Course unit details:
Radioisotope Imaging
| Unit code | IIDS67401 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This course-unit provides an overview of imaging methods that use radioactive tracers. It covers the chemistry of production of tracer molecules, instrumentation and imaging techniques, such as PET and SPECT. There is also discussion of clinical application, including visits to clinical imaging facilities. The course-unit is delivered between weeks four and twelve of the semester.
Lectures will cover the following:
- An introduction to the field, including the necessary basic pharmacokinetics.
- Isotope physics, including the generation of radioactive isotopes in cyclotrons and nuclear reactors, understanding of the relevant decay processes.
- Radiation detection.
- Radiochemistry, including the chemistry of radiohalogens, carbon-11 and radio-metals and their automation.
- Quality control of radioisotope production and the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
- Radiation health and safety issues including the quantification of dose.
- The design and operation of gamma cameras, SPECT and PET scanners and hybrid instrumentation, including quality control.
- An introduction to image reconstruction.
- An introduction to kinetic modelling and preclinical imaging.
- Clinical applications of radioisotope imaging in oncology, cardiology and neurology.
- Applications of radioisotope imaging in neuroscience and oncology research
The various aspects of the unit will be drawn together through a number of common themes in case study examples.
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Foundations Of Imaging | IIDS67451 | Co-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
- To introduce students to the fundamental components of radioisotopically labelled tracer development and production
- To introduce the subsequent application to isotopic imaging modalities including PET, SPECT, gamma scintigraphy and autoradiography
- Students should, thereby, become familiar with the fundamental aspects of all stages of isotopic imaging measurements.
Learning outcomes
| Category of outcome |
|
| Knowledge and understanding | Students will gain a basic understanding of the following in the context of isotopic imaging:
|
| Intellectual skills | Based on an understanding of the fundamentals of isotopic imaging, students will learn to evaluate the most appropriate combination of isotope, tracer and experimental study design to address a particular problem. They will learn to critically assess the approaches used in published isotopic imaging research. |
| Practical skills | Students will develop a degree of technical expertise appropriate to understanding the capabilities and limitations of isotopic imaging modalities |
| Transferable skills and personal qualities | Students will practice their oral and written communication skills in the context of their case study work. |
Teaching and learning methods
The course will be delivered through a series of lectures augmented by group discussions in weeks 4-12 of semester 1. Sessions will take place at the Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre (WMIC) and in Central Manchester University Hospital Trust (CMHT) There will be opportunities to visit the clinical nuclear medicine facilities at CMHT and the Radiochemistry and scanning facilities at WMIC. Some contact time will be devoted to student presentations of literature-based assignments and case studies.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 60% |
| Oral assessment/presentation | 40% |
Feedback methods
- Formal summative assessments
- Real time educative formative assessments during practical classes
Study hours
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 150 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Adam McMahon | Unit coordinator |