Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

NEUROBIO 381
Fall 2005

Course Information

This course is intended to provide a comprehensive and rigorous introduction to the technique of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Students will learn the basic physics underlying MRI, the biological principles of fMRI, the principles of experimental design, the processing steps associated with data analysis, and the use of available software packages. Each week's session will be composed of a lecture and laboratory. Each part will be led by one or more BIAC faculty members or research staff. Where possible, the laboratory topics will be flexible so that students with more experience can explore the issues covered in more detail.

As this is a graduate course, grades will reflect a certification of training, rather than a competition between students. Therefore, all grades can be raised to "E" by demonstrating understanding of the material. Grades will be based on participation in course sessions, completion of laboratory exercises, weekly short answer questions, and a final practicum research project. There may also be one take-home test at the discretion of the instructor. All assignments are primarily pedagogical, not evaluative. The class projects may be presented in early December.

Auditors are welcome (and encouraged) to take the course, but regular attendance and participation is required. Auditors will be expected to complete the same assignments as the students, or they will not be allowed to participate in the course.

Course web page: http://www.biac.duke.edu/education/courses/

Course Preliminary Outline