Postgraduate Studies in Advanced Medical Imaging (Leuven)

CQ Postgraduate Studies in Advanced Medical Imaging (Leuven)

Opleiding

This postgraduate programme is intended to provide an education in medical imaging, focussing on obtaining a thorough overview of existing imaging modalities and approaches towards imaging pathology. The intention is not to provide a detailed study of one particular modality but merely to give an overview of strengths and disadvantages of individual techniques to stimulate the students to have a personal and critical view on the field. They will be encouraged to think interdisciplinary, with a focus on the clinical or research question rather than on a specific imaging modality.

The programme will provide an optimal specialized education in medical imaging and an introduction in imaging research in a clinical environment. It provides an ideal basis for research with the intention to obtain a PhD degree in medical imaging. The programme does NOT intend to educate medical specialists in clinical radiology or any other medical specialty.

What can you find on this webpage?

Our (future) students can find information about the programme, admission requirements, objectives and evaluation. 

All other information with regard to the study programme can be found at https://med.kuleuven.be/eng/advanced-medical-imaging.

Toelatingsvoorwaarden

Postgraduate Studies in Advanced Medical Imaging (Leuven)onderwijsaanbod.kuleuven.be/2024/opleidingen/e/SC_51017081.htm#activetab=voorwaarden

Doelstellingen

This programme is intended to provide an education in medical imaging, focussed on obtaining a thorough overview of the different imaging modalities and the use of multimodal imaging in a clinical/biomedical setting. The student will learn to think interdisciplinary, with a focus on the clinical or research question rather than on a specific imaging modality.

During the study, the student will develop a critical scientific attitude, will learn to study scientific literature and will work in a multidisciplinary team of researchers.

The final aim of the programme is to provide a solid basis for performing research using medical imaging.
At the end of the programme, the student will:

- understand the basics of medical imaging. This includes the principles of the most common imaging modalities, ranging from physical principles underlying the technique, to image reconstruction and formation to how the resulting image characteristics as they are linked to the biological systems under investigation.

- understand the use of medical imaging in a clinical/biomedical environment and understand the different properties of the images and their complementarities for clinical/biomedical use.

- be able to approach and perform research in a selected field of medical imaging. This includes acquiring, handling and analysing medical images, learning how to interpret the results and to report them in a scientific paper.

Educational quality of the study programme

Here you can find an overview of the results of the COBRA internal quality assurance method.

Educational quality at study programme level

Blueprint

Educational quality at university level

  • Consult the documents on educational quality available at university level.

More information?

SC Postgraduate Studies in Advanced Medical Imaging (Leuven)

programma

57 credits mandatory from Truncus Communis (17 ECTS), Thesis (30 ECTS) and Electives (10 ECTS)

printECTS33.xsl

ECTS Hot Topics in Head and Neck Imaging (B-KUL-E00J2A)

3 ECTS English 13 Both termsBoth terms Cannot be taken as part of an examination contract

Aims

At the end of this theoretical & practical course the student should:

  • be able to select the appropriate imaging technique for solving a specific research problem;
  • be able to understand the technological background and basic principles behind each of the focussed imaging techniques;
  • be able to critically review the literature and experimental set-ups dealing with these techniques;
  • be able to apply these techniques.

*

At the end of this theoretical & practical course the student should:

  • be able to select the appropriate imaging technique for solving a specific research problem;
  • be able to understand the technological background and basic principles behind each of the focussed imaging techniques;
  • be able to critically review the literature and experimental set-ups dealing with these techniques;
  • be able to apply these techniques.

Previous knowledge

The candidate should have a basic knowledge on: physics/biophysics; human anatomy (specific head and neck); human histology (specific head and neck); microbiology & virology; material sciences, biochemistry, physiology.

Is included in these courses of study

Onderwijsleeractiviteiten

Hot Topics in Head and Neck Imaging (B-KUL-E00J2a)

3 ECTS : Practical 13 Both termsBoth terms

Content

This course will at least contain the following topics: underlying technology and basic indications as well as application of:

  • oral imaging (intra -, extra oral);
  • computer tomography (micro CT, peripheral quantitative CT, ...);
  • microscopy (light, laser, confocal, SEM, environmental, ...).
  • magnetic resonance imaging, (high resolution, functional, ...);
  • stereomicroscopy, stereo-imaging, 3D imaging.

Course material

The documentation will include a course text (or handouts), scientific papers and / or an English reference book. Additional information like interesting papers will be made available for the participants.

Format: more information

Learning activities include:

  • active participation in problem solving topics;
  • group work on the applicability of a specific imaging technique to solve a specific research question.

 

Evaluatieactiviteiten

Evaluation: Hot Topics in Head and Neck Imaging (B-KUL-E20J2a)

Type : Exam during the examination period

Explanation

Evaluation consists of an open book exam where techniques and images are presented and students need to solve some adjoining questions on the content of the images or the specific technique to be selected for a specific methodology.

ECTS Applied Biostatistics (B-KUL-E04N0A)

5 ECTS English 35 First termFirst term Cannot be taken as part of an examination contract

Aims

The course focuses on the use and interpretation of the methods rather than on the underlying mathematical theory. Some pc sessions will be organised in which one can practise the studied methods in the statistical package R.

 

At the end of the course students should be able to

  • link biomedical research questions to appropriate statistical data analysis tools
  • understand strengths and limitations of the methods
  • correctly interpret and report data analysis results both in statistical terms as well as with respect to the underlying research question.
  • read and understand statistical methods/output used in relevant biomedical literature
  • perform the studied methods in the statistical package R and interpret the outputs

Previous knowledge

Basic statistical methods and good notions of algebra.

This course builts further on the contents covered in the course "Beginselen van biostatistiek (B-KUL-E06C9B)": descriptive statistics, probability, discrete and continuous probability distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing (one-sample inference, two-sample inference, categorical data), non-parametric methods and ANOVA.

 

Order of Enrolment



FLEXIBLE(E08C5D) OR FLEXIBLE(U04D3A)


E08C5DE08C5D : Bachelorproef
U04D3AU04D3A : Bachelorproef

Onderwijsleeractiviteiten

Applied Biostatistics (B-KUL-E04N0a)

4 ECTS : Lecture 20 First termFirst term

Content

  • Pearson and Spearman correlation
  • Simple and multiple lineair regression
  • Simple and multiple logistic regression
  • Inferences for incidence-rate data
  • Introduction on survival analysis: censoring, Kaplan Meier, logrank, proportional-hazards model

The course focuses on the use and interpretation of the methods rather than on the underlying mathematical theory. 

Course material

Slides available on Toledo or through the student organisation.

Use of the book "Fundamentals of Biostatistics" of Bernard Rosner is a must.

Applied Biostatistics: Exercise Sessions (B-KUL-E04N1a)

1 ECTS : Practical 15 First termFirst term

Content

A number of sessions are organized online or in PC rooms to make it possible to ask questions about the application of the learned methods in RStudio. The data for these sessions will be announced in class and via Toledo at the beginning of the academic year.

 

 

 

 

 

Course material

Knowledge clips and training material for practicing the statistical techniques in RStudio.

Format: more information

Sessions organized on a PC in order to ask questions about working with RStudio.

Evaluatieactiviteiten

Evaluation: Applied Biostatistics (B-KUL-E24N0a)

Type : Partial or continuous assessment with (final) exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written, Skills test
Type of questions : Multiple choice, Open questions, Closed questions
Learning material : List of formulas, Calculator

Explanation

The course “Applied Biostatistics (B-KUL-E04N0A)” consists of 2 parts: “Applied Biostatistics [E04N0a]” and “Applied Biostatistics: Exercise Sessions [E04N1a]”.  

 

Examination:

  • 20% of the total points comes from the course "Applied Biostatistics: Exercise Sessions [E04N1a]". It consists of a PC exam outside of the regular examination period where students have to individually complete certain analyses in R studio.
  • 80% of the total points comes from the course "Applied Biostatistics [E04N0a]". It consists of a written closed-book exam where a table with formulas and a calculator can be used.

 

Both courses should be completed before the total points can be calculated. A correction for guessing will be used with the multiple choice questions.

Information about retaking exams

This course unit allows partial mark transfers in case of partial pass mark: 

·         E04N0a - Applied Biostatistics (during academic year)

·         E04N1a - Applied Biostatistics: Exercise Sessions (during academic year)

ECTS Advanced Medical Imaging (B-KUL-E05N0A)

5 ECTS English 30 First termFirst term Cannot be taken as part of an examination contract

Aims

Please do not select a Research Track via your ISP, but use the application of the Faculty to apply for these elective courses. Students are asked to rank their choice of elective course and students are distributed amongst the available places in each Research Track by an allocation tool. Each research track has a limited number of students that can enroll for a course in order to facilitate interactive teaching. More information about this procedure will follow in the first week of the academic year.

Students from another Faculty or programme who wish to participate in a Research Track will need to submit an application via the following form. Only if the maximal number of students per Research Track is not yet reached, students from other programmes can be admitted. More information regarding this procedure and the conditions for applying for these courses can be consulted via the website/form.

If there aren't enough applications for a Research Track, students will be contacted and asked to choose another Research Track.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The aim of this course is to familiarise the student with different modalities, acquisition issues and analysis techniques. For a specific biomedical problem, the student should be able to advise the most suitable modality and to contribute to acquisition issues. Furthermore, the student should be able to identify the different steps in the analysis of the data.

Previous knowledge

The student has basic knowledge (physical principles and basic applications) about the different imaging modalities.

Order of Enrolment



FLEXIBLE(E08C5D) OR FLEXIBLE(U04D3A)


E08C5DE08C5D : Bachelorproef
U04D3AU04D3A : Bachelorproef


Is included in these courses of study

Onderwijsleeractiviteiten

Advanced Medical Imaging (B-KUL-E05N0a)

5 ECTS : Lecture 30 First termFirst term

Content

The content of this academic year will be:

  • Introduction and overview
  • Applications in neuro imaging
  • Functional MRI
  • Diffusion MRI
  • Basics of image analysis
  • Image segmentation
  • Image registration
  • Quantification in PET and SPECT
  • Small animal imaging

Course material

Recent review articles and presentation slides.

Format: more information

Starting from a biomedical problem, the choice of the modality, acquisition issues and image analysis techniques will be discussed. We expect an active participation of the students during the lectures.

Evaluatieactiviteiten

Evaluation: Advanced Medical Imaging (B-KUL-E25N0a)

Type : Exam outside of the normal examination period
Description of evaluation : Written
Type of questions : Open questions
Learning material : Course material

Explanation

Starting from a biomedical problem, the student has to provide argumentation for the choice of techniques, acquisition issues and data processing. This is an open book exam.
 

ECTS Hot Topics in Medical Imaging I (B-KUL-E05N1A)

5 ECTS English 30 Second termSecond term Cannot be taken as part of an examination contract

Aims

Please do not select a Research Track via your ISP, but use the application of the Faculty to apply for these elective courses. Students are asked to rank their choice of elective course and students are distributed amongst the available places in each Research Track by an allocation tool. Each research track has a limited number of students that can enroll for a course in order to facilitate interactive teaching. More information about this procedure will follow in the first week of the academic year.

Students from another Faculty or programme who wish to participate in a Research Track will need to submit an application via the following form. Only if the maximal number of students per Research Track is not yet reached, students from other programmes can be admitted. More information regarding this procedure and the conditions for applying for these courses can be consulted via the website/form.

If there aren't enough applications for a Research Track, students will be contacted and asked to choose another Research Track.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The aim of this course is to give the student an in-depth overview of all the different imaging modalities with their advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the course, the student should be able to give well-founded advice on which medical image modality can best be used to study a biomedical problem. In this first part, the student will learn what the latest developments in acquisition possibilities are and how techniques of medical imaging can be analysed.

Previous knowledge

The student should have followed the course "Advanced Medical Imaging"

 

Order of Enrolment



SIMULTANEOUS(E05N0A) AND (FLEXIBLE(E08C5D) OR FLEXIBLE(U04D3A))


E08C5DE08C5D : Bachelorproef
U04D3AU04D3A : Bachelorproef
E05N0AE05N0A : Advanced Medical Imaging

Is included in these courses of study

Onderwijsleeractiviteiten

Hot Topics in Medical Imaging I (B-KUL-E05N1a)

5 ECTS : Practical 30 Second termSecond term

Content

In this course, hot topics on acquisition and analysis of medical imaging will be discussed. These topics include:
- Kinetic modeling using PET
- Statistical parametric mapping using fMRI/PET
- Interventional imaging
- Morphometry and white matter tracts
- Cone beam CT in head and neck imaging
- Small animal imaging

Course material

Recent articles about acquisition and analysis in medical imaging

Format: more information

Using the most recent literature, the student will learn about the possibilities of the most recent acquisition and analysing techniques. We expect an active participation of each student.
 
 

Evaluatieactiviteiten

Evaluation: Hot Topics in Medical Imaging I (B-KUL-E25N1a)

Type : Continuous assessment without exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Presentation, Participation during contact hours

Explanation

Evaluation
Validation of presentation, participation in discussion, answering questions on the presented research paper

Attendance at the lectures
Participation in discussions is validated. Unjustified absence will result in zero points for the discussion part. When absent, students should provide the necessary justification (i.e. doctor’s certificate).

ECTS Hot Topics in Medical Imaging II (B-KUL-E05N2A)

5 ECTS English 30 Second termSecond term Cannot be taken as part of an examination contract

Aims

Please do not select a Research Track via your ISP, but use the application of the Faculty to apply for these elective courses. Students are asked to rank their choice of elective course and students are distributed amongst the available places in each Research Track by an allocation tool. Each research track has a limited number of students that can enroll for a course in order to facilitate interactive teaching. More information about this procedure will follow in the first week of the academic year.

Students from another Faculty or programme who wish to participate in a Research Track will need to submit an application via the following form. Only if the maximal number of students per Research Track is not yet reached, students from other programmes can be admitted. More information regarding this procedure and the conditions for applying for these courses can be consulted via the website/form.

If there aren't enough applications for a Research Track, students will be contacted and asked to choose another Research Track.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The aim of the present "Hot Topics" course is to help the students explore the various imaging modalities with advantages and drawbacks.  The latter may help to advise the proper imaging technique for a particular biomedical problem. At the end of the course, students are familiar with new scientific evidence on various possibilities of biomedical imaging.

Order of Enrolment



SIMULTANEOUS(E05N0A) AND (FLEXIBLE(E08C5D) OR FLEXIBLE(U04D3A))


E08C5DE08C5D : Bachelorproef
U04D3AU04D3A : Bachelorproef
E05N0AE05N0A : Advanced Medical Imaging

Is included in these courses of study

Onderwijsleeractiviteiten

Hot Topics in Medical Imaging II (B-KUL-E05N2a)

5 ECTS : Practical 30 Second termSecond term

Content

In this course, hot topics on medical imaging in biomedical applications will be discussed. Imaging in different fields will be discussed: Neurology, Cardiology, Oncology, Maxillofacial Radiology, Forensics.

Course material

Recent articles on new and hot topics concerning imaging modalities will be discussed.

Format: more information

Studying and discussing recent literature on advancements in biomedical imaging will help the student with choosing the proper technique to solve a specific biomedical problem. Active participation of the student during this course is required.

Evaluatieactiviteiten

Evaluation: Hot Topics in Medical Imaging II (B-KUL-E25N2a)

Type : Continuous assessment without exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Paper/Project, Report, Presentation, Participation during contact hours
Type of questions : Multiple choice, Open questions, Closed questions
Learning material : Computer, Reference work

Explanation

The evaluation consists of an assessment of the active participation during all the scheduled seminars. The teacher will announce on Toledo whether articles, specific material or presentations will have to be prepared beforehand. Study material will be provided in order to prepare for active lecture participation. These preparations may also be graded based on the indications on Toledo. On particular occasions active participation may imply participation in the discussion, presentation of a specific predefined task or MCQ (without correction for guessing). The final scoring is the mathematical mean of all individual scores for the lecturers, for which the evaluation will be based on active participation and/or the tasks/presentations performed.

Participation in discussions is validated. Unjustified absence will result in zero points for the discussion part. When absent, students should provide the necessary justification (i.e. doctor’s certificate).

 

ECTS Seminars in Medical Imaging (B-KUL-E06Q0A)

3 ECTS English 6 Both termsBoth terms Cannot be taken as part of an examination contract

Aims

To bring the student into contact with the current state-of-the-art research in medical imaging.
To develop a critical scientific attitude with the current state-of-the-art research in medical imaging.
To learn about the use of medical imaging in a clinical/biomedical environment

Previous knowledge

Basic knowledge in medical imaging, i.e. understanding the physical principles and basic applications of CT, MRI, US, PET and SPECT.

Is included in these courses of study

Onderwijsleeractiviteiten

Seminars in Medical Imaging (B-KUL-E06Q0a)

3 ECTS : Practical 6 Both termsBoth terms

Content

Seminars in medical imaging will include either seminars organized by the Medical Imaging Center or seminars related to medical imaging but organized within the group biomedical sciences. Seminars are given by international renowned speakers, staff members, postdocs or PhD students.
From the assortment of available seminars organised within the group Biomedical Sciences, relevant seminars will be chosen and announced via TOLEDO.
The students have to follow 8 seminars, from which at least two should be given by international renowned speakers.
Examples of these latter seminars are:
-  Experiments on a new inter-subject registration method. (Prof. J. Ashburner)
-  Whole body optical imaging and its applications in cancer. (Prof. C. Löwik)
-  Cortical basis of face processing as revealed by fMRI adaptation: methodology and neural models. (Prof. R. Henson)
The student can choose the seminars depending on his/her own interests but this choice will have to be approved by the promoter of the thesis.

*

The seminars are given by national and international speakers and will relate to state-of-the-art scientific research (clinical/biomedical/technical) using medical imaging.

Course material

Presentation slides, in some cases also articles and literature.

Format: more information

The student has to attend the seminars and will be encouraged to participate in the discussion at the end of each seminar.By writing a short personal report after each seminar the student will learn to extract the most important elements of each seminar and will have the opportunity to give a critical view on the scientific results presented during the seminars.

Evaluatieactiviteiten

Evaluation: Seminars in Medical Imaging (B-KUL-E26Q0a)

Type : Continuous assessment without exam during the examination period

Explanation

Students are expected to attend at least 8 seminars (they have to sign a sheet as proof of presence) and to write a short personal report about each seminar.

ECTS Thesis (B-KUL-E06Q1A)

30 ECTS English 30 Both termsBoth terms Cannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Dupont Patrick |  N.

Aims

To perform research in medical imaging, more specifically:
- To develop a critical scientific attitude.
- To learn to plan and to manage the research activities.
- To analyze imaging data and to interpret the results.
- To write a high-quality scientific manuscript according to the guidelines of a high-impact journal in the same field as the thesis.
To present the results of a scientific work to experts in the field.

Previous knowledge

Basic knowledge of medical imaging is a prerequisite (understanding the physical principles and basic applications of CT, MRI, US, PET and SPECT).
The thesis starts in the beginning of the academic year and the courses will be followed in parallel.

Is included in these courses of study

Onderwijsleeractiviteiten

Thesis (B-KUL-E06Q1a)

30 ECTS : Assignment 30 Both termsBoth terms
Dupont Patrick |  N.

Content

The thesis work will consist of  three major parts:
1. Performing research in medical imaging
2. Writing a scientific manuscript
3. Presenting the results to experts in the field
The research work starts with a literature study. In parallel the student will learn the techniques necessary to perform his/her research activities. The student will have a promoter for his/her thesis (a ZAP member) and a daily supervisor (which can be the promoter, a postdoc or a PhD student). The research activities form the core part of the thesis. By regular discussions with the daily supervisor and the promoter, the student will learn to critically analyze the data and to interpret the results. Interaction with coworkers in the lab and participating in lab meetings are encouraged in order to develop a broader, multidisciplinary view on the scientific problem under study. Furthermore, the student will have to make his/her own planning for the thesis work and will learn how to manage the research activities. Unexpected problems are considered as key points for teaching students how to develop a strategy to solve them.After completing (most of) the practical work, the student will write a manuscript about the scientific work and during this process the student will also have regular meetings and feedback from the promoter. Finally, the student has to make a presentation about his/her work and present it in front of an audience (thesis jury and any other interested scientists), as if it were a presentation during a scientific conference . This presentation will be followed by a discussion between the student and the experts which form the thesis jury.

Course material

Articles and literature
Manual
Examples and samples

Format: more information

Regular meetings with the daily supervisor and the promoter during which progress, scientific results, problems, … will be discussed. Depending on the lab, there can be regular lab meetings as well, during which the student can both present his/her own work and learn more about related work by other co-workers. These meetings may help shape the development of a critical scientific attitude as well as interdisciplinary cooperation. The student will be a member of a participating lab and all necessary facilities will be provided to perform the research. This will be the responsibility of the promoter.

Evaluatieactiviteiten

Evaluation: Thesis (B-KUL-E26Q1a)

Type : Exam during the examination period

Explanation

Evaluation of the thesis will be based on:
- Scientific work during the academic year
- Paper
- Presentation of the scientific results
- Examination by experts in the field
Each thesis will be evaluated (independently) by the promoter, the daily supervisor (if different from the promoter) and two experts in the field (at least one not belonging to the same lab as the promoter).

Important remark: This course cannot be selected for your tolerance credits.

ECTS Radiation Protection (B-KUL-G0C97B)

4 ECTS English 18 Both termsBoth terms
Bergans Niki (coordinator) |  Bergans Niki |  N. |  Vanhavere Filip (substitute)

Aims

The objective of the first part (a) is to familiarize students with the concepts of radioprotection. The second part should provide insight in the risk communication regarding radioactivity and in the organization and legislation concerning radioprotection in Belgium, in the European Community and the international institutions.

Previous knowledge

Basic physics: structure of matter.

Identical courses

G0S41A: Stralingsbescherming

Is included in these courses of study

Onderwijsleeractiviteiten

Radiation Protection: General Aspects (B-KUL-G0S44a)

2 ECTS : Lecture 13 Both termsBoth terms
Bergans Niki |  N. |  Vanhavere Filip (substitute)

Content

Chapter 1: Physical base:
• 1.1 Origin of the radioactivity
• 1.2 The radioactive source
• 1.3 The radioactive radiation
• 14. Other types of nuclear radiation
• 1.5. Radiation interaction

Chapter II: Biological base:
• 2.1 Deterministic effects
• 2.2 Stochastic effects

Chapter III: Dosimetric quantities:
• 3.1 The (absorbed) Dose
• 3.2 The equivalent dose

Chapter IV: The icrp, the euratom, the belgian legislation:
• 4.1 Recommendations of the ICRP
• 4.2 The EURATOM guidelines
• 4.3 The Belgian legislation

Chapter V: Radioprotection with external radiation:
• 5.1 General principles of dose reduction
• 5.2 Radioprotection of external radiation with photons
• 5.3 Radioprotection of external radiation with b-particles
• 5.4 Radioprotection of external radiation with a-particles

Chapter VI: Radioprotection of internal infections:
• 6.1 General principles of dose reduction
• 6.2 Classes of laboratories
• 6.3 Precautions
• 6.4 Policy with contamination within a laboratory
• 6.5 Monitoring of contamination and personne
• 6.6 The followdose HT,50
• 6.7 Determination of the recorded activity

Course material

Syllabus
Slides, transparencies, courseware
Toledo / e-platform
Articles and literature
The students also get a task on which they have to report.
 

Is also included in other courses

G0S41A : Stralingsbescherming

Radiation Protection: Organization, Legislation and Risk Communication (B-KUL-G0S45a)

2 ECTS : Lecture 5 Second termSecond term

Content

• Chapter I: International Institutions
UNSCEAR
ICRP
Other international institutions: ICRU, IAEA, IRPA, BVS

• Appendix:
Survey of nuclear nuclear tests
The ICRP lung model and its applications to decay products of radon
New ICRP model Digestive system

• Chapter II: European Union
Guidelines basic standards
Medical guidelines

• Chapter III: Organisation and regulation in Belgium
Administrative organization of radiation protection:
- Survey of the involved institutions: FANC-Recognized institutions
- Practical organization of radiation protection: Physical and medical control
- Regulation: ARBIS
Exposure to ionizing radiation in Belgium
Other national institutions:
- NIRAS
- Fund for occupational desease
NNuclear emergency/disaster plan

• Appendix:
NORM in the Belgian phosphate industry
The Chernobyl accident
 

Course material

Syllabus
Slides, transparencies, courseware
Toledo / e-platform
Articles and literature
 

Evaluatieactiviteiten

Evaluation: Radiation Protection (B-KUL-G2C97b)

Type : Partial or continuous assessment with (final) exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written, Presentation, Oral
Type of questions : Open questions, Closed questions
Learning material : Course material

Explanation

1st semester: exam of Part A
2nd semester: exam of Part B
 

ECTS Biomedical Data Processing (B-KUL-H03I2A)

6 ECTS English 60 First termFirst term

Aims

·       Being able to understand the basic techniques in biomedical signal processing, analysis and pattern recognition. These include understanding of physiological signals and their processing challenges; preprocessing (filtering and artefact removal), event detection and (linear) feature definition, signal transforms (Fourier, wavelets, etc.), waveform analysis, parametric and nonparametric signal representation, blind source separation; classification and decision support

·       being able to apply these methods to solving real-life biomedical data processing problems using Matlab code implementations;

·       being able to interpret, analyse, and critically compare the potential and limitations of various approaches for the biomedical problem at hand;

·       at the end, being able to design a solution for a biomedical data processing problem, starting from the raw data after acquisition until the diagnostic level, and work out the required data processing steps in Matlab code.

Previous knowledge

Preliminary terms

A good background in signals and systems and digital (discrete-time) signal processing is required. Students should already be familiar with different model representations and transformations of signals and systems, such as difference equations, pole-zero diagrams, z-transform, Laplace and Fourier transforms, discrete-time Fourier transform (DTFT) and Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). We expect basic knowledge of how to program in Matlab (a written tutorial on Matlab will be made available, but the exercise sessions will assume knowledge of Matlab from the start).

 

Preliminary conditions

The student must have obtained credits for BOTH of the following courses (or equivalent courses):

1) A course on Systems Theory or Signals & Systems (for example B-KUL-H08U4A or B-KUL-H01M8A) 

2) A basic course on digital signal processing (for example B-KUL-H01L6A or B-KUL-T34DPE).

Identical courses

H06Z6A: Dataverwerking voor de gezonde mens
I0T95A: Human Health Data Processing

Is included in these courses of study

Onderwijsleeractiviteiten

Biomedical Data Processing: Lecture (B-KUL-H03I2a)

3 ECTS : Lecture 30 First termFirst term

Content

The course consists of various parts; each of which deals with a certain type of problem in biomedical signal processing, analysis or modelling, including the principles of pattern recognition. At the start, various biomedical signals are introduced, and processing challenges are illustrated for which later algorithms can be designed. Next, a variety of signal processing, modelling or analysing techniques will be discussed: starting from relatively simple methods, followed by more advanced approaches specific to the issue at hand. 

Covered topics: 

- an illustrated introduction to common biomedical signals (EEG, ECG, EMG, PPG, speech, …) and relevant applications.
- filtering for deleting artefacts, an important pre-processing step 
- techniques that are useful for event detection in biomedical signals, waveform analysis and waveform complexity analysis
- frequency domain techniques for the characterisation of biomedical signals and systems.
- modelling of biomedical signals and systems, enabling a parametrical representation and analysis.
- analysis of non-stationary signals.
- biomedical pattern recognition and diagnostic decisions. An introductory overview will be given on linear and non-linear pattern recognition techniques.
- signal processing on multiple channels: Principal Component Analysis for dimensionality reduction and Independent Component Analysis to split the multichannel signal into separate source signals (such as muscle artefacts, ECG, breathing…)

- wavelet analysis (transformations, decomposition) to decompose the signal into frequency components with different time-frequency resolutions.

Course material

Study cost: 76-100 euros (The information about the study costs as stated here gives an indication and only represents the costs for purchasing new materials. There might be some electronic or second-hand copies available as well. You can use LIMO to check whether the textbook is available in the library. Any potential printing costs and optional course material are not included in this price.)

Course material consists of an introductory handbook (which covers most topics and can be purchased in ACCO), powerpoint slides of each lecture (available on Toledo), and online material on Toledo for self-study and further illustrations.
Book: Rangaraj M. Rangayyan, BIOMEDICAL SIGNAL ANALYSIS: A Case-Study Approach'', John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 2002.
 

Format: more information

Lecture.

Biomedical Data Processing: Exercises (B-KUL-H03I3a)

3 ECTS : Practical 30 First termFirst term

Content

This teaching activity consists of 6(+1) exercise sessions. In the first session the student learns how to acquire electrophysiological signals such as ECG and EMG. The other 5 sessions consist of solving problems on the computer and implementing the methods taught during the lectures. Attendance of these sessions is obligatory. The first 4 computer sessions are educational: the marks do not count for the end evaluation. The assignments also prepare for the ‘interpretation questions’ on the exam. The last session is part of the evaluation and introduces a project for which the code has to be uploaded to Toledo. A final session will be scheduled during which each team’s solution is evaluated ‘on screen’. During this on-screen evaluation, the team will be challenged with questions from the didactical team (see ‘evaluation’).

 

Evaluatieactiviteiten

Evaluation: Biomedical Data Processing (B-KUL-H23I2a)

Type : Partial or continuous assessment with (final) exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written, Paper/Project
Type of questions : Open questions
Learning material : Course material, Reference work

Explanation

The evaluation consists of a computer project in Matlab and a final exam:

1) Computer project: 
The computer project can be made in groups of two students. An extra computer exercise session is part of the course evaluation and is evaluated on computer screen in a separate session during the year. For that exercise, the team uploads their carefully documented code via Toledo before the agreed deadline (will be communicated on Toledo). The code should generate figure results for the last computer exercise, with which the students prove to be able to understand, implement, and apply the taught methods correctly, and to interpret the results.  Software plagiarism is forbidden: if detected, the student is referred to the faculty examination commission and punished. See the course instructions on Toledo to understand what is treated as software plagiarism (this also includes copying, manipulating, or modifying code from fellow students or from online sources without mentioning the source). Hiding software plagiarism by manipulating/reworking existing code is treated as fraud.

2) Final evaluation during the examination session:
The exam is based on answers on theoretical questions +  some interpretation questions testing biomedical signal processing insights on specific problems. This is a written examination.

The computer exercises are obligatory and evaluation of the graded computer session counts for 35%, theory and interpretation questions for 65% of the final score. The code must have been submitted before the deadline, otherwise no marks are given for that part of the evaluation.

 

 

Information about retaking exams

When retaking the exam of this course, the following instructions apply:

A written report for the computer exercises is additionally requested, demonstrating understanding of the obtained figures / results. The (updated) code and a detailed report needs to be submitted before the deadline on Toledo. This report will be evaluated for 35% of the mark.

The rest of the evaluation is equivalent to the initial exam.

ECTS Human System Physiology (B-KUL-H03I4B)

5 ECTS English 30 Second termSecond term
Bultynck Geert (coordinator) |  Bultynck Geert |  Vennekens Rudi

Aims

The student must be able to calculate the equilibrium potential of ions and the membrane potential and to understand how the membrane potential is influenced by the activity of ion channels.
The student must know the main transport systems operative in cells, including diffusion, osmosis, ion channels, carriers and pumps.
The student must be able to explain the electrochemical and/or mechanical properties of neuronal and (skeletal, heart and smooth) muscle cells, underlying the function of physiological systems.
The student must be able to provide an integrated overview of the major control systems in the human body, including the nervous systems and endocrine systems.
The student must be able to explain the properties and regulation of the major physiological systems in the human body, ranging from the molecular level to the system level.
The student should be able to specify the major physiological signaling molecules and their physiological roles and effects in the human body.
The student must be able to explain how dysfunction of physiological systems at the molecular/cellular level can lead to disease conditions in the human body.
In the context of the heart, the student should understand the principles of the electrocardiogram and its value for the monitoring of cardiac function. The student should be able to present (technical) solutions for major cardiac problems by exploiting his/her insights in the electrical control of cardiac contractions.

Previous knowledge

Students should have a thorough understanding in basic sciences, including biology, chemistry and physics and in cell biology. In particular, before attending this course, the student should have a thorough knowledge of the structure and function of DNA, mRNA and proteins and thus transcription, translation and post-translational modifications (e.g. phosphorylation, glycosylation,…) and of the different signaling pathways operative in human cells.

Identical courses

H03I4C: Fysiologie van de menselijke systemen
H03I4D: Human System Physiology

Is included in these courses of study

Onderwijsleeractiviteiten

Physiology of the Heart (B-KUL-H00T8a)

0.15 ECTS : Practical 2 Second termSecond term

Content

To introduce students to heart activity and how it can be influenced by physiological signaling molecules and pharmacological tools:
– Myogenic heart activity
– Ions important for contraction of the heart
– Chronotropic and inotropic effect
– Effects of neurotransmitters (adrenaline and acetylcholine)
– Effect of propanolol, verapamil and G-stropanthin on heart contraction.
 

Course material

Manual available on Toledo + computer programme.

Format: more information

Using a computer/simulation-based approach, students will be able to monitor, analyze and discuss the properties of the heart and its regulation by physiological signaling molecules and by pharmacological agents. The insights and knowledge obtained from the lectures will be applied by the students.

Human System Physiology (B-KUL-H03I4a)

4.85 ECTS : Lecture 28 Second termSecond term

Content

In the first part of the course, an overview of the most important concepts of general cellular physiology is given: membrane potential, receptors, hormones, etc. These concepts will then be used in discussion of neurophysiology and the endocrine system. These will be discussed thoroughly: chemical and electrical signal transmission in the nervous system and the relation with receptor cells for light (visual system), sound (hearing), balance, smell and general sensory observation. Molecular aspects of muscle contraction (smooth and skeletal muscles) and neural control and regulation of muscle contraction will be dealt with in detail. Finally, a reasonable part of the course will be dedicated to the special physiology of the heart, kidneys and the respiratory and digestive system.
Schematically, the course is subdivided into the following subjects:
Cellular physiology;
Cellular communication (electrical and chemical);
Introduction into neurophysiology;
Signal transmission in the nervous system;
Physiology of smooth and skeletal muscles;
Observation of light, sound, smell and balance;
Motoric system;
Endocrine functions;
Cardiovascular system: the heart and blood circulation
Kidney function;
 

Course material

Study cost: 51-75 euros (The information about the study costs as stated here gives an indication and only represents the costs for purchasing new materials. There might be some electronic or second-hand copies available as well. You can use LIMO to check whether the textbook is available in the library. Any potential printing costs and optional course material are not included in this price.)

Lecture notes on Human Physiology;
Edited by: Ole H Petersen
Published by Blackwell Science Ltd;
Reference: ISBN-13: 978-1-4051-3651-8    ISBN-10: 1-4051-3651-0

Evaluatieactiviteiten

Evaluation: Human System Physiology (B-KUL-H23I4b)

Type : Exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written
Type of questions : Open questions
Learning material : None

Explanation

The exam consists of open questions of which a number of larger questions and a number of shorter focussed questions. The questions are of the following types: "explain"/"interpret"/"analyse"/"calculate"/"make an integrated figure/scheme...". The aim of these questions is to assess the understanding of essential key concepts and principles in human physiology. The exam gauges to the knowledge obtained during the lectures and the practical courses.

ECTS Univariate Data and Modelling (B-KUL-I0U35A)

5 ECTS English 50 First termFirst term Cannot be taken as part of an examination contract

Aims

Present some basic concepts of statistics and concentrate on linear models
At the end of this course, the student should be able to:
- Gain insight into basic statistical concepts (distributions, hypothesis testing, …)
- Dispose of and appropriately use a range of statistical modelling techniques (linear regression, logistic regression, analysis of variance, general linear models)
- Correctly interpret the result of a statistical analysis
- Use R for the computational aspects of the methods

Previous knowledge

Students should have a good knowledge of basic calculus and linear algebra.

Is included in these courses of study

Onderwijsleeractiviteiten

Univariate Data and Modelling (B-KUL-I0S08a)

3 ECTS : Lecture 26 First termFirst term

Content

Chapter 1: Descriptive statistics

Chapter 2: Important distributions

  • Discrete distributions
  • Continuous distributions

Chapter 3: Confidence Interval

Chapter 4: Hypothesis testing

  • Concepts
  • Z test
  • One sample t test
  • Two sample t test with equal/unequal variances
  • F test for equal variances
  • Binomial test
  • Chi-squared test
  • Normality test
  • Wilcoxon test
  • Power analysis

Chapter 5: Linear regression

  • Correlation coefficient
  • Simple linear regression (least squares method, statistical inference, diagnostics, influential observations)
  • Multiple regression (regression model, diagnostics, influential observations)
  • Polynomial regression
  • Interaction
  • Qualitative predictor variables

Chapter 6: Analysis of Variance

  • One-way Anova (F test, assumptions)
  • Multiple testing (Bonferroni, Tukey)
  • Two-way Anova

Chapter 7: General linear model

Chapter 8: Introduction to logistic regression

  • Simple logistic regression
  • Multiple logistic regression
  • ROC curve

Chapter 9: Introduction to Poisson regression

Chapter 10 : Introduction to Generalised linear model

Course material

Course notes, web lectures and R scripts are available on Toledo;

 

Format: more information

There are web lectures available. Q&A sessions will be organised. 

Is also included in other courses

H00Y0A : Data and Statistical Modelling

Exercises in Univariate Data and Modelling (B-KUL-I0S11a)

2 ECTS : Practical 24 First termFirst term

Content

Exercises with R software are completed on the topics dealt with in Univariate Data and Modelling, part I.

Course material

R scripts, data sets and exercise material are available on Toledo.

Format: more information

Exercises are done in a pc class with the R software.

Is also included in other courses

H00Y0A : Data and Statistical Modelling

Evaluatieactiviteiten

Evaluation: Univariate Data and Modelling (B-KUL-I2U35a)

Type : Exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written
Type of questions : Open questions
Learning material : Course material, Computer

Explanation

Written open book exam.  The exam takes place in a pc class where the students can use R.

ECTS Human Brain Imaging: Methods for Research (B-KUL-P0T59A)

5 ECTS English 39 Second termSecond term Cannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Op de Beeck Hans (coordinator) |  Op de Beeck Hans |  Nakatani Chie (substitute)

Aims

After completion of this OPO:

  • the student acquires basic knowledge and thorough insight into brain imaging methods and their application to investigate the human brain.
  • the student is able to sufficiently consider and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the different brain imaging methods in order to choose for a certain method and to interpret and evaluate the results from these methods.
  • the student can discuss at a basic level about key notions, theories, research methods and research findings regarding brain imaging methods.
  • the student can place this knowledge in the perspective of other brain research methods.
  • the student can understand the potential role of brain imaging and its pitfalls in the context of neighboring disciplines, including domains of psychology and behavioral sciences.
  • the student can use his/her basic knowledge of and basic insight in human brain imaging to understand the methods and interpret the results of the average brain imaging publication in the literature.

Previous knowledge

  • Basic knowledge of methodology (e.g., how to set up an experiment; what are independent, dependent, and confounding variables; …)
  • Basic knowledge of statistics (e.g., regression analysis)
  • Basic knowledge of neuroscience (having followed an introductory course in this domain)

Identical courses

P0W52A: Human Brain Imaging: Methods for Neuropsychology

Onderwijsleeractiviteiten

Human Brain Imaging: Practical Excercises (B-KUL-P0T60a)

1 ECTS : Practical 13 Second termSecond term
Op de Beeck Hans |  Nakatani Chie (substitute)

Content

This OLA provides a very basic practical introduction into human brain imaging, involving the following components:

  • The opportunity to see some of the imaging equipment alive (site visit).
  • A few practical hands-on demonstration sessions of analysis software (fMRI and EEG), including the analysis of an example dataset.

Course material

Practical guide of the analysis software, available through Toledo.

Language of instruction: more information

English is the standard language in the field of Human Brain Imaging. The English terminology is most commonly used, also in a national Belgian/Flemish context. All software packages are also implemented in English.

Format: more information

Site visit and practical exercises.

Human Brain Imaging: Principles and Methodology (B-KUL-P0W53a)

3 ECTS : Lecture 26 Second termSecond term
Op de Beeck Hans |  Nakatani Chie (substitute)

Content

The course consists of an introduction to the different brain imaging techniques, their physical and physiological basis, their practical implementation in a research context as well as in the clinical practice, their respective benefits/drawbacks, and the conclusions they allow.

In particular, the course will focus upon:

  • A comparison of different brain research methods and the position of imaging techniques with respect to other techniques.
  • (Functional) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): physical and physiological underpinnings, experimental design, data acquisition, data analysis (including the basics of functional connectivity, and brain decoding methods).
  • Electroencephalography (EEG): physical and electrophysiological principles, data acquisition and analysis (event-related and frequency-based analyses).
  • Brief introduction of other related methods when broadly relevant for research & clinical practice, and of multi-modal imaging.

In addition, the course will include a focused discussion of some specific applications of human brain imaging in fundamental and clinical research. Themes are subject to change on a yearly basis but could include a discussion of the use of brain imaging in specific clinical populations (e.g., autism, dementia), and a lecture from an invited international scientist.

Course material

The lectures will follow the structure of this book:
Op de Beeck, H., & Nakatani, C. (2019). Introduction to Human Neuroimaging. Cambridge University Press.

Language of instruction: more information

English is the standard language in the field of Human Brain Imaging. The English terminology is most commonly used, also in a national Belgian/Flemish context.

Format: more information

Ex cathedra.

Human Brain Imaging: Critical Analysis of Literature (B-KUL-P0W95a)

1 ECTS : Assignment 0 Second termSecond term

Content

Students select a brain imaging publication from a provided list and write a critical evaluation of this publication with emphasis upon methodology and experimental design, and their consequences for potential conclusions.

Course material

Students are supposed to apply their knowledge of the domain as they obtained it through the lectures and accompanying book:

Op de Beeck, H., & Nakatani, C. (2019). Introduction to Human Neuroimaging. Cambridge University Press.

Language of instruction: more information

English is the standard language in the field of Human Brain Imaging. The English terminology is most commonly used, also in a national Belgian/Flemish context.

Evaluatieactiviteiten

Evaluation: Human Brain Imaging: Methods for Research (B-KUL-P2T59a)

Type : Partial or continuous assessment with (final) exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written, Paper/Project, Participation during contact hours
Type of questions : Open questions
Learning material : None

Explanation

The largest part of the evaluation (14/20 points) is based upon a closed-book written exam.

Part of the evaluation (2 points) is based upon the participation for the practical sessions (two points distributed equally across the sessions, 100% participation required for all 2 points; no participation is NA, thus 0/2).

The remaining 4 points are obtained based upon a paper. The deadline for paper submission will be provided through the seminars and Toledo. Missing the deadline gives zero points (NA and 0/4).

Information about retaking exams

Paper: There is no second examination attempt (resit) for this part of the evaluation, the result is transferred to the third exam period.

Participation in practical sessions: There is no second examination attempt (resit) for this part of the evaluation, the result is transferred to the third exam period.