WEEKEND EDUCATIONAL COURSE
MR Physics for Physicists
ORGANIZERS: Michael H. Buonocore, M.D., Ph.D., John P. Mugler, III, Ph.D. & Jürgen R. Reichenbach, Ph.D.
 
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate-Advanced
Saturday, 5 May 2012
OVERVIEW
This one-day course describes physical models and mathematical methods that underlie research and development for MR imaging and spectroscopy. It will provide knowledge that is required to participate in MR research and development, as well as a more complete understanding of the physics and mathematical foundations of MRI and MRS needed to advance either clinical practice or research projects. Lectures cover spins and magnetization, imaging equations, contrast generation, and imaging physics -- topics essential for MR scientists and valuable for MR physicians. Each 25-minute didactic lecture will be given by an accomplished PhD scientist-teacher and is followed by a 5-minute discussion. As in all weekend courses, informal “Meet the Teachers” breaks are provided throughout the program.
 
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course participants should be able to:
Explain models and equations used to describe spin and magnetization dynamics;
Identify equations that describe equilibrium magnetization in common pulse sequences;
Compare methods for generating image contrast reflecting tissue composition and structure;
Describe unique physical and mathematical approaches used to solve imaging challenges; and
Describe the physics of using MRI to image and quantify electrical properties of tissue.
 
AUDIENCE DESCRIPTION
The course is designed for PhD candidates and recent PhD graduates in physics, chemistry, applied mathematics, and engineering, as well as established physicians and PhD scientists. The individual who is likely to benefit most from the course will have recently completed a graduate educational program in MR physics, chemistry, applied mathematics or engineering. An individual with several years of direct clinical experience using MRI, or research and development experience in MRI, but without prior formal training in MR physical models and mathematical methods, will also benefit.

PROGRAM

Click on to view the abstract pdf. Click on to view the recorded presentation.
  Moderators: Michael H. Buonocore, M.D., Ph.D., John P. Mugler, III, Ph.D. & Jürgen R. Reichenbach, Ph.D.
     
  Spins & Magnetization  
08:30 Quantum Mechanical Descriptions of the Spin - RF Coil Interaction Frank Engelke, Ph.D.
09:00 Spin Density Formalism & Its Use in MRS Kevin W. Waddell, Ph.D.
09:30 Signal Pathways & Applications in Pulse Sequence Development Reed F. Busse, Ph.D.
     
10:00 Break - Meet the Teachers  
     
  Imaging Equations  
10:30 Transverse Magnetization Manipulation in GRE Sequences Yuval Zur, Ph.D.
11:00 Efficient Chemical Shift Exploitation Including Fat/Water Separation Arend Heerschap, Ph.D.
11:30 Theory & Practice in 2D-NMR Spectroscopic Imaging Christoph Juchem, Ph.D.
     
12:00 Break  
  12:00-12:15 Meet the Teachers  
     
  Contrast Generation  
13:30 Balanced SSFP & Modifications for Unique Contrast Karla L. Miller, Ph.D.
14:00 Phase Contrast to Probe Tissue Composition & Structure Dmitriy A. Yablonskiy, Ph.D.
14:30 Quantification of MT Effects & Quantitative MT Imaging John G. Sled, Ph.D.
     
15:00 Break - Meet the Teachers  
     
15:30 Quantification of Temperature Change with MRI Baudouin Denis de Senneville, Ph.D.
     
  Imaging Physics  
16:00 Theory & Practice of Imaging Near Metal Implants Michael Carl, Ph.D.
16:30 Novel Methods & Models for B1 Mapping Hans-Peter Fautz, Ph.D.
17:00 Field/Tissue Interactions in MRI: Simulating Effects on Signal, Noise, Safety & Artifacts Christopher M. Collins, Ph.D.
17:30 Electrical Conductivity Imaging R. Todd Constable, Ph.D.
     
18:00 Adjournment  
  18:00-18:15 Meet the Teachers