University of Calgary : Medical Physics MDPH

Medical Physics MDPH

MDPH 623 625 632 633 637 639 711 712 721 722 731 741

Instruction offered by members of the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science.

Department Head - R.I. Thompson

Note: For listings of related courses, see Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, and Space Physics.

Graduate Courses

Medical Physics 623

Radiological Physics and Radiation Dosimetry

Photon and electron interactions, charged particle and radiation equilibrium, cavity theory, absolute and relative dosimetry, calibration protocols.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 625

Radiation Oncology Physics

Clinical photon and electron beams, brachytherapy, treatment planning, radiation therapy devices, special techniques.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Medical Physics 623 and consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 632

Clinical Rotation in Radiation Oncology Physics

Clinical observation of radiotherapy for cancer. Students observe the treatment process, including immobilization, CT simulation and radiotherapy treatment. Treatments observed include conventional radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiotherapy, total body irradiation, stereotactic radiosurgery, brachytherapy.
Course Hours: Q(0-1.5)
Prerequisite(s): Medical Physics 623 and consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 633

Radiation Oncology Physics Laboratory

Absorption dose determination, dose descriptors, photon beam modelling, quality control.
Course Hours: H(1-3)
Prerequisite(s): Medical Physics 623 and consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 637

Anatomy and Statistics for Medical Physicists

Anatomy, physiology, probability, statistical inference, hypothesis testing, regression models, clinical trials, survival analysis.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 639

Radiobiology and Radiation Safety for Medical Physicists

Cell kinetics, cell survival curves, radiation pathology, fractionation, radiation safety, shielding calculations.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 711

Clinical Competency I

This three credit hour course extends over the first year of the diploma program and consists of rotations through areas of clinical physics under the supervision of adjunct faculty. Objectives are set, in conjunction with the student, at the commencement of the three rotations comprising this course. Student performance is evaluated by the course mentors at the conclusion of each rotation and by a final oral examination.
Course Hours: H(0-8)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department

Medical Physics 712

Clinical Competency II

This three credit hour course extends over the second year of the diploma program and consists of rotations through more complex areas of clinical physics under the supervision of adjunct faculty. Objectives are set, in conjunction with the student, at the commencement of the three rotations comprising this course. Student performance is evaluated by the course mentors at the conclusion of each rotation and by a final oral examination.
Course Hours: H(0-8)
Prerequisite(s): Medical Physics 711 and consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 721

Clinical Projects I

Two to three clinical projects are completed during this three credit hour course extending over the first year of the program. Projects have clearly defined objectives established by mutual agreement between the student and project supervisor. The project culminates in a written report. Student performance is evaluated against the objectives established at the commencement of the project.
Course Hours: H(0-8)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 722

Clinical Projects II

Two to three clinical projects are completed during this three credit hour course extending over the second year of the program. Projects have clearly defined objectives established by mutual agreement between the student and project supervisor. The project culminates in a written report. Student performance is evaluated against the objectives established at the commencement of the project.
Course Hours: H(0-8)
Prerequisite(s): Medical Physics 721 and consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 731

Radiation Oncology Physics Tutorials

This three credit hour course requires the student to prepare written answers to 120 pre-set questions published by the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine as part of the certification process in Radiation Oncology Physics. The course is conducted in a tutorial setting and the students are evaluated on the basis of their answers to a subset of the questions.
Course Hours: H(2T-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 741

Treatment Planning

This three credit hour course has three components and will be spread over the two years of the program to ensure that the student's increasing knowledge can be consolidated into a thorough understanding of radiation oncology physics. The first component is the observation of simulation and localization under the supervision of a radiation oncologist. The second component is an in-depth study of the physics behind the treatment planning of the main tumour sites. This component utilizes a web-based tool and is led by adjunct faculty. The final component involves following ten patients through the entire radiation therapy process from immobilization through localization, treatment planning, treatment delivery to verification. The students' progress will be evaluated throughout the course with regular feedback to the student.
Course Hours: H(0-4)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

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