MRI: Theory, Applications and Practice

Module title	MRI: Theory, Applications and Practice
Module code	PAMM123
Academic year	2025/6
Credits	30
Module staff	Ms Sue McAnulla (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	6	12	6

Number students taking module (anticipated)	25

Module description

This module will enhance your understanding of the role Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays in the clinical setting. It will build in the knowledge gained in the Scientific Principles of MRI module and will consider how MRI is tailored to meet the needs of individual patients whilst investigating a range of different conditions as well as the role it plays in the patient pathway.

Module aims - intentions of the module

You will learn how to apply your scientific understanding of MRI to a range of clinical applications, learning how MRI protocols are designed and adapted for a range of common clinical indications. You will learn about anatomy and common pathologies as demonstrated on MRI images and gain understanding of the relative role MRI plays in the patient pathway. You will learn about quality assurance in MRI, how to identify common artefacts and the steps taken to either eliminate or minimise them. You will also discover, drawing on the evidence base, how to provide person centred care when practicing within this modality. You will also undertake a practice placement that will further enable you to understand how to apply theory to practice.

This module will further develop your understanding of the practicalities of utilising the evidence base within practice whilst considering any logistical challenges and will enable you to explore strategies to improve the integration / translation of knowledge to improve your practice. 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. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of quality assurance including quality control, audit and other quality measures.
2. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of appropriate protocol selection including selection and modification of parameters.
3. Understand the cause of artefacts and be able to identify potential solutions.
4. Exhibit comprehensive knowledge and understanding of normal anatomy, developmental anatomy and anatomical variants as seen on MRI images for a range of procedures.
5. Evaluate clinical indications, altered physiology and pathological findings as seen on MRI images across a range of procedures.
6. Evaluate the role of MRI in various clinical indications and its impact upon the patient pathway.
7. Critically evaluate the evidence base to inform communication and general care strategies for the full spectrum of likely patients, service users and carers.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

8. Develop a command of relevant IT packages for image viewing of MRI imaging.
9. Synthesise and critically evaluate information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of theory and practice.

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

10. Reflect on development of underpinning theoretical knowledge and ability to apply theory to practice.
11. Critically reflect on personal practice to allow for personal development and change.
12. Contribute, collaborate and communicate accurately and effectively with peers, colleagues and / or service users.and carers.

Syllabus plan

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

Quality Assurance

Quality control tests routinely performed in MRI
Role of audit in MRI
Other quality measures in MRI
Reportable incidents, the role of the MHRA

Protocol Selection

Range of common protocols, typical clinical indications, choice and modification of parameters, image post-processing
Role of contrast / medicines used in MRI within a range of protocols

Common Artefacts

Common artefacts in MRI
Artefact reduction, elimination, reporting

Anatomy

Anatomy, developmental anatomy and anatomical variants on a range of MRI images

Pathology

Range of clinical indications that justify MRI examinations
Range of physiological processes and how these manifest on MRI images
Range of pathologies on MRI examinations
The relative role MRI plays in the patient pathway for a range of procedures

Person-centred care

Paediatrics
Trauma patients
Unconscious patients
Non-co-operative patients
Carers and comforters
Inclusive pregnancy screening
Safety screening and safe administration (contrast / medicines used in MRI)
Aftercare

Practice Placement

Pre-placement:

Mandatory training to comply with NHS / placement site requirements (including basic life support, mandatory e-learning modules, moving and handling, infection prevention and control)

Entire placement:

Safe and effective practice, including radiation protection, MRI safety, contrast agent safety.

Person centred care

Effective communication and interprofessional team working

Identify normal, normal variant and developmental anatomy and pathology

Magnetic Resonance Imaging placement (4 weeks)

Routine positioning / departmental protocols in MRI

Role of contrast media and other medicines in MRI

Image processing and post-processing in MRI

General Radiography placement (1 week)

Routine general radiography positioning / departmental protocols

Modification of approach, technique and exposure factors

Image a range of patients including paediatrics, frail and trauma patients

Identify need for additional projections and / or escalation due to image appearances

The University defines academic credit in terms of workload, with one credit being equal to a notional 10 hours of learning. However, due to the amount of time required for a clinical placement, and the fact that the placement necessarily runs outside of standard university terms, this approach cannot be followed for placement modules in radiography. Therefore the hours given are a closer reflection of the amount of time spent on placement, although they should still be considered indicative.

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
53	247	150

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Practice Placement	150	Placement learning. Attendance requirements as stated in placement paperwork
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	49	Synchronous learning including lectures, seminars, flipped classrooms, workshops, placement tutorial
Guided independent study	166	Discussion forums, directed reading and resources, preparation for assessment
Guided independent study	81	Independent critical analysis / evaluation to develop knowledge and understanding
Mandatory training	4	Pre-clinical preparation (mandatory training)

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
A4 draft	A4 draft	1-9	Written

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
Portfolio of clinical practice (P/F)	0	N/A	1-12	Written
Coursework	100	3,000 words	1-9	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
Portfolio of clinical practice (0%)	Portfolio of clinical practice	1-12	Typically within 6 weeks of the result
Coursework (100%)	Coursework (100%)	1-9	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.
Carver, E., Carver, B., & Knapp, K. (Eds.). (2021). Carvers’ Medical imaging (Third edition.). Elsevier.
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
- Recommendations for cross-sectional imaging in cancer management, 3^rd edition
- Sedation, analgesia and anaesthesia in the radiology department, 2^nd edition
- The radiological investigation of suspected physical abuse in children
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
- Forensic and Post-Mortem Radiography Guidance
- Stroke imaging services: guidance and advice

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

NICE guidelines, clinical knowledge summaries and advice. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance

Medical Imaging Handbook:
- Medical Imaging Code of Conduct for Practice Placements.
- Medical Imaging Supervision Policy.

Key words search

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI, Clinical Applications, Enhanced Practice

Credit value	30
Module ECTS	15
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	PAMM116: Scientific Principles of MRI
NQF level (module)	7
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	03/03/2025
Last revision date	03/03/2025