Course Overview
Physics of Computed Tomography is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the theory and instrumentation of x-ray Computed Tomography for students with a background in nuclear medicine single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Students will learn how x-ray attenuation data are acquired and analyzed for conventional slice-by-slice, spiral/helical single and multislice CT scanners. Discussions of CT image reconstruction will draw on the student's prior understanding of emission computed tomography. Image quality and artefacts specific to CT will be discussed in detail, so students can appreciate how selection of scan factors will affect the resulting CT image. The course will conclude with an overview of physics concepts of CT imaging relevant to dual modality imaging in SPECT/CT and PET/CT.
Prerequisite(s)
- BCIT Diploma in Nuclear Medicine or equivalent.
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
At the end of this course the student will be able to:
- Outline significant events in the history of radiography.
- Describe the physics of x-ray production with reference to electron-target interactions in the x-ray tube.
- Use the Lambert Beer law to solve x-ray attenuation problems.
- Describe the various data acquisition geometries used in x-ray CT.
- Outline methods of tomographic image reconstruction using x-ray transmission data.
- Relate the design of solid state and gas filled x-ray detectors to CT image quality.
- Outline the functional components of a CT system.
- Outline the operation concepts of a CT system.
- Differentiate multislice, spiral, and single slice CT with respect to algorithms, scanner design and image characteristics.
- Assess image quality in terms of spatial resolution, noise and linearity.
- Assess probable causes of artefacts, and predict how they will affect the CT image.
- Optimize image display through manipulation of window width and window level.
- Evaluate how changes to selectable scan factors will affect the CT image.
- Interpret literature relating to CT imaging.
- Outline physics concepts of CT imaging relevant to dual modality imaging in SPECT/CT and PET/CT.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2006
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.