Educational Resources

Stanford Medical Imaging Graduate Courses

Here is a list of the numerous courses in medical imaging at Stanford. For MRI in particular, these include courses on MR physics, spectroscopy, contrast mechanisms, image reconstruction, RF pulse design, MR signals and sequences, and scanner programming.

Daniel Spielman’s Graduate Courses

A full understanding of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) requires knowledge beyond k-space and acquisition methods. RAD226a/b (crosslisted with BIOE326a/b) is a two-course sequence that covers fundamental aspects of in vivo magnetic resonance experiments unrelated to spatial localization and answers such questions as from where does the MR signal arise, how is it modified by in vivo processes, and how these processes can be exploited to generate tissue contrast and new biological information.

RAD226a/BIOE326a “In Vivo MR: Spin Physics and Spectroscopy”. Description: collections of identical independent nuclear spins are well described by the classical vector model of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), however, interactions among spins, as occur in many in vivo processes, require a more complete description. This course covers the basic physics and engineering principles of these interactions with emphasis on current research questions and clinical applications. Topics include density matrix theory, product operator formalism, in vivo spectroscopy, and multinuclear studies.

Prerequisites: familiarity with MRI and linear algebra. Offered: Winter, 3 units

RAD226b/BIOE326b "In Vivo MR: Relaxation Theory and Contrast Mechanisms". Description: the processes by which nuclear spins return to their equilibrium state is known as relaxation and involves a complex interplay between neighboring nuclei and electrons. In this course, we will develop the physics and mathematics underlying NMR relaxation theory and explore important medical applications including relaxation times in normal and diseased tissues, magnetization transfer contrast, T1rho, chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST), contrast agents, and molecular imaging probes.

Prerequisite: RAD226a. Offered: Spring, 3 units

Other MRI Physics Lectures

An assortment of lectures and other materials that may be of use in learning about MRI can be found under Education on the RSL Body MRI Group website.