The Medical Image Processing module provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, techniques, and applications of modern image processing technologies used in medical imaging and therapy. It emphasizes the role of advanced computational methods in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, guiding treatment, and improving patient outcomes. The course will cover key image acquisition modalities such as being X-rays Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance (MRI) and Nuclear Medicine (NM) imaging, image enhancement, segmentation, registration and feature extraction. In this module you will develop a firm understanding of the fundamental concepts of medical processing and its applications. You will build an appreciation of the practical aspects of digital imaging processing systems in the modern health service. You will develop skills to use medical image processing algorithms with a range of applications and programming languages. 

• LO1 Understand and describe the format in which medical images are saved electronically so that they can be used efficiently in practical image processing. (AHEP4 M1) 

• LO2 Appreciate and communicate the importance of anonymization of medical images in clinical practice and the challenges and risks related to working with patient data. (AHEP4 M8) 

• LO3 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the basic techniques of medical image processing. (AHEP4 M4,M13) 

• LO4 Code, implement and use different methodologies for image processing including transformations, filtering, segmentation, and registration. (AHEP4 M1, M2, M3, M5, M12) 

• LO5 Effectively communicate complex information related to the application of medical image processing. (AHEP4 M17) 

The Engineering Council sets the overall requirements for the AHEP (Accreditation for Higher Education Programmes). It is the standard used by the UK engineering profession to assess the competence and commitment of individual engineers and technicians and is in its 4th iteration. Link: ahep-fourth-edition 

The module will be delivered through on-site teaching with learning material, guided study, and on-campus face-to-face classes (lectures, tutorials, computer lab sessions) over one semester.  

Each week there will be a 2-hour lecture focusing on the principles of operation of medical image equipment and image processing methods. During the lectures you will have the opportunity to practice medical image processing techniques to medical imaging data relevant to the topic being investigated in that week. These sessions will be computer-based practicals in which you will develop the skills you need to manipulate and process medical images. Anonymised medical imaging dataset will be provided from public databases.

Through the module you will be develop your skills in the following areas: 

Subject-Specific Skills:  

• Understand the different roles that medical systems have in the modern health service and identify the best modality.   

• Demonstrate adaptability in optimising your computer-based workflows for medical image analysis. 

• Communicate complex ideas relating to how the finding of your computer-based image analysis have on wider medical engineering community and society.  

• Demonstrate resilience and problem-solving skills in dealing with the completion of practical medical imaging tasks.  

• Accept and act on the feedback received during the tutorial sessions to improve your skills in medical image processing 

Through the module you will be develop your skills in the following areas: 

Subject-Specific Skills:  

• Understand the different roles that medical systems have in the modern health service and identify the best modality.   

• Demonstrate adaptability in optimising your computer-based workflows for medical image analysis. 

• Communicate complex ideas relating to how the finding of your computer-based image analysis have on wider medical engineering community and society.  

• Demonstrate resilience and problem-solving skills in dealing with the completion of practical medical imaging tasks.  

• Accept and act on the feedback received during the tutorial sessions to improve your skills in medical image processing 

Professional & Practical Skills (AHEP4):  

• M1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering 
• M2. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed 
• M3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed 
• M4. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems 
• M5. Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards 
• M8. Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct 
• M12. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems 
• M13. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations 
• M17. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used 

Transferable/Employability Skills (Graduate Attributes): 

• Collaboration Skills: 

  • C2: Demonstrate enthusiasm and the ability to motivate themselves, and positively influence others in meeting agreed responsibilities 
  • C3: Be respectful of the roles of others and acknowledge the limits of their own skills/experience 

• Effective Communicators: 

  • EC2: Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences 
  • Ethically, socially and environmentally aware: 
  • ESA2: Demonstrate personal and professional integrity, reliability and competence 

• Independent and critical thinkers 

  • ICT1: Identify, define, and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information. 
  • ICT2: Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding. 
  • ICT3: Investigate problems and offer effective solutions, reflecting on and learning from successes and failures. 

• Reflective & Resilient 

  • RR1: Actively reflect on own studies, achievements, and self-identity 
  • RR3: Identify and articulate own skills, knowledge and understanding confidently and in a variety of contexts 
  • RR4: Engage with new ideas, opportunities, and technologies, building knowledge and experience to make informed decisions about own future. 

The module will be assessed through two summative components: 

1. Coursework report, worth 60%: you will be guided to produce a report detailing the findings of an independent coursework that you will undertake to investigate the use of applications and methods to resolve a challenge in medical image processing such as image enhancement, image transformation, image classification. Through this assessment you will be able to evidence attainment of all Learning Outcomes (LOs 1-5) 

2. Presentation, worth 40%: you will be guided to produce a presentation describing the work you completed with the coursework. This presentation accompanies the coursework report and is intended to 1) provide an additional oral summary of your work and 2) give you the opportunity to demonstrate your further understanding of the medical imaging problem tackled via a questions and answers session following the presentation. Through this assessment you will be able to evidence attainment of all Learning Outcomes (LOs 1-5). 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

• Introduction to the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard in medical imaging. 

• Knowledge of the DICOM RadioTherapy extension (DICOM-RT) including RTPLAN, RTSTRUCT and RTDOSE. 

• Anonymisation of patient identifiable information in medical images: safe harbour principle. 

• Image transformations: basic intensity transformation functions, grey level histogram, histogram equalization and matching. 

• Fundamentals of filtering in the spatial and frequency domain: linear and non-linear filters, image smoothing, image sharpening. 

• Fundamentals of image segmentation: edge detection, thresholding, and region-based methods. 

• Hands-on relevant software such as MATLAB, Python and Hero Imaging.