Course detail

Advanced Topics in Neuroimaging

FIT-ATNDAcad. year: 2022/2023

Students will be able to understand the various neuroimaging technologies and the advancements taking place that are being used for imaging the brain structure as well as functional activity. They will be able to comprehend various brain stimulation technologies and the role of neuroimaging for neurostimulation. They will be able to analyze and interpret the neural activity using various neuroimaging technologies including MRI, EEG, MEG and FNIRS. 

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

0

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Aamir Saeed Malik, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Computer Systems (UPSY)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Not applicable.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

During the course, it is necessary to submit the project and pass the exam. Teaching is performed as lectures or controlled self-study; the missed classes need to be replaced by self-study. 

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Not applicable.

Course curriculum

1. Neuroimaging Technologies: This topic will introduce the various neuroimaging technologies used for imaging both the structural as well as functional aspects of the brain.

2. Computed Tomography (CT): CT scans are the most popular in clinical practice for imaging brain anatomical structure. This lecture discusses the CT X-ray technology.

3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is used for imaging soft tissues in the brain. The MRI technology and advances in the MRI sequences will be introduced.

4. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): MRI is used for imaging brain anatomical structure while fMRI is used for investigating functions of the various brain parts. This lecture discusses fMRI in detail.

5. Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (FNIRS): This topic discusses the imaging of hemodynamic response in brain by using near infrared sensors.

6. Positron Emission Tomography (PET): This lecture discusses the details of the PET technology and the associated radioisotopes that are used in differentiating the brain parts.

7. Electroencephalogram (EEG): The neurons communicate via the electrical activity and this electrical activity is captured using EEG device. This topic deals with the EEG technology.

8. Magnetoencephalogram (MEG): The neurons communicate via the electrical activity and hence there is corresponding magnetic activity which is captured using MEG device. This topic deals with the MEG technology.

9. Microscopy: This topic discusses the various types of technologies used in microscopes that are involved in investigating the brain at molecular level.

10. Transcranial Stimulation: The above-mentioned topics are related to the imaging of brain structure and function. From this topic onward, the lectures discuss the treatment using neuroimaging. This topic details the technologies involved in stimulation of brain, that is, transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial electrical stimulation.

11. Passive Neurofeedback: This topic discusses technologies involved in passive stimulation of the brain. They involve using visual, auditory and aural stimulation for brain activation.

12. Focused Ultrasound: Recent advances have enabled the use of focused ultrasound for Parkinson and tremor patients. This lecture introduces the concept of high energy focused ultrasound beam for treatment purposes.

13. Future Technologies: The final lecture of the course will discuss the latest trends in neuroimaging as well as the future technologies like microwave-based brain imaging.

 

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

Understanding the technologies with respect to neuroimaging, advancements in neuroimaging, and their applications for investigating brain structure and function. 

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Not applicable.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

1. Z. H. Cho, Zang-Hee Cho, Joie P. Jones, Manbir Singh, Fundamentals of Medical Imaging, Wiley, 1993, ISBN: 978-0471545736.
2. Denis Le Bihan, Teresa Lavender Fagan, Looking inside the brain: The power of neuroimaging, Princeton University Press, 2014, ISBN: 978-0691160610. 3. Massimo Filippi, Oxford Textbook of Neuroimaging, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN: 978-0199664092
4. Jonathan Wolpaw, Elizabeth Winter Wolpaw, Brain Computer Interfaces: Principles and practice, Oxford University Press, First Edition, 2012, ISBN: 978-0195388855.
5. Nidal Kamel, Aamir S. Malik, EEG/ERP Analysis: Methods and Applications, CRC Press, First Edition, 2017, ISBN: 978-1138077089.
6. Mike X. Cohen, Matlab for brain and cognitive scientists, MIT Press, First Edition, 2017, ISBN: 978-0262035828.
7. Hans Op de Beeck, Chie Nakatani, Introduction to Human Neuroimaging, Cambridge University Press, 2019, ISBN: 978-1316632185.
8. Magnetoencephalography: From signals to dynamic cortical networks, Springer, 2020, ISBN: 978-3-31-962657-4.
9. Helena Knotkova, Dirk Rasche, Textbook of Neuromodulation, Springer, 2015, ISBN: 978-1-4939-1408-1.

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme DIT Doctoral, any year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme DIT Doctoral, any year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme DIT-EN Doctoral, any year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme DIT-EN Doctoral, any year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional