• University of Basel logo

Statistical Shape Modelling: Computing the Human Anatomy

Learn the technology of modelling, as used in computational face recognition or in surgeries, with this free online course.

7,670 enrolled on this course

An image of a human head created using statistical shape modelling
  • Duration

    8 weeks
  • Weekly study

    4 hours

Learn modern methods that will help shaping the future of medical interventions

Statistical shape models are one of the most important technologies in computer vision and medical image analysis. With this technology, the computer learns the characteristic shape variations of an object or organ. The model resulting from this analysis may then be used in implant design, image analysis, surgery planning and many other fields.

In this free online course, you will get insights from mathematics, statistics and machine learning, in order to address practical problems, as well as a theoretical and practical introduction to the open source software Scalismo.

Download video: standard or HD

What topics will you cover?

  • Modelling families of anatomical shapes
  • Basic theory of Gaussian Processes for modelling shape variations
  • Usage of the shape modelling software Scalismo
  • Building classical statistical shape models from example data
  • Reconstruction of partially observed shapes
  • Fitting statistical shape models to surfaces
  • Establishing point-to-point correspondence between example shapes
  • Fitting statistical shape models to images

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Model the normal shape variations of anatomical shapes using Gaussian processes
  • Explore the mathematical concept of Gaussian processes visually on 3D shapes
  • Apply the theoretical concepts of shape modelling to clinically relevant problems in shape and image analysis
  • Develop programs for building and fitting statistical shape models to images using the open source software Scalismo

Who is the course for?

This course is intended for students and professionals with a Bachelor in computer science, medical imaging professionals and biological anthropologists, who are interested in top-notch research, scientific insights and a useful application. Please note that tutoring usually takes place between End of February and Mid May. The course addresses people with some previous knowledge in computer science. If you find it challenging it would be a good idea to wait for the next mentoring window.

Although you can watch the videos, read the articles, and complete the tests and quizzes on mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, you will have to install the free software Scalismo on your own workstation in order to use it – there is no online version available.

In order to be able to do this, your computer should meet the following minimum system requirements: Windows (32bit/64bit), Mac OS X or Linux (64bit), 4GB of RAM, 500MB of free HD space. There are no special requirements for the graphic adapter.

What software or tools do you need?

To take part in this course, you need to download and install Scalismo Lab and create your account on SMIR.

What do people say about this course?

"Very excellent course. Great mix of theory and practical application."

Who will you learn with?

I am researcher in computer science at the University of Basel. My research focus is the mathematical modelling of shapes and its application to medical image analysis.

I am a scientific collaborator at the mathematics and computer science department of the University of Basel and one of the developers of Scalismo: https://github.com/unibas-gravis/scalismo

Who developed the course?

University of Basel

The University of Basel has an international reputation of outstanding achievements in research and teaching.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

Learner reviews

Learner reviews cannot be loaded due to your cookie settings. Please and refresh the page to view this content.

Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...

You can use the hashtag #FLstatisticalshapes to talk about this course on social media.