Lecture Topics (50% of the course)

Basics of Advanced Neuroimaging
The theoretical background of fMRI, DTI and perfusion MRI will be approached from a practical perspective. Clinical applications will be addressed.

Technical set-up fMRI
fMRI requires an environment in which subjects perform specific tasks (finger movement, listening to text or music, viewing images, et cetera). Response monitoring, such as by pressing buttons, may be required for certain procedures. 
We will discuss these requirements and the equipment that is available to fulfill them.

fMRI task design
Design of the fMRI experiment is crucial. The most commonly used fMRI clinical paradigms will be discussed. We will focus on clinical tasks for the localisation of the primary motor cortex and the assessment of hemispheric dominance of language processing as examples of the design process.

Principles of data analysis
The interpretation of fMRI, DTI and perfusion MRI requires extensive postprocessing. A short overview of the post-processing steps will be given.
Software packages for data-analysis will be explained and discussed: specifically those provided by Philips Healthcare (Intellispace).

Clinical and research applications
Clinical applications of fMRI, DTI and perfusion MRI will be discussed and an overview of the relevant functional anatomy of the brain will be given. We will also provide a short introduction into several research applications of advanced neuroimaging.

Hands-On Topics (50% of the course)

Scanner console interface
All scanning will be performed on a 3T Philips Healthcare 32-channel MR system. We will provide ample opportunity to become familiar with the scanner console interface.

Data acquisition
Monitoring of data acquisition is particularly important and will be specifically addressed. Sequence adjustments to optimize image quality and contrast, as discussed in the lectures, will be practiced and visualised.

Instruction and preparation of subjects
We will emphasize optimal subject instruction prior to the study and monitoring of subject performance during scanning. 

Data analysis
We will practice data analysis extensively. Hands-on practical workshops will use Philips Healthcare software for data analysis (Intellispace).