Course Catalogue

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The role of imaging, in both research and clinical settings, is expanding at an exponential rate including the use of assistive artificial intelligence (AI) for image analysis. Nowadays, timely use of imaging guides healthcare professionals in terms of diagnosis and future management of patients improving their long-term outcomes. Imaging also plays a vital role in translational research and precision medicine leading to ground-breaking scientific advances. Imaging techniques refer to the myriad of ways, such as ultrasound and microscopy, in which we develop visual interpretations of human/animal structures and get a better insight into their functions. This introductory course will discuss common anatomical imaging techniques used for diagnostic or therapeutic and research purposes from the macroscale (e.g. brain) to the nanoscale (e.g. neuron). This course will not discuss the physics underlying such imaging techniques. The focus will be on research and clinical applications, advantages and disadvantages, ethics, innovations and future challenges.

Normally, 3 hours of teaching on Thursdays in Semester 2. 

Normally, only available to final-year Life Sciences students in the Human Life Sciences programme. Visiting students may be allowed to enrol, at the discretion of the Life Sciences Chief Adviser and the Course Coordinator. 

None

The course will be assessed by a 2-hour examination (75%) and in-course assessment consisting of a scientific poster (25%). 

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The aim of this course is to provide learners with a holistic, but yet, concise overview of the most common anatomical imaging techniques used in clinical and research settings. Learners will have the opportunity to discuss the main applications of such techniques including their advantages and disadvantages, ethics, innovations and potential future challenges. The course also aims to equip learners with the skills needed to systematically and critically appraise relevant literature.

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

■ Discuss the main applications of common anatomical imaging techniques, including their advantages and disadvantages;

■ Discuss examples of ethical issues and emerging innovations/challenges relating to anatomical imaging techniques; 

■ Systematically evaluate and interpret evidence from recent scientific advances in anatomical imaging techniques; 

■ Accurately use clinical-based appraisal tools, such as the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklists, to evaluate scientific research.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.