Unit information: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Summer School in 2016/17

Unit name	Magnetic Resonance Imaging Summer School
Unit code	PSYCM0031
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Professor. Kauppinen
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Psychological Science
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit provides insight into current state-of-the art use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in basic and clinical research into the human brain. In addition to seminars by MR specialists (12 hours) this unit will also include a visit to an operational scanner housed within the Clinical Research and Imaging Centre of the University of Bristol (CRIC). Part B also provides opportunities for first-hand experience of data analysis on workstations housed within the School. The central aim of part B is to provide students with a critical perspective and understanding of magnetic resonance-based brain imaging techniques in the context of neuropsychological and neurological research.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Completion of the course will provide:

1. A deeper understanding of the advances in magnetic resonance imaging in scientific research and current limitations of the technique.

2. A capacity to think independently and generate novel theoretical positions.

3. An appreciation of the relationship between scientific and clinical research.

4. An understanding of mechanisms underlying brain function.

Teaching Information

Teaching will involve twelve seminars that will be led by internal and external research active academics with expertise in MRI and related technologies. Taught sessions will be supplemented by a visit to the MR facilities housed within CRIC, followed by an image analysis session on work stations in the School. Taught content will also include attendance at the assessed presentations delivered by student peers.

Note that teaching for this unit takes place during the Easter vacation period.

Assessment Information

Each student individually delivers an assessed 30 minute presentation on a topic in MR (100% of total unit mark). To gain the credits for the unit, students must also pass a formative image analysis exercise.

Reading and References

The unit is primarily focused on peer reviewed papers. Some basic supporting texts are listed below.

• McRobbie D. W., Moore E. A., Graves M. J., & Prince M. R. (2004). MRI: From Picture to Proton. Cambridge: University Press.

• Jezzard P., Matthews P. M., & Smith S. M. (2002). Functional MRI: An Introduction to Methods. Oxford: University Press.