fMRI: A Hands-on Course in Data Analysis
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This four-day workshop, sponsored by the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Functional Imaging Research Center, is designed to provide the basic and clinical investigator with a comprehensive understanding of how to design, analyze, and interpret a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment. At the completion of this course, it is expected that participants will learn to design and conduct a wide range of fMRI experiments; apply image processing software for extracting functional activity from task-activated fMRI time series; and gain a comprehensive understanding of group analysis and presentation techniques.
The course will be taught as a series of modules. Each module will begin with a lecture followed by an individualized hands-on computer demonstration. Each participant will work at his/her own workstation and will be provided with a series of step-by-step instructions for analyzing representative sample imaging datasets.
The registration fee includes a Mac Mini computer, which is equipped with all necessary software required to perform fMRI analyses demonstrated in the course. The Mac Mini can be easily transported in carry-on luggage (3 lbs; 2 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches). Please note that after the course, participants will need to add a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, since these peripherals are not included in the course registration fee. We will provide them for your use during the course. Course materials will also include hard copies and electronic versions of lectures, computer demonstration instructions, and image processing software manuals. Electronic versions, including sample fMRI datasets, will be provided.
Because of the intensive hands-on instruction, enrollment in the course will be limited to 40 individuals.
fMRI AT THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
In 1992, the Medical College of Wisconsin was one of the first medical centers (along with Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Minnesota) to demonstrate the BOLD (blood oxygen level dependent) contrast mechanism, which forms the basis for most of the fMRI research conducted today. Since this initial discovery, MCW has been a leader in fMRI research. The multi-disciplinary research effort has been supported by numerous federal, foundation, and industry-sponsored research grants and training grants. In addition to making neuroscience contributions in the areas of vision, motor control, audition/language, cognition, epilepsy, and drug abuse, MCW has pioneered the development of real-time fMRI, pulse sequences and coil hardware, and a variety of software tools for the statistical analysis and presentation of fMRI data. This software (Analysis of Functional NeuroImages; AFNI ) is currently being used by over 300 registered users at research centers throughout the world. AFNI will be described in detail as part of this course and is available at no cost to research institutions.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The course is designed for investigators desiring the knowledge and skills to design an fMRI activation task and to learn the fundamentals of image analysis. Prior knowledge of MR physics and physiology related to BOLD contrast is desirable.