Engineering in Medical Imaging 1: Non-Ionizing Techniques 2026 FS

This is the first course in a 2-semester investigation into the engineering of medical imaging modalities. These courses will provide the student with a functional understanding of some of the most common applications of engineering in medical imaging. This first course focuses on medical imaging techniques which involve non-ionizing energy sources and will include discussions of the underlying physics, device operation, image formation, and clinical applications of medical images including in-depth discussions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US), and optical imaging. We will also examine the important topics of image resolution, signal-to-noise, radiation dose, image analysis, clinical decision-making in relation to diagnostic imaging, and emerging techniques in machine learning. This is an upper-level undergraduate/graduate course specifically targeted toward students with interest in careers in biomedical engineering, clinical technology, and medicine. Thus, a large portion of lecture will be dedicated to both theoretical development and applications in research and medicine.

• Calculate temporal and spatial frequencies, amplitudes, and phases of waves (EM and sound) and atomic structure
• Analyze image properties (resolution, signal-to-noise, contrast-to-noise, etc.) relevant in medical imaging.
• Explain the utility, applications, and validation of image analysis in medicine.
• Assess random processes, noise patterns, and their influence on images and statistical tests
• Identify science-based approaches to clinical validation of image data in diagnosing and treating disease.
• Explain the working principles of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US), and optical imaging
• Plan for a future career in medical imaging by learning about professions in the field and the professional skills required