Florida International University - College of Engineering – Department of Biomedical Engineering – Miami
BME 4XXX
Medical Imaging
Catalog Description: Fundamentals of major imaging modalities including x-ray radiology, x-ray
computed tomography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear imaging (PET and
SPECT), and optical imaging.
Course Objectives: The course is oriented towards introducing the fundamentals of various
medical imaging modalities to undergraduate biomedical engineers. The objectives of this course are
to: (i) understand the basic principles and physics behind the major and emerging medical imaging
modalities, which include x-ray radiology, x-ray computed tomography, ultrasonography, magnetic
resonance imaging, nuclear imaging (positron emission tomography, PET and Single Photon
Emission Computed Tomography, SPECT), and optical imaging; (ii) understand the engineering and
instrumentation developed over the years in each of the imaging modality; (iii) perform image
analysis using mathematical tools such as differential equations, calculus, and Fourier Transforms,
and basic physics principles; (iv) develop team work abilities and creativity skills through projects,
and active class discussions; and (v) generate interest in students to pursue research in biomedical
imaging-related areas.
Learning Outcomes: The outcomes of the course is to be able to: (i) apply the physics of radiation
transport in different imaging modalities; (ii) perform image analysis using advanced mathematical
tools; (iii) the design imaging instruments used for diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics; and
(iv) develop/improve team work abilities, independent research skills, and communication skills
through group projects and class participation.
Major Topics:
Introduction to Radiation Physics
Physics of different imaging modalities: x-ray radiation, x-ray computed tomography,
ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear imaging, and optical imaging
Physics of contrast-aided imaging modalities
Applications of different imaging modalities, including advantages and drawbacks of each modality.
Instrumentation of different imaging modalities
Image analysis techniques
Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor
Textbook: None
Reference Texts:
1. Foundations of Medical Imaging - by Z. H. Cho, Joie P. Jones, Manbir Singh, JohnWiley & Sons, Inc., 1993.
2. The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging (2nd Edition) – by Jerrold T. Bushberg, J.
Anthony Seibert, Edwin M. Leidholdt Jr., John M. Boone, Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins, 2001.
Florida International University - College of Engineering – Department of Biomedical Engineering – Miami
Program Educational Objectives:
BME 4XXX
Medical Imaging
Show the program objectives that are directly supported by this course and briefly describe how
each objective is achieved relative to course topics and practices employed in the course.
Biomedical Engineering Program
Educational Objectives
1. Broad and in-depth knowledge of biology,
physiology and engineering science and
principles in the major fields of Biomedical
Engineering, including transport, mechanics
and instrumentation for effective
engineering practice, professional growth,
and as a base for life-long learning;
2. Ability to apply advanced mathematics
(including differential equations and
statistics), science, and engineering to solve
problems at the interface of engineering and
biology;
3. Ability to make measurements on and
interpret data from living systems,
addressing the problems associated with the
interaction between living and non-living
materials and systems;
4. Ability to utilize analytical and experimental
methods and modern computer technology
for decision-making and engineering design
and to solve realistic biomedical engineering
problems;
Mark X
if
Applies
X
Description
Fundamentals of different medical
imaging modalities, which will be
taught in the current course, provide
a broad and introductory knowledge
of imaging to biomedical engineers.
X
Design of imaging instruments and
image analysis involves advance
mathematics (differential equations
and calculus) and engineering
principles.
--
--
X
5. Ability to work effectively with others in a
team while simultaneously maintaining
independent and creative thought;
X
6. The ability to communicate effectively and
to articulate technical matters using verbal,
written, and graphic techniques;
X
7. An adequate background to pursue graduate
studies in engineering and other fields and
occupations;
X
8. A sense of professional and social
responsibility, including a commitment to
protect both occupational and public health
X
Image
analysis
requires
the
understanding and derivation of
fundamental imaging principles,
related to biomedical engineering
problems.
Group projects will be assigned to
the students as a term paper, where
team work abilities will be required,
and
individual
contributions
highlighted
(to maintain the
independent creative thought).
Class participation, homeworks,
projects,
exams,
and
class
presentations will assess and improve
the communication skills.
The introductory course lays a strong
foundation to pursue future graduate
students in medical imaging-related
research areas (which currently exist
in the department)
Practical applications of biomedical
imaging related to human health,
such as cancer diagnosis, prognosis,
Florida International University - College of Engineering – Department of Biomedical Engineering – Miami
and safety, development through
consideration of moral, social, and ethical
paradigms related to the engineering
profession and practice.
and therapeutics, and neuro-imaging
will be highlighted, thus increasing
the awareness of medical imaging
and its significance to human health.
BME 4XXX
Medical Imaging
Program Educational Outcomes:
Show the program outcomes that are directly achieved by this course and describe how each
outcome is achieved in terms of specific tools employed in the course.
Biomedical Engineering Program
Educational Outcomes
Mark X
if
Applies
a. Ability to apply knowledge of
mathematics, science, and engineering.
X
b. Ability to design and conduct
experiments, as well as to analyze and
interpret data.
X
c. Ability to design a system, component,
or process to meet desired needs.
X
d. Ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
X
e. Ability to identify, formulate, and
solve engineering problems.
X
f. Understanding of professional and
ethical responsibility.
X
g. Ability to communicate effectively.
X
Description
The students will be able to correlate
physics and mathematical principles
involved in the science of different
medical imaging modalities.
Intepretation of the images and analysis
will be carried out for different imaging
modalities
The fundamental principles of biomedical
imaging taught in relation to various
modalities and their instruments, will
enable students to design basic imaging in
their research projects as well as lay a
foundation for their future research
studies related to medical imaging.
In real world, imaging is everywhere. The
students will be able to realize and apply
the fundamentals of imaging to multidisciplinary
areas
of
biomedical
engineering and beyond.
Having oriented the students in the
fundamentals and engineering design of
basic biomedical imaging, the students
will be able to identify and solve imagingrelated engineering problems that arise in
their research projects.
Team work in group projects, involving
individual contributions, will help the
students face a professional challenge and
responsibility to realize the difference
between team work abilities and
independent skills.
Active class participation will improve the
Florida International University - College of Engineering – Department of Biomedical Engineering – Miami
h. Broad education necessary to
understand the impact of engineering
solutions in a global and societal
context.
i. Recognition of the need for, and an
ability to engage in, life long learning.
X
j. Knowledge of contemporary issues.
--
k. Ability to use the techniques, skills,
and modern engineering tools
necessary for engineering practice.
X
l. Knowledge of probability and
statistics, including applications to
Biomedical Engineering.
--
m. Knowledge of mathematics and of
basic and engineering science
necessary to carry out analysis and
design appropriate to Biomedical
Engineering.
X
n. Ability to apply advanced mathematics
through multivariable calculus and
differential equations.
X
communication skills of the students to
question, reason, and discuss the physics
and engineering of imaging.
From the practical applications of
biomedical imaging that would be taught
in class, the students will have a broad
perspective in terms of understanding the
significance of imaging to the society.
Recognizing the practical applications of
imaging in every aspect of engineering
and science related to biological systems
and beyond, as taught in the class, the
students can develop an interest to relate
to medical imaging in their future
career(s).
-Basics of imaging applied to biomedical
engineering will in itself enable the
students to apply the fundamentals in
their engineering practice.
-Students will be able to use and improve
upon their application of mathematical
tools, which bridge the gap between
imaging and its physics, to appropriately
design imaging instruments in biomedical
engineering.
Designing of imaging instruments and
understanding the physics behind any
given imaging modality will enable the
students to apply advance mathematics
and calculus to biomedical engineering
applications.