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Biomedical Imaging
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:01:33
Abstract
Introduction to diagnostic medical imaging based on electromagnetic and acoustic fields including X-ray planar and tomographic imaging, radio-tracer based nuclear imaging techniques, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound-based procedures.
Objective
Upon completion of the course students are able to: • Explain the physical and mathematical foundations of diagnostic medical imaging systems • Characterize system performance based on signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio and transfer function • Design a basic diagnostic imaging system chain including data acquisition and data reconstruction • Identify advantages and limitations of different imaging methods in relation to medical diagnostic applications
Content
• Introduction (intro, overview, history) • Signal theory and processing (foundations, transforms, filtering, signal-to-noise ratio) • X-rays (production, tissue interaction, contrast, modular transfer function) • X-rays (resolution, detection, digital subtraction angiography, Radon transform) • X-rays (filtered back-projection, spiral computed tomography, image quality, dose) • Nuclear imaging (radioactive tracer, collimation, point spread function, SPECT/PET) • Nuclear imaging (detection principles, image reconstruction, kinetic modelling) • Magnetic Resonance (magnetic moment, spin transitions, excitation, relaxation, detection) • Magnetic Resonance (plane wave encoding, Fourier reconstruction, pulse sequences) • Magnetic Resonance (contrast mechanisms, gradient- and spin-echo, applications) • Ultrasound (mechanical wave generation, propagation in tissue, reflection, transmission) • Ultrasound (spatial and temporal resolution, phased arrays) • Ultrasound (Doppler shift, implementations, applications) • Summary, example exam questions
Resources
Lecture Notes
Lecture notes and handouts
Literature
Webb A, Smith N.B. Introduction to Medical Imaging: Physics, Engineering and Clinical Applications; Cambridge University Press 2011
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- 2-page formulary
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Biomedical Imaging
**together with University of Zurich**
|
|
5 h weekly |
Offered In
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Engineering for Health (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Bradley Nelson)
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5th Semester: Third Year Core Courses (Can be freely combined, a list of recommendations is available under )
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Bioengineering (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
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Track Core Courses (During the Master programme, a minimum of 12 CP must be obtained from track core courses.)
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Track Core Courses (During the Master programme, a minimum of 12 CP must be obtained from track core courses.)
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Track Core Courses (During the Master programme, a minimum of 12 CP must be obtained from track core courses.)
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Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Molecular Bioengineering track. Please consult your track advisor if you wish to select other subjects.)
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Track Core Courses (During the Master programme, a minimum of 12 CP must be obtained from track core courses.)
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General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))
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Nuclear Engineering Master (MSc Nuclear Engineering is a joint program of EPF Lausanne and ETH Zurich. The first semester takes place in Lausanne. Students therefore have to enroll at EPFL. For more information about the curriculum and courses see: )
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