1. The Course 
The M.Sc. MRI, by Distance Learning, is an exciting
approach to education for practitioners in Magnetic Resonance
Imaging. We hope
that the information included here will answer most of your questions
about the course but if you need more information please contact
Cathy Westbrook whose details appear towards the end of this
page.
The Learning Materials
This programme differs from many other Masters
programmes in the way in which materials are organised. Students
are given a framework
for study to guide them through the programme and its assessment.
The framework permits maximum choice in the way a student approaches
their study creating the flexibility, which makes this programme
unique.There are no module texts or set books. As a Masters student
you should be able to identify reading material that is appropriate
to the programme. Suggested resource lists will be issued.
4. Entry to the Programme
Applicants for the programme should normally posses either a good,
relevant first degree or other professional qualification plus experiential
learning. Students are required to spend an average of at least eighteen
hours per week, scanning in an appropriate placement, for the duration
of the course.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
It may be possible to gain credit for learning that has already occurred. If
you wish to explore this in greater detail contact Cathy Westbrook with your
questions.
Flexibility
of Study
The programme structure may look very rigid but is, in fact, quite flexible.
Tutors are used to dealing with the problems of students in full-time employment,
with busy lives, who are also studying by distance learning. From experience
we are aware how hard mature students work and that sometimes flexibility must
be built into a programme to accommodate the rigours of hectic lifestyles.This
programme, by its nature, is flexible enough to cope with problems as they
arise. Tutor support will always be available to encourage and support you.The
aim of this programme is to facilitate your success at Masters level, maintaining
the highest possible standards. We recognise the difficulties facing practitioners
responding to ever-changing health care environments. Delivery by distance
learning is our response to the obvious problems in obtaining day, or block
release. We accept, however, that students will need to rise to many challenges
during this type of educational programme and so offer our support from the
outset. If returning to study is of particular concern, please telephone and
discusses your worries with one of the tutors.Students would normally be expected
to complete a M.Sc. in 3 years. Extensions and breaks from study are available,
although a M.Sc. should normally be completed within 5 years.
Time Commitment
To study a thirty credit module requires a time commitment by the student of
approximately twenty hours per week. This may sound daunting but remember
that a lot of your learning activity takes place within the workplace.
Clinical Commitment
It is a requirement of the programme that students can scan for
an average of eighteen hours per week during the programme. It
is important that your manager
is happy to make this commitment before you begin the programme. If this is
not possible, but you are keen to study at Masters level by distance
learning, there
are other programmes available, which may be more suited to your needs. Please
contact us if you would like further information.It is also important that
you are able to identify support in your clinical department.
A mentoring scheme
is in operation and students are encouraged to find a local mentor. A Mentor’s
Pack detailing the role is available to registered students. It is hoped that
you will go on to assist other students by mentoring, or supervising once you
have graduated.
5. Programme Structure
4. Course Content
To
provide flexibility and to ensure the needs of students and
employers can be met, the order in
which the Clinical Applications modules are studied is not
prescribed. Students will be required to select modules
from the existing bank
of four designated Clinical Applications modules.
Designated modules currently available are;
| Clinical Applications I |
Brain and Spine |
| Clinical Applications II |
Musculoskeletal |
| Clinical Applications III |
Body |
Although students will initially register for the M.Sc. there is
the option to withdraw after successful completion of the first or
second years and be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate or a Postgraduate
Diploma.
The Modules
Scientific Principles
of Magnetic Resonance imaging
Specific areas of study include;
- Fundamentals
of MRI
- Instrumentation
- Safety
- Image contrast
mechanisms
- Image Production
- Image Quality
- K space and
data acquisition
- Flow phenomena
and their compensation
- Contrast media
- Magnetic Resonance
Angiography
- Spin echo pulse
sequences
- Gradient echo
pulse sequences
- Artefact identification
and compensation
Learning Outcomes
- Use scientific concepts to describe and identify
the physical processes encountered in the safe use
of MR in medical imaging.
- Demonstrate an understanding of image production
and data acquisition mechanisms.
- Evaluate MR images in respect of image quality,
image contrast, flow and artefact recognition and
appropriate compensation.
- Analyse the principles that underpin protocol selection
and modification in common and uncommon MRI examinations,
including appropriate parameter selection and the
use of contrast agents.
Assessment is by Open Book Examination.
A series of short answer and long answer questions
are supplied 3-4 weeks before the due date.
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Applied Research in Health
Practice
This module is designed to enable students to confidently
approach professional research. There is particular emphasis
on theselection, application, analysis and evaluation
of a range of research methods. The learning outcomes
have been developed to permit students to undertake work-based
activities in their exploration of applied research.
Consideration of the ethical dimensions of health care
research is a key feature of the module. This module
will assist students in their undertaking of project
or dissertation relating to health care.
Assessment is through a written paper
discussing research processes and the practical application
of two particular research methods.
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The
Clinical
Modules
The major part
of the programme is
occupied by
the Clinical Applications
modules, which
aim to integrate
the
theory and practice of MRI. These
modules rely heavily on the enormous amount of learning that takes
place in the clinical environment and assessments are designed
to
give credit for this learning. Assessment of the Clinical Applications
modules is by means of a Portfolio of work, in which the student
will
demonstrate their achievement of the relevant Learning Outcome’s.Clinical
Applications I, II and III are directed at particular anatomical
areas and patient examinations. The areas studied for the particular
modules are given in the table above.
Clinical applications
I
This module is designed to examine the theory and
practice of clinical MRI of the head and spine. The
module is underpinned by the clinical experience of
the student requiring an average of eighteen hours
per week scanning in a suitable MRI unit. Students
will be expected to discuss and evaluate their own
practice, specifically relating to protocols, patient
management, technique and normal and abnormal anatomical
MR appearances. Throughout the module the student
will collect evidence, for presentation in a Portfolio,
of their achievement of the outcomes of the module.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate critically, justify and modify where appropriate,
the scanning protocols employed in MRI examinations
of the brain and spine.
- Evaluate critically MR images with reference to
normal and abnormal pattern recognition in examinations
of the brain and spine.
- Critically appraise the use of contemporary imaging
techniques in the brain and spine.
- Competently apply the physical principles relating
to MRI of the brain and spine.
- Analyse the psychological and physical capabilities
of patients undergoing cross-sectional examinations
of the brain and spine and suggest appropriate response
strategies.
Assessment is by portfolio demonstrating
achievement of the Learning Outcomes.
|
Clinical Applications
II
This module is designed to examine the theory and
practice of clinical MRI of the musculoskeletal system. The
module is underpinned by the clinical experience of
the student, requiring an average of eighteen hours
per week scanning in a suitable MRI unit. Experiential
learning of the student is essential to the satisfactory
completion of this module and this requirement arises
from the rapid evolution of the speciality. Students
will be expected to analyse, discuss and evaluate their
own practice, specifically relating to protocols, patient
management, technique and normal and abnormal anatomical
MR appearances. It is expected that the student
will assess current protocols, suggesting and justifying
possible modifications. Throughout the module the student
will collect evidence, for presentation in a Portfolio,
of their achievement of the outcomes of the module.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate critically, justify and modify where appropriate,
the scanning protocols employed in MRI examinations
of the musculoskeletal system
- Evaluate critically MR images with reference to
normal and abnormal pattern recognition in examinations
of the musculoskeletal system
- Critically appraise the use of contemporary imaging
techniques in the musculo-skeletal system
- Competently apply the physical principles relating
to MRI of the musculoskeletal system
- Reflect on the impact of ethics, safety and legal
requirements on clinical practice
Assessment is
as Clinical Applications I. |
Clinical Applications
III
This module is designed to examine the theory and
practice of clinical body MRI. The module is
underpinned by the clinical experience of the student,
requiring an average of eighteen hours per week scanning
in a suitable MRI unit. Experiential learning
of the student is essential to the satisfactory completion
of this module and this requirement arises from the
rapid evolution of the speciality. Students will be
expected to analyse, discuss and evaluate their own
practice, specifically relating to protocols, patient
management, technique and normal and abnormal anatomical
MR appearances. It is expected that the student will
assess current protocols, suggesting and justifying
possible modifications. This module will also consider
Quality Assurance issues within body MRI. Throughout
the module the student will collect evidence, for presentation
in a Portfolio, of their achievement of the outcomes
of the module.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate critically, justify and modify where appropriate,
the MRI scanning protocols employed in examinations
of the body.
- Evaluate critically MR images with reference to
normal and abnormal pattern recognition in examinations
of the body.
- Critically appraise the use of contemporary imaging
techniques in the body.
- Competently apply the physical principles relating
to MRI of the body.
- Analyse and appraise quality assurance issues.
Assessment is as Clinical Applications
I. |
Dissertation
This module supports students in the preparation and
submission of a Masters Stage Dissertation presented
in a form equivalent to a maximum of 25,000 words. |
5. How to Apply for a Place On This Course
If you need more information about any aspect of this course, or
any other MRI course we offer, please contact the pathway leader
who will be happy to talk to you.
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Cathy
Westbrook:
Pathway Leader
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0845 196 2028 |
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If you want information about how to apply, administrative issues
etc, please contact:
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Wendy
Roberts: Course Administrator
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0845 196 2028 |
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Radiography Office
Faculty of Allied Health
Institute of Health & Social Care
Anglia Ruskin University
East Road
Cambridge
UK
CB1 1PT |
