Doctoral School

Basic MRI Physics

Target audience

Future user of the MRI scanner at the GIfMI facility, either as a PhD or postdoc but also as a PI or master student with interest in MRI. We also invite people from the Radiology Department (radiologists, ASO, radiographers).

Organizing and scientific committee

Prof. Dr. Ir. Pim Pullens (UGent visiting professor/UZ Gent MRI physicist & biomedical engineer)

MSc. Ing. Pieter Vandemaele (UGent ATP – MRI engineer)

Msc. Stephanie Bogaert (UZ Gent – MRI research assistant)

Abstract

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used to produce high quality images of the body. Knowledge of the underpinning fundamentals of MRI is essential for every user – irrespective of previous practical experience. This course will prepare current and future PhD students for the correct use of the MRI scanner available at GifMI (Ghent Institute for Functional and Metabolic Imaging), a UGent research collaboration (SVO).

Objectives

This course is aimed at those who would like to understand:

  • the equipment used in MRI (magnetic fields, shielding, shimming, coils, helium)
  • the fundamental principles of MRI (alignment, signal generation, alignment, …)
  • image contrast (T1, T2, image weighting characteristics, …)
  • basic sequences (spin echo, gradient echo)
  • image optimization (SNR, CNR, spatial resolution, scan time, …)
  • image production (data sampling, slice selection, frequency and phase encoding, …)
  • k-space and data acquisition

No previous knowledge of MR physics is assumed though we will provide a preparatory list with literature and concepts ahead of the course that may be helpful for understanding the course more complex content.

Dates and venue

04th and 5th February 2026

Venue: UZ Gent - Auditorium E

Programme

DAY 1

Introduction: setting the scene

  • What is MRI?
  • What is possible with MRI?
  • MRI in a nutshell: from proton to image

MR in practice I

  • Hardware
  • Electromagnetic field

MRI Physics I: Sending energy

  • Excitation
  • Resonance

MRI Physics II: Receiving energy

  • Relaxation
  • Contrast

 MRI in practice II

  • Practical process and pitfalls of MR acquisition
  • Data quality control and artefacts

DAY 2

MRI in practice III

  • Digital signals and sampling
  • Fourier transformation

MRI Physics III

  • Spatial encoding K- Space
  • Spatial localization of MRI signals

Putting it all together: anatomy of a pulse sequence

  • Spin echo sequences
  • Gradient echo sequences
  • Scan parameters and image weighting
  • Parameter interactions

MRI in practice IV: data export

  • Dicom image format
  • Nifti image format

Registration

Registration fee

Free of charge for Doctoral School members.

Number of participants

Maximum 60

Language

English

Evaluation method

100% attendance

After successful participation, the Doctoral School Office will add this course to your curriculum of the Doctoral Training Programme in Oasis. Please note that this can take up to one to two months after completion of the course.

GIfMI will award a certificate to successful candidates who attended a 100%, that gives the permission to scan at the GIfMI facility after an individually tailored practical training on site by the GIfMI research assistant.