Course Overview
This course explores the physics, instrumentation, and mathematical principles foundational to the tomography modalities (SPECT, PET, and CT) used in nuclear medicine. It begins with an overview of the basic concepts and terminology common to all modalities, including the relationships among different datasets. It then covers data-processing, such as filtering and tomographic reconstruction, followed by reconstruction techniques, quantitative corrections, and the parameters related to reconstructed image quality and quantitative accuracy. SPECT, PET, and CT modalities are then explored: SPECT—specific instrumentation, techniques, acquisition, and reconstruction parameters; quantitative corrections such as CTAC and quality control PET—the physics of positron annihilation and its use in PET imaging; PET scanner design and performance; PET quantitative corrections and quality control CT—the physics and instrumentation of X-ray CT, starting with X-ray beam production and interactions in the body; different generations of CT scanner design and acquisition concepts such as pitch; CT acquisition and reconstruction concepts in terms of the relationship between image quality and patient dose. The course material ends with a description of CT quality control and how CT is used in SPECT and PET imaging. Students will use their foundational knowledge of medical tomography principles as a basis for understanding new scientific and technical information to promote continued and life-long learning.
Prerequisite(s)
- 65% in PHYS 2120
Credits
3.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the basic principles of tomography.
- Interpret different datasets used in tomographic imaging.
- Relate different methods of data-processing and tomographic reconstruction to image quality.
- Describe reconstructed image quality and quantitative accuracy and their impact on diagnostic measures on image contrast and SUV.
- Relate image reconstruction parameters and quantitative corrections to tomographic image quality and quantitative accuracy.
- Explain the relationship between SPECT acquisition parameters and image quality, quantitative corrections, and calibrations and optimal clinical image quality.
- Relate the physics of positron annihilation to the basic principles of PET imaging and its limitations.
- Describe and compare current PET camera technologies.
- Relate the design of modern PET camera technologies to their performance and limitations.
- Explain the relationships among PET acquisition parameters and image quality, quantitative corrections, and calibrations and optimal clinical image quality.
- Relate the physics and instrumentation principles of X-ray beam production and attenuation to CT scanner design, system performance, and data acquisition and quality assurance procedures.
- Relate CT X-ray beam and acquisition parameters to image quality and patient dose.
- Describe the process of attenuation correction.
- Explain the use of CT scans in nuclear medicine for attenuation correction and anatomical localization.
Effective as of Fall 2026
Related Programs
Physics for Nuclear Medicine 3 (PHYS 3120) is offered as a part of the following programs:
School of Health Sciences
- Nuclear Medicine
Diploma Full-time
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.