LI104FU: Introduction to measuring the human brain using magnetic resonance imaging is given for the second time in the autumn of 2022. The course is given at Stockholm University Brain Imaging Center (SUBIC). All PhD students, independent of area of studies and university, are most welcome to apply. Closing date for applications is 5 September.

Course content

The course is an introduction to measuring human brain structure and function using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We will briefly describe the essentials of human brain anatomy and physiology. The basis of magnetic resonance imaging will be introduced. Structural measures of gray and white matter and functional measures of brain activity will be described. Structural and functional MRI will be presented as methods to address a variety of research questions. Research questions within the Humanities will be emphasized. Experimental design and data analysis techniques adequate for different research questions will be introduced. The promises and challenges of MRI will be discussed in the context of other methods to probe the living human brain.

Learning outcomes

In order to pass the course, students are expected to be able to:

• describe the essential aspects of the human brain anatomy and physiology most relevant to MRI
• give a simple description of MRI and how it is used to measure brain structure and function
• enumerate different measurements done with MRI and give examples of research questions which can be address with the help of the different measurements
• give examples of experimental designs and data analysis techniques adequate for different research questions
• discuss MRI in relation to other methods