Scientific Principles of MRI

Module title	Scientific Principles of MRI
Module code	PAMM116
Academic year	2025/6
Credits	15
Module staff	Mr Daniel Williamson (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	12

Number students taking module (anticipated)	25

Module description

This module will introduce more scientific and technical depth around concepts relating specifically to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) You will develop further knowledge and understanding of the underlying theoretical principles behind the equipment and technical aspects involved in MRI as well as further understanding of key parameters that influence image quality and examination type.

Module aims - intentions of the module

You will gain essential knowledge of the science and technology underpinning MRI as used in current clinical practice. This module aims to give you sufficient grounding in the scientific and technological aspects of MRI as a way of preparing you for further study relating to clinical aspects of MRI. Elements of this module may map against aspects of Enhanced or Advanced Practice as defined by the relevant AHP frameworks (NHSE) and / or as defined by the College of Radiographers’ Education and Career Framework 2023.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Explain the physical and scientific principles on which image formation is based for MRI.
2. Discuss the parameters used in MRI in depth, including impact on image quality and examination time.
3. By the end of the module students will be able to evaluate MRI equipment design and functionality.
4. Evaluate image optimisation approaches in MRI.
5. Explain the principles of safety (including MRI safety, MRI contrast media and other medicines used in MRI) and reflect on associated constraints placed upon practice.
6. Synthesise knowledge of developments within MRI including those relating to sustainability and artificial intelligence.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

7. Use appropriate sources of information to develop own knowledge.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

8. Manage time and, with guidance, prioritise workloads.

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:

Physical and scientific principles of MRI

Principles of MRI image formation: slice selection, phase and frequency encoding, k-space, 3D scanning
Principles of MRI pulse families: gradient echo, spin echo, commonly used pulse sequences
Digital imaging software features including post processing and reformatting applications, secure handling and archiving

Parameters

Explanation of key MRI parameters, including influence on image weighting, image quality, specific absorption rate (SAR) and scan time

MRI Equipment

MRI field strength and magnet design
MRI hardware and scanner design; gradient coils, slew rates
MRI receive and transmit:receive coils

MRI Optimisation Techniques

Scan protocol optimisation e.g. SAR considerations, protocol length etc.
Optimising use of contrast
Role of post-processing techniques (manual and automated)

MRI Safety

Static magnetic field (translational and rotational forces)
Time varying magnetic field (induced voltage, auditory considerations, thermal heating)
Implant safety: passive implants
Implant safety: active implants
Safety: ancillary equipment
Department design & siting considerations
Gadolinium based contrast agents – design and safe use
Intravenous administration; safety considerations, safe use of pump injectors
Other medicines used in MRI

MRI Developments and Considerations

Role of AI in MRI
Technological advances in MRI
Sustainability in MRI

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
20	130	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	10	Synchronous learning including lectures, seminars, workshops
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	10	Asynchronous learning via online learning resources e.g. quizzes, video masterclasses, worksheets
Guided independent learning	30	Discussion forums, directed reading and resources, preparation for assessment
Guided independent study	100	Independent critical analysis / evaluation to develop knowledge and understanding

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Peer review of draft outline of presentation	5 minutes	1-8	Verbal

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Presentation	100	30 minutes	1-8	Written

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Presentation (100%)	Presentation (100%)	1-8	Typically within 6 weeks of the result.

Re-assessment notes

If you pass re-assessments taken as a result of deferral, your re-assessment will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment and the overall module mark will not be capped.

If you pass re-assessments taken as a result of referral (i.e. following initial failure in the assessment), the overall module mark will be capped at 50%.

If you fail re-assessments taken as a result of referral (i.e. following initial failure in the assessment), you will be failed in the module.

Please also refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

e-library books

McRobbie, D. W., Moore, E. A., Graves, M. J., & Prince, M. R. (2017). MRI from Picture to Proton (Third edition.). Cambridge University Press.
McRobbie, D. W. (2020). Essentials of MRI safety (First edition). Wiley.
Westbrook, C., Talbot, J., & Roth, C. K. (2019). MRI in practice. (Fifth edition / Catherine Westbrook, EdD, MSc, FHEA, PgC (Learning & Teaching), DCRR, CTC, John Talbot, EdD, MSc, FHEA, PgC (Learning & Teaching), DCRR.). Wiley Blackwell.
Laurent, S. (2017). MRI contrast agents: from molecules to particles. Springer.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
- Safety Guidelines for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Equipment in Clinical Use
Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) guidelines:
- Guidance on gadolinium-based contrast agent administration to adult patients
Joint RCR and Society of Radiographers Publications
- Position statement for patients who are breastfeeding who require a CT or MRI with contrast
- CIB position statement on the use of localiser images
Society of Radiographers guidelines:
- Safety in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

Other resources:

Greener Allied Health Professional Hub: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ahp/greener-ahp-hub/
European Federation of Radiographer Societies: https://www.efrs.eu/webinars recorded webinars including on Artificial Intelligence (UoE students gain membership of the EFRS for the duration of their studies)
Web based calculators – MRI: https://drdonaldmcrobbie.com/category/tools-and-calculators/

Key words search

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Enhanced Practice, Scientific Principles, Cross-sectional imaging

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module co-requisites	PAMM123; MRI Theory, Applications and Practice (MSci pathway) PAMM118; MRI Theory and Applications (MSc pathway)
NQF level (module)	7
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	04/03/2025