Physics - Medical Physics

Medical Physics is the branch of Physics that applies the concepts and principles of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. The MSc in Medical Physics is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in Medical Physics, either in a clinical environment or in research.

The programme, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programmes (CAMPEP), provides a strong foundation in diagnostic imaging physics, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology physics and radiation protection, as well as the essential anatomy and physiology knowledge required to understand a patient's anatomical structure and physiological processes.

The programme provides a strong foundation in diagnostic imaging physics, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology physics and radiation protection, as well as the essential anatomy and physiology knowledge required to understand a patient's anatomical structure and physiological processes.

Vision and Values Statement
Medical Physics is the branch of physics that applies the concepts and principles of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. The MSc in Medical Physics is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in Medical Physics, either in a clinical environment or in research. The programme provides a strong foundation in diagnostic imaging physics, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology physics and radiation protection, as well as the essential anatomy and physiology knowledge required to understand a patient's anatomical structure and physiological processes.

We aim to produce high quality medical physics graduates who possess the basic and applied scientific knowledge, in addition to the excellent research and communication skills necessary to progress in their career. The programme is strongly supported by teaching hospitals through curriculum delivery and the provision of research project opportunities. Our inter-disciplinary learning environment relies on staff with a deep level of expertise and emphasises research work through a clinically-relevant project that is a large part of the MSc programme. We strive to produce highly motivated, independent thinkers who meet the high standards necessary for progression into medical physics residency and/or further education and research, and are endowed with professional values including scientific integrity and ethical behaviour.

We encourage and educate our students to become active, lifelong and autonomous learners with good prospects of employment in healthcare sectors related to medical physics or for further research. The student learning is supported through lectures, practical work, team projects and seminars. The programme includes presentations and lectures from practising medical physicists giving students the opportunity to learn from leaders in the field. At the end of the programme the students undertake a research study where they apply the knowledge gained in the taught modules to a clinically relevant project. A variety of assessment strategies are employed, including classical written examinations, written assignments, presentations, interviews and case studies.

The programme is offered as a part-time 24 month MSc (T343) or a full-time 12 month programme (T342). There is also the option to obtain a Graduate Diploma by taking the taught module component of the MSc programme, which is offered as a part-time (T345) or full-time (T344) programme.

Stage 1 - Core
Med. Sciences for Biomed.Engin ANAT20090
Data Science in Python (MD) COMP47670
Radiological Physics PHYC40980
Detectors and Dosimetry PHYC40990
Medical Imaging Physics I PHYC41000
Radiation Oncology Physics I PHYC41010
Radiation Protection & Safety PHYC41020
Medical Imaging Physics II PHYC41030
Radiation Oncology Physics II PHYC41040
Radiobiology & Ethics PHYC41050
Medical Physics Research Proj. PHYC41060
Physics Data Analysis (Python) PHYC41080
Cross Sectional Anatomy RDGY41220

Places will be offered to candidates with a strong foundation in basic physics, as demonstrated by the achievement of an undergraduate or graduate degree in Physics or a degree in an Engineering discipline with a coursework component equivalent to a minor in physics. A minimum of an upper second-class honours or equivalent will be normally required for entry, although students with a strong physics background and lower second class honours degree may be accepted.

Students who do not have English as their first language should meet UCD requirements for English Language.

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:
MSc Medical Physics FT (T342)
Duration
1 Years
Attend
Full Time
Deadline
Rolling*

MSc Medical Physics PT (T343)
Duration
2 Years
Attend
Part Time
Deadline
Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised.

1 Year full-time, 2 Years part-time

Careers & Employability
The programme provides an accepted route to enter a career in Medical Physics. It is also a stepping-stone to PhD research in areas such as diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology physics, nuclear medicine, radiation protection and radiobiology. CAMPEP accreditation allows graduates to apply for CAMPEP residency programmes in Ireland and internationally.

Prospective employers include Medical Physics Departments in hospitals and clinicals across Ireland and abroad, medical device manufactures and regulatory bodies.