University of Calgary : Medical Physics MDPH

Medical Physics MDPH

MDPH 623 625 632 633 637 638 639 711 712 721 722 731 741

For more information about these courses, see the Department of Physics and Astronomy science.ucalgary.ca/physics-astronomy.

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: 3 units; (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: 3 units; (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: 1.5 units; (0-1.5)
Prerequisite(s): Medical Physics 623 and consent of the Department.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE GPA

Medical Physics 633

Radiation Oncology Physics Laboratory

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

Medical Physics 637

Anatomy and Statistics for Medical Physicists

Introduction to medical statistics and mathematical methods in medical physics. Specific topics include: probability, statistical inference, hypothesis testing, rejection, regression, Monte Carlo methods, analysis of variance, nonparametric statistics, clinical trials, survival analysis, receiver-operator characteristic curves and optimization. Introduction to anatomy and physiology: emphasis is placed on image-based anatomy, the major organ systems, and the physiology of therapeutic and oncological processes.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 638

Imaging for Radiation Oncology Physics

An overview of the imaging modalities used for Radiation Oncology including: CT, MRI, planar X-ray, nuclear medicine and ultrasound. Course will cover basic physics, instrumentation and application.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 639

Radiobiology and Radiation Safety for Medical Physicists

Overview of relevant subjects in Radiobiology (the study of the effects of ionizing radiation on living things) and Radiation Safety. Radiobiology topics covered include cell kinetics, cell survival curves, radiation pathology and dose fractionation. Radiation Safety includes regulations and best practices meant to protect staff and members of the public from unsafe exposure to radiation. Material covered is drawn from the reports of multiple regulatory bodies and will include discussions of treatment vault shielding and design in radiation therapy facilities.

Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 711

Clinical Competency I

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: 3 units; (0-8)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 712

Clinical Competency II

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: 3 units; (0-8)
Prerequisite(s): Medical Physics 711 and consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 721

Clinical Projects I

Includes completion of multiple clinical projects in the disciplines of external beam radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, brachytherapy, and treatment planning. These clinical projects aim to build the student's understanding of implementing advanced technologies in a radiotherapy clinic. Projects have clearly defined objectives established by mutual agreement between the student and project supervisor. The project culminates in written reports and oral presentations.
Course Hours: 3 units; (0-8)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 722

Clinical Projects II

Medical Physics 731

Radiation Oncology Physics Tutorials

Requires the student to prepare written answers to pre-set questions published by the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine as part of the certification process in Radiation Oncology Physics.
Course Hours: 3 units; (2T-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Medical Physics 741

Treatment Planning

Designed to nurture knowledgeable and clinically competent treatment planning physicists. Develops background understanding of the mechanisms of dose calculation and radiation deliverability. As well, site specific treatment planning is a focus to ensure students are ready to practice as clinically competent medical physicists. The practical component allows the resident to train under the direct supervision of physicists and dosimetrists.
Course Hours: 3 units; (1-4)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

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