Fundamental Neuroscience for Neuroimaging

Neuroimaging methods are used with increasing frequency in clinical practice and basic research. Designed for students and professionals, this course will introduce the basic principles of neuroimaging methods as applied to human subjects research and introduce the neuroscience concepts and terminology necessary for a basic understanding of neuroimaging applications. Topics include the history of neuroimaging, an introduction to neuroimaging physics and image formation, as well as an overview of different neuroimaging applications, including functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, perfusion imaging, and positron emission tomography imaging. Each will be reviewed in the context of their specific methods, source of signal, goals, and limitations. The course will also introduce basic neuroscience concepts necessary to understand the implementation of neuroimaging methods, including structural and functional human neuroanatomy, cognitive domains, and experimental design.

• Structural Neuroanatomy of the Human Brain
• This week will introduce basic terminology in neuroscience and structural neuroanatomy of the human brain.
• Functional Neuroanatomy of the Human Brain
• This week will introduce functional neuroanatomy of the human brain including cognitive domains and neuropsychological assessment of cognition.
• Principles and Methods of Neuroimaging
• This week will introduce the principles of neuroimaging and applications in structural and functional neuroimaging.
• Experimental design and special applications in neuroimaging
• This week will introduce experimental design in functional neuroimaging and special methods in neuroimaging, including functional connectivity MRI, diffusion tensor imaging and spectroscopy imaging.