Biomedical Physics 1

This module teaches the physical basics of biomedical applications in clinics and research. These applications include medical imaging. Specifically, the following main topics are covered in these applications: Interaction, generation and detection of X-rays, radiography, X-ray computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medical imaging (incl. PET / SPECT), and ultrasound.

After successful participation in this module the student is able to

1. describe the physical principles of various imaging modalities and to explain the respective process of image aquisition.
2. name and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various imaging techniques (CT, MRT, PET/SPECT, ultrasound).

No preconditions in addition to the requirements for the Master’s program in Physics.

This module consists of a lecture in which the theoretical basics and their experimental implementation will be explained and made understandable by descriptive examples from clinical applications. Multimedia materials will be used to explain the different techniques. Great importance is attached to stimulating interactive discussion with the students and among the students about the current topics. The lecture notes contain hyperlinks to the original papers, which are intended to promote the entry into independent literature research. The students are instructed to deepen the topics explained in the lecture independently by such research.

• Hybrid Format: 
• pre-recorded online PowerPoint presentations with integrated animations and whiteboard
• weekly interactive in-person discussions 
• PDFs with hyperlinks
• Radiology Guest Lecture

• H. Zabel: Medical Physics 1 & 2, De Gruyter, (2017)
• A. Oppelt: Imaging Systems for Medical Diagnostics, Publicis, (2006)
• W. Schlegel, J. Bille: Medizinische Physik, Bd. 2, Springer, (2002)
• J. Als-Nielsen, D. MacMorrow: Elements of Modern X-Ray Physics, Wiley, (2011)
• W. Kalender: Computertomographie: Grundlagen, Gerätetechnologie, Bildqualität, Anwendungen, Publicis, (2006) 

There will be a written exam of 60 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions, discussions based on sketches and simple formulas.

For example an assignment in the exam might be:

• Sketch the experimental setup of an X-ray computer tomograph.
• Using a suitable sketch, explain the basic mathematical principles of CT reconstruction using filtered rear projection.
• Describe the basic function of a magnetic resonance tomograph.
• How is location information coded in MRI?
• What does SPECT mean and how is a corresponding device constructed?

In the exam no learning aids are permitted.