Rapid advances in Biomedical Imaging over the past two decades have contributed to some of the most significant achievements in modern biomedical science and healthcare. This progress continues at an even faster pace, as emerging imaging technologies are increasingly combined with advanced image processing and analysis methods, quantitative imaging biomarkers, computational tools, machine learning and Artificial Intelligence.

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Closely linked to continuous technological innovation, Biomedical Imaging has become one of the most rapidly evolving interdisciplinary scientific fields, bringing together Medicine, Physics, Biology, Engineering, Computer Science and Data Science. Its ultimate goal is to improve disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient monitoring, while ensuring the quality and safety of medical procedures.

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Novel and cutting-edge imaging technologies are continuously being developed and integrated into clinical practice and biomedical research. Understanding their underlying physical principles, capabilities and limitations, as well as the advanced methods used to process and exploit the data they generate, represents an increasing challenge even for healthcare professionals working in highly specialized fields such as Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Oncology. At the same time, the expanding use of imaging technologies across different areas of Medicine and biomedical research creates a growing need for systematic education in both the physical principles of Biomedical Imaging and issues related to safety, quality assurance and radiation protection.

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The MSc Programme “Physical Principles of Biomedical Imaging and Radiation Protection” has been designed in accordance with current scientific developments and the applicable European radiation protection framework, with particular reference to Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom, which establishes basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation. The current regulatory framework highlights the importance of justification and optimisation of medical exposures, quality assurance, and the systematic protection of patients, workers and members of the public.

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The Radiation Protection components of the Programme aim to provide students with a thorough understanding of contemporary principles for protecting health in situations involving occupational, medical and public exposure to ionising radiation. Particular emphasis is placed on the safe use of radiation, optimisation of medical procedures, quality assurance, prevention and management of accidental or unintended exposures, and understanding of the relevant regulatory and legislative framework. Corresponding attention is also given to the safe use of non-ionising radiation and to the protection of healthcare professionals, the public and the environment.

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At the same time, drawing on the most up-to-date scientific evidence and literature, the Programme provides students with comprehensive knowledge of modern and advanced Biomedical Imaging techniques, ranging from established imaging modalities to emerging quantitative, functional, molecular and multiparametric imaging methods. Particular emphasis is placed on contemporary approaches to digital medical image processing and analysis, the extraction and evaluation of quantitative imaging features and biomarkers, and the application of machine learning, deep learning and Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Imaging.

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Particular emphasis is also placed on the development of digital, analytical and research skills, the critical appraisal of scientific literature, data management and interpretation, and scientific writing. The strong research orientation of the Programme provides an appropriate foundation for graduates wishing to pursue doctoral studies and further research, while its interdisciplinary character and focus on modern technologies significantly enhance the scientific and professional profile of its graduates.

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The Programme aims to equip its graduates with a modern and competitive portfolio of knowledge and skills that responds to the continuously evolving demands of the labour market in healthcare, biomedical technology, medical imaging, research and the development of emerging technologies. By linking fundamental physical principles with modern digital and computational technologies, graduates are prepared not only to understand and utilise new developments, but also to adapt effectively to a scientific and professional environment that is constantly evolving.

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Students of the MSc Programme “Physical Principles of Biomedical Imaging and Radiation Protection” will acquire knowledge and skills in:

• The fundamental physical principles underlying modern Biomedical Imaging modalities, from radiography, fluoroscopy, interventional radiological procedures and Computed Tomography (CT), to Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging applications, including scintigraphy, SPECT and PET, as well as imaging techniques that do not involve ionising radiation, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound.

• Advanced and emerging imaging techniques and cutting-edge technologies used in clinical practice and biomedical research.

• The principles of digital medical image processing and analysis, quantitative imaging, and the extraction and evaluation of imaging biomarkers.

• The use of modern computational tools and machine learning, deep learning and Artificial Intelligence techniques for the analysis and utilisation of biomedical and imaging data.

• The fundamental principles and applications of Radiation Protection, as well as the potential risks associated with the use of ionising and non-ionising radiation.

• The safe use of radiation in medical applications, optimisation of patient and staff exposure, and the prevention and management of accidental or unintended exposures.

• The European and national regulatory and legislative framework governing the use of radiation and applications of Biomedical Imaging.

• The principles of quality assurance and quality control for imaging systems and medical procedures, with emphasis on the entire patient–healthcare professional–equipment–procedure–environment chain.

• The searching, critical appraisal and synthesis of contemporary scientific literature, as well as the principles of scientific methodology and academic writing.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication between professionals from different scientific backgrounds working in Biomedical Imaging, Radiation Protection, biomedical technology and research.

 

Through the integration of fundamental scientific knowledge, modern imaging technologies, Radiation Protection, image analysis and Artificial Intelligence, the MSc Programme aims to educate scientists with a strong interdisciplinary background who are able to follow, understand and utilise the technological advances shaping the future of Biomedical Imaging and modern Medicine.