Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:
•  Describe the characteristics of the main classes of MRI Contrast Agents;
•  Select the best contrast agent for a given application;
•  Compare the advantages and disadvantages of a given class of contrast agents for a given application;
•  Demonstrate the feasibility of a new MRI application by using a suitable contrast agent;
•  Compare the relative sensitivity of the different classes of contrast agents;
•  Design cellular labeling experiments;  and
•  Predict the behavior of different contrast agents in perfusion, flow and vascular permeability investigations.

Audience Description 

This course is designed for chemists, biologists and physicians with a strong interest in basic science.  Both researchers interested in using contrast agents in preclinical investigations, and clinicians who want to understand the basis for the behavior of contrast agents (including agents whose development is still far from application in clinical settings) are the target candidates.