Biomedical Visualisation (Coursera)

By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Define and describe anatomical terminology related to the human body.
Describe the various body systems, what comprises them, and how they relate to function.
Create your own 3D modelling and animations using industry standard, open-source software (Blender).
Analyse various visualisation techniques and methods, and be able to apply them to areas of biomedical science.

This course is the first of its kind on Coursera. It explores the structure and function of the human body including terminology used. It showcases visualisation techniques available using technology to image and display data related to the body and biological processes.. It also provides training in the creation of animations, and examines the applicability of different types of reality.
You will learn from experts in these fields and with the knowledge you will gain from this course, be able to evaluate and apply how best to use visualisation in your own discipline.
No prior experience is necessary but should be able to learn at an intermediate level.

What You Will Learn

• Define and describe anatomical terminology related to the human body
• Describe the various body systems, what comprises them, and how they relate to function
• Create your own 3D modelling and animations using industry standard, open-source software (Blender)
• Analyse various visualisation techniques and methods, and be able to apply them to areas of biomedical science

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Introduction to Visualisation and the Human Body
Module 1 will cover introductory material of visualisation and its applications, as well as exploring the basis of human anatomy. You will learn about a historical journey of "visualisation" to the present day advances and uses with biomedical science. Exploring the human body, you will learn its structure and function; the body systems and their roles; as well as learning frequently used terminology within anatomy. Examples of visualisation techniques will be covered, and as a learner you will be able to name examples as and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.

WEEK 2
3D Models and Animation
Module 2 will give you an introductory lesson into 3D modelling software "Blender" and modelling terminology. By completion you will be able to create your own organic 3D models and animations using Blender. You will be taught a brief introduction to modelling and its vast variety of uses within Biomedical Science. The theory and process of segmentation from patient imaging data will be explored as another option to obtain realistic 3D models.

WEEK 3
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Module 3 will introduce virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The history and background of virtual reality will be explored, and how augmented reality rose in popularity within this field as well. This week will allow you as a learner to hear interviews with VR and AR experts. They will discuss their research, theory and some of the applications of this technology in biomedical science. The wide variety of applications will be taught, and why it has become such a popular tool in research, teaching and in other areas.

WEEK 4
Extended Reality: The Realities and The Future
Module 4 is the concluding module for Biomedical Visualisation. New theory that will be introduced are Mixed and 'Extended reality' as a whole, and what could potentially come of the realities in the future. This week is for the learner to reflect on what they have learned throughout this course. When to best use visualisation techniques; their advantages and disadvantages; and how you could use what you have learned throughout the course for future projects in your area of interest.