MRI/fMRI Protocol Optimization

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

This course examines and explores the decision making used when choosing the multitude of parameters used in structural and functional MRI. The course builds on NSCI-521 (Functional MRI: Theory and Practice) or similar to explore how choices in MRI sequence parameters alter the raw images and in turn interact with various data analysis pipelines leading and ultimately the results of these experiments. Topics that will be explored include: optimizing tissue contrast (T1, T2, T2*, and PD) for various structural analysis pipelines, comparison of these to novel structural sequences, determining optimal choice of echo time for BOLD fMRI, exploring how multi-band fMRI acquisitions affect results, determining whether more directions or higher spatial resolution is preferable in DTI, and similar topics. Students are encouraged to suggest topics.