MPhys Physics with Theoretical Physics / Course details

The course covers a number of common imaging modalities such as: X-ray and X-ray computed tomography (CT); magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); ultrasound (US); nuclear medicine imaging (scintigraphy; single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT); positron emission tomography (PET)); electroencephalography (EEG); and magnetoencephalography(MEG). The course also covers some of the underpinning mathematics and image processing required for the reconstruction and analysis of medical images.

Anti-requisites:

PHYS30632 Physics of Medical Imaging (2025/26 only)

To illustrate, using medical imaging, how physics is applied to the problems of clinical measurement, diagnosis, patient management and biomedical research. To provide an understanding of the phenomena and processes of medical imaging.

On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:  

ILO 1

Describe the process of image acquisition and reconstruction for a range of medical imaging modalities.

ILO 2

Relate the properties of medical images to the underlying physical processes.

ILO 3

Predict the effect of a change in acquisition parameters and conditions on the appearance of images.

ILO 4

Design image acquisition strategies and calculate relevant parameters to achieve a specified outcome.

ILO 5

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different medical imaging modalities and their configuration for a particular clinical application.

Two one hour, live in-person lectures per week where the core material will be delivered. Examples and questions to test knowledge will be provided in-person and through the learning management system (LMS), including model answers and feedback to quizzes relating to material covered in each lecture. Video recordings will be provided through the podcast system. In addition, historical recordings will be provided through the LMS. A Piazza discussion forum will be provided, where students can ask questions with answers provided by other students and the unit lecturers. 

Introduction to Medical Imaging by Nadine Barrie Smith and Andrew Webb

https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.manchester.idm.oclc.org/lib/manchester/detail.action?docID=5120049  

MRI from Picture to Proton by Donald McRobbie, Elizabeth Moore, Martin Graves and Martin Prince

https://www-cambridge-org.manchester.idm.oclc.org/core/books/mri-from-picture-to-proton/83CFA27533607FC2F45EFC48C0FC628B  

Magnetoencephalography-theory, instrumentation, and applications to noninvasive studies of the working human brain - HÄMÄLÄINEN, M ; HARI, R ; ILMONIEMI, R. J ; KNUUTILA, J ; LOUNASMAA, O. V - Reviews of modern physics - 1993