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227-0384-00L 4 Credits MSC D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET

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Ultrasound Fundamentals and Applications in Biology and Medicine

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Xose Luis Dean Ben

Previously (up to spring 2020) offered as Ultrasound Fundamentals, Imaging, and Medical Applications

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:15

Abstract

Ultrasound waves are non-ionizing and thus provide a safe means to interrogate and treat biological tissues. Advantages such as real-time operation, low cost, and portability have led to ultrasound systems becoming standard tools in hospitals and research laboratories. Applications in biology and medicine include ultrasound and optoacoustic imaging, thermal therapy, or pulse stimulation.

Objective

The objective of the course is that students are able to understand how to use ultrasound in biology and medicine and generalize this knowledge to applications in other fields.

Content

The course will cover the basic physics of ultrasound (acoustic waves at frequencies higher than the audible range) in biological tissues as well as the instrumentation required to generate and detect these waves. Imaging methods will extensively be described in the course. Specifically, standard and ultra-fast ultrasound imaging approaches will be covered along with new optoacoustic and transmission ultrasound imaging methods. The course will also describe mathematical modelling approaches and numerical methods as well as signal and image processing tools applicable in ultrasound-based imaging. Other topics include ultrasound sensors, laser ultrasound, therapeutic effects, or biomedical applications and contrast agents. The course will conclude with current and future research directions in the field of ultrasound in biomedicine.

Resources

Lecture Notes

The lecture slides will be made available to the students.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 120 minutes
Aids: Printed notes and a scientific calculator in the written exam

The final grade will consist of a written exam (50%), an oral presentation (25%), and a project report (25%). In the oral presentation (10 min + 5 min Q&A), students will present a relevant and high-impact scientific paper proposed in the course or chosen by them. On the other hand, the students must choose one out of several projects proposed in the course based on actual data acquired in the laboratory.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Ultrasound Fundamentals and Applications in Biology and Medicine	Mon 15:15-18:00 (ML J 34.3)	3 h weekly

Offered In

Biomedical Engineering Master
- Track Courses
  - Bioimaging
    - Track Core Courses (During the Master programme, a minimum of 12 CP must be obtained from track core courses.)
  - Biomechanics
    - Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Biomechanics track. Please consult your track advisor if you wish to select other subjects.)
  - Bioelectronics
    - Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioelectronics track. Please consult your track advisor if you wish to select other subjects.)
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Track: Signal Processing and Machine Learning (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Signal Processing and Machine Learning ", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Signal Processing and Machine Learning", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the MSc EEIT.)