Instrumentation and Processing for Biomedical Applications

Course
2020-2021
Semester
1
ECTS
6
Type
Compulsory
University
USC and UDC

Subject objectives

General objectives: To introduce the student to the basic aspects of computer applications related to medical imaging.

Learning outcomes: Each student will demonstrate his or her ability to

– Understand the basic concepts related to the different biomedical imaging modalities and the physical factors that influence their properties.

– Know the statistical techniques currently used for the validation of biomedical applications.

– Apply different processing and analysis techniques in biomedical imaging applications.

– To learn about image recording techniques and their applications in biomedical imaging.

Note: in case of having to apply Scenarios 2 and/or 3 (depending on the situation), no changes are foreseen.

Contents

– Basic concepts of biomedical imaging.

– Biomedical imaging modalities.

– Validation techniques in biomedical applications.

– Biomedical image processing and analysis.

– Registration of biomedical images.

– Biomedical imaging applications.

Note: in case of having to apply Scenarios 2 and/or 3 (depending on the situation), no changes are foreseen.

Basic and complementary bibliography

Basic Bibliography

– Bushberg JT, Seibert JA, Leidholdt EM, Boone JM: “The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging”. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2002.

Complementary Bibliography

– Fish P: “Physics and Instrumentation of Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound”. John Wiley & Sons. 1999.
– Sprawls Perry: «Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Principles, Methods and Techniques». Medical Physics Publishing. 2000.

Competencies

Specific skills:

CE1 – To know and apply the concepts, methodologies and technologies of image processing
CE3 – To know and apply the concepts, methodologies and technologies of image and video analysis
CE7 – Understanding and applying the fundamentals of medical image acquisition, processing and analysis

Basic / General skills:

CB7 – Students are able to apply their acquired knowledge and problem-solving skills in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multi-disciplinary) contexts related to their area of study
CB8 – Students are able to integrate knowledge and deal with the complexity of making judgements based on information that is incomplete or limited, including reflections on the social and ethical responsibilities associated with applying their knowledge and judgements
CB10 – Students possess the learning skills to enable them to continue studying in a largely self-directed or autonomous manner
CG3 – Ability to develop computer vision systems depending on existing needs and apply the most appropriate technological tools
CG4 – Capacity for critical analysis and rigorous evaluation of technologies and methodology
CG7 – Autonomous learning ability for specialization in one or more fields of study

Transversal / Nuclear skills:

CT4 – Ability to understand the meaning and application of the gender perspective in different areas of knowledge and professional practice with the aim of achieving a more just and equal society

Note: in case of having to apply Scenarios 2 and/or 3 (depending on the situation), no changes are foreseen.

Teaching methodology

Scenario 1

The teaching methodology will be based on the individual work of each student, on discussions with the teaching staff in class and on individual tutorials. It will be supported by all the information provided by the teaching staff through the virtual course of the subject (Moodle da Campus Virtual).

For each subject, the teaching staff will prepare the contents, explain the objectives of the subject in class, and suggest bibliography on which to rely.

The practices will be done in a computer room enabled for this purpose in the corresponding center.

Tutorials may be face-to-face or telematic. If they are telematic, they will require an appointment. This is also recommended for face-to-face tutorials.

Scenarios 2 and 3

See Contingency Plan in the Observations section

Evaluation system

Sistema de evaluación

The evaluation of the course will consist of a part dedicated to theory and another part dedicated to practice. The theory part (20%) will be evaluated in a final exam. The practical part (80%) will be evaluated continuously in the interactive classes and tutored work. In order to pass the course it is essential to obtain 5 points out of 10 in the final mark of the course.

The grade obtained during the continuous evaluation process will be kept for the July special session of the same academic year in which it was obtained.

The grade will be NO SHOW for students who do not take the final exam, and have not attended any of the continuous assessment activities, and SUSPENSE when they do not take the final exam, but have attended some of the continuous assessment activities.

Scenarios 2 and 3

See Contingency Plan in the Observations section

Other considerations:

In the case of fraudulent exercises or tests, the provisions of the Regulations on the Evaluation of Students’ Academic Performance and Grade Review will be applied.

Studying time and personal work

The course consists of 3 hours per week. In addition, each student will have to work individually for at least another 3 hours/week. In total this would be 6 hours/week x 12 weeks= 72 hours.

Subject study recommendations

It is recommended that students carry out individually the design, implementation and verification of all the proposed exercises.

Observations

For the practical part of the course, it is advisable to have your own computer.

CONTINGENCY PLAN in case of a possible change of scenario
1) Objectives: no change
2) Contents: no changes
3) Bibliographic material: no changes
4) Competencies: no changes
5) Methodoloxy:

Scenario 2
Expsositive Classes:
Exposition classes will be telematic, maintaining the official schedule of classes, synchronous (except asynchronous for supervening causes that will be communicated to students in advance).

Interactive Classes:
Part of the teaching will be developed in a telematic way.
If the measures adopted by the health authorities allow it, the expository classes will be developed telematically and the interactive ones in a face-to-face way, respecting the official class schedule approved by the centre.
If the capacity limitation dictated by the health authorities does not allow all students to attend interactive classes in person, they will be transmitted by streaming. Students will take turns attending classes in person. The number of students per shift will be conditioned by the rules in force at any given time.
When scheduling the attendance activity, priority will be given to evaluation tests as opposed to interactive attendance classes. If, due to an unavoidable rotation of students, the assessment tests consume an unreasonable number of hours, the corresponding instruction will be given telematically.
Tutorials can be face-to-face or telematic and will require an appointment.

Scenario 3
The teaching will be telematic and the classes will take place synchronously in the official schedule of classes. It may be that, for reasons of sub-regionality, some of the classes will be held asynchronously, which will be communicated to the students in advance.
Tutorials will be telematic and will require an appointment.

6) Evaluation system
Scenarios 2 and 3
Evaluation activities that cannot be carried out in person, if they cannot be postponed, will be carried out telematically through the institutional tools in Office 365 and Moodle. In this case, a series of measures will be required that will require the students to have a device with a microphone and a camera, while no suitable evaluation software is available. Each student can be called for an interview to comment on or explain part or all of the test. The duration of the telematic activities will be a maximum of 1 hour in the case of continuous assessment tests and 2 hours in the case of a final exam.
In the case of fraudulent exercises or tests, the provisions of the «Standard for the evaluation of the student’s academic performance and the review of grades» will apply.
NOTE: In these scenarios, you can change the type of activities to be performed or the modality, but not their overall contribution to the final grade (the weighting percentage)

7) Personal work and study time: no change
8) Recommendations for the study of the subject: no changes.