Computed Tomography Course

Lesson 1 • CT Scanner Components and Geometry

Identifies gantry, detector array, and X-ray tube roles. Connects hardware configuration to image acquisition geometry and scan performance.

Lesson 2 • X-Ray Physics and Attenuation

Covers photon interactions with matter and attenuation coefficients. Provides the physical basis for understanding how CT detectors capture transmitted radiation.

Lesson 3 • Hounsfield Units and Tissue Contrast

Defines the CT number scale and its relationship to tissue density. Links attenuation values to clinical tissue differentiation across organ systems.

Lesson 1 • Deep Learning Reconstruction

Examines neural network-based reconstruction and denoising pipelines. Positions AI reconstruction within the broader evolution of image quality optimisation.

Lesson 2 • Iterative Reconstruction Methods

Covers statistical and model-based iterative algorithms and their noise-reduction advantages. Connects iterative methods to dose reduction strategies in clinical practice.

Lesson 3 • Filtered Back-Projection Fundamentals

Introduces the mathematical basis of FBP and convolution kernels. Demonstrates how kernel choice balances noise and spatial resolution in reconstructed images.

Lesson 1 • Spatial and Contrast Resolution

Defines modulation transfer function and low-contrast detectability metrics. Establishes quantitative benchmarks for evaluating scanner and protocol performance.

Lesson 2 • Artefact Reduction Strategies

Applies hardware, software, and protocol-based corrections to minimise artefacts. Reinforces image quality concepts by linking artefact type to targeted correction method.

Lesson 3 • Common CT Artefacts

Catalogues beam hardening, partial volume, motion, and metal artefacts with visual examples. Provides systematic identification skills applicable to all anatomical regions.

Lesson 1 • Automatic Exposure Control

Explains angular and z-axis tube current modulation systems and their dose-saving mechanisms. Connects AEC configuration to patient size and anatomy-specific dose optimisation.

Lesson 2 • ALARA Principles and Dose Optimisation

Applies as-low-as-reasonably-achievable principles to CT protocol design. Integrates dose tracking, diagnostic reference levels, and justification into clinical workflow.

Lesson 3 • Exposure Parameter Effects on Dose

Analyses how kVp, mAs, pitch, and rotation time influence patient dose. Enables informed parameter adjustments that reduce dose without sacrificing diagnostic quality.

Lesson 1 • Contrast Reactions and Management

Classifies acute and delayed contrast reactions by severity and guides clinical response. Prepares technologists to recognise and initiate treatment for adverse events.

Lesson 2 • Iodinated Contrast Agent Properties

Compares ionic vs. nonionic, high vs. low osmolality contrast agents and their safety profiles. Provides the pharmacological basis for contrast selection decisions.

Lesson 3 • Injection Techniques and Timing

Covers power injector settings, bolus tracking, and test bolus methods for optimal enhancement. Links injection rate and volume to vascular and parenchymal enhancement patterns.

Lesson 1 • Abdomen, Pelvis, and Musculoskeletal Protocols

Designs multiphase abdominal, pelvic, and extremity CT protocols. Addresses contrast timing, bowel preparation, and bone algorithm selection.

Lesson 2 • Head and Neck CT Protocols

Develops protocols for brain, sinuses, temporal bones, and neck vasculature. Addresses region-specific challenges including bone-brain interface and dental artefact.

Lesson 3 • Chest and Cardiac CT Protocols

Covers pulmonary, mediastinal, and cardiac CT protocol requirements. Integrates ECG gating, low-dose lung screening, and high-resolution chest techniques.

Lesson 1 • Dual-Energy CT Principles

Explains the physics of dual-energy acquisition and material decomposition algorithms. Establishes the technical foundation for all spectral CT clinical applications.

Lesson 2 • Dual-Energy Clinical Applications

Applies dual-energy post-processing to gout, pulmonary embolism, renal stones, and oncology. Connects material-specific images to improved diagnostic confidence over single-energy CT.

Lesson 3 • Photon-Counting CT Technology

Introduces photon-counting detector architecture and its spectral and resolution advantages. Positions this emerging technology relative to conventional energy-integrating detectors.

Lesson 1 • Multiplanar and Curved Reformations

Creates coronal, sagittal, and oblique reformations and curved planar reconstructions. Demonstrates how reformation planes improve anatomical display beyond axial images alone.

Lesson 2 • Volume Rendering and Surface Shading

Applies transfer function design and lighting parameters to produce volume-rendered images. Connects 3D visualisation to clinical communication and preoperative planning workflows.

Lesson 3 • Quantitative CT Analysis

Applies volumetric segmentation and density histogram analysis for lesion and organ quantification. Links quantitative outputs to treatment response assessment and longitudinal monitoring.