40

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

60

Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer 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 Written 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 Assignment: Class-level feedback identifying key strengths, common errors and areas for improvement will be provided at the start of the Summer Trimester, once provisional results have been made available to students via SIS Web. Individual feedback based on a grading rubric will be provided upon request.

Name Role
Ms Andrea Cradock Lecturer / Co-Lecturer