Biomedical imaging has revolutionized modern health care and biomedical research and is recognized by physicians as the top technological advancement that has impacted their practice. Most biomedical research problems are being addressed using biomedical imaging techniques.

We owe our modern imaging methods in large parts to fundamental advances in the understanding of physical principles and how they can be exploited to provide non-destructive insight into living systems.


This course aims to provide the student with a thorough understanding of the basis of several major imaing modalities, notably x-ray and CT, emission tomography and magnetic resonance (MR), by relating the fundamental laws to their implication and modality of the imaging technique.

In the lectures, practical examples will be shown to illustrate the respective imaging modality, its use, premise and limitations.

At the end of the course, the student should have a firm grasp on the principles governing principle, detection, tissue contrast (signal), sensitivity and resolution to understand the advantages and limitations of each technique presented. The course will also touch on biological safety.

The supporting book « Introduction to Biomedical Imaging / Webb A. » is now available in its electronic version at the « Bibliothèque de l’EPFL.

Our google+ page, click here.
Youtube channel: FundBioImag

Link to the course filmed in 2011, available on-line: