ABMP MRI Physics study plan
ABMP MRI Physics · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Basic MR Physics and Nuclear Magnetism
Derive the Larmor equation and compute precession frequencies for protons at 1.5 T and 3.0 T from memory
Explain net magnetization, T1 vs T2 populations, and why the rotating frame simplifies Bloch equations
Sketch the Bloch equation vector diagram for a 90-degree pulse and label Mz and Mxy evolution
Define flip angle in terms of B1 amplitude and pulse duration and calculate one example
Your checkpoint
One-page handwritten derivation sheet covering Larmor frequency, rotating frame, and flip angle, self-quizzed to 100% accuracy
Basic MR Physics and Nuclear Magnetism & Relaxation, Contrast Mechanisms, and Pulse Sequence Timing
Distinguish T1, T2, and T2* recovery/decay curves and identify which tissue properties drive each
Build a TR/TE timing diagram for spin echo and gradient echo and predict contrast changes from TR and TE adjustments
Calculate signal intensity ratios for two tissues given TR, TE, T1, and T2 values
Compare saturation, inversion recovery, and fat suppression mechanisms at the tissue level
Your checkpoint
Contrast prediction worksheet: 5 scenarios with calculated relative signal intensities and a written rationale for each
Relaxation, Contrast Mechanisms, and Pulse Sequence Timing & Spatial Encoding, Gradients, and Image Formation
Derive the k-space trajectory for a spin-echo readout and relate readout duration to sampling bandwidth
Map gradient waveforms (slice select, phase encode, readout) to their k-space axes and explain slice thickness dependence on gradient amplitude and RF bandwidth
Calculate phase-encoding steps, FOV, and pixel size from acquisition parameters
Explain the Fourier relationship between k-space and image space with a hand-drawn example
Your checkpoint
Annotated pulse sequence diagram with gradient-to-k-space mapping and a worked parameter table (FOV, matrix, pixel size, bandwidth)
Spatial Encoding, Gradients, and Image Formation & Radiofrequency Coils, Hardware, and Signal Reception
Compare coil types (surface, volume, phased array) by SNR, coverage, and homogeneity tradeoffs
Explain how preamplifier noise figure, coil loading, and B0 field strength affect received SNR
Describe quadrature detection and how it enables phase-sensitive reconstruction
Trace the signal path from precession to digitized raw data and identify where noise is introduced
Your checkpoint
Coil selection memo: choose a coil configuration for three clinical scenarios with SNR and coverage justification
Image Reconstruction, Sampling, and Artifacts & Fast, Parallel, and Advanced Acquisition Techniques
Classify aliasing, chemical shift, motion, and truncation artifacts by their k-space or sampling origin
Predict the artifact produced by a given sampling or gradient error and propose a correction
Compare EPI, FSE, and GRAPPA/SENSE acceleration in terms of scan time, SNR cost, and artifact risk
Calculate achievable acceleration from coil count and geometry factor considerations
Your checkpoint
Artifact troubleshooting table: 8 artifacts with cause, appearance, and one mitigation each, verified against self-generated cases
Safety, Bioeffects, and RF Heating
Calculate SAR for a given sequence using pulse energy, duty cycle, and patient mass
Explain RF heating mechanisms, specific absorption limits, and the role of B1+rms
List MR conditional implant verification steps and identify when to stop a scan
Describe acoustic noise, peripheral nerve stimulation, and cryogen safety thresholds
Your checkpoint
Safety checklist covering SAR calculation, implant screening, and quench response, reviewed against a simulated patient scenario
Quality Assurance, Acceptance Testing, and Artifact Troubleshooting
Design an acceptance test protocol covering SNR, uniformity, geometric accuracy, and slice thickness
Interpret phantom QA results and set pass/fail thresholds
Diagnose a failing QA metric by tracing it to hardware or sequence causes
Explain how to document and escalate a QA failure
Your checkpoint
Completed QA report template with 6 metrics, thresholds, and a sample failure investigation write-up
Quantitative MRI and Emerging Methods & Basic MR Physics and Nuclear Magnetism & Relaxation, Contrast Mechanisms, and Pulse Sequence Timing & Spatial Encoding, Gradients, and Image Formation
Define quantitative biomarkers (T1/T2 mapping, ADC, perfusion) and their acquisition requirements
Explain how quantitative methods differ from qualitative contrast-weighted imaging
Complete a timed mixed-domain practice set covering domains 1-3 and review every miss
Summarize the three highest-yield formulas across all domains on one reference card
Your checkpoint
Final mixed practice exam scored at 80% or higher with a written error log of every missed item
Milestones
Week 2: Score 80% or higher on a self-made 20-question quiz covering Larmor frequency, T1/T2 contrast, and flip angle calculations
Week 4: Correctly map gradient waveforms to k-space and calculate FOV/pixel size for 5 parameter sets without notes
Week 6: Complete a SAR calculation and implant screening scenario with zero critical safety errors
Week 8: Achieve 80% or higher on the timed mixed-domain practice exam and document remediation for all misses