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mSc in medical physics

Course Overview

Medical Physics involves the application of physics and physical methods to problems in medicine. Although often associated with the use of ionizing radiation (X-Rays and Nuclear medicine) it finds application in almost every clinical discipline present in modern hospitals. There is a considerable demand for qualified Medical Physicists in Ireland and this demand is expected to grow in the future. This demand is due to a significant increase in the number of Radiotherapy facilities in the country and expansion of existing facilities in Dublin and Cork. Medical Physicists play an essential role in accurate and safe delivery of radiation to cure cancer. New regulations regarding protection against hazards of ionizing radiation will also require medical physicists. In addition, modern medical technology more and more relies on physical principles for its operation. Thus, Medical Physicists are increasingly involved in Clinical Engineering, supporting the users in optimal use of this technology. The M.Sc. course in Medical Physics also fits in very well with the development of the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science in NUI. Galway.

Course Model

The course consists of an intense program of lectures and practical workshops, followed by a short (4 month) project and dissertation. The course commences in September and finishes 12 months later. A number of lecture modules are shared with other courses in the University. One course is delivered through Self Directed learning.

Course Content

Systems Anatomy, Systems Physiology, Occupational Hygiene and Safety, Health Informatics and Applied Statistics, Clinical Engineering and Instrumentation, Medical Imaging, Radiation Fundamentals and Dosimetry, Physics of Radiation Therapy. More information on these topics can be found by going to the syllabus outline page.
Overall assessment will be through a combination of written and oral examinations, continuous assessments, project work and the writing of a small dissertation.
This course is Full-Time.

Entry Requirements

Graduates must hold at least a second class honours degree in Physics or Experimental Physics, Electronic Engineering or another relevant discipline as determined by the Faculty. A candidate with a primary degree without honours, and having practical experience in a relevant subject area over a number of years at a level to be deemed to be appropriate by Faculty, may be registered for the MSc. Degree. (Such candidates will not be admitted to the course until a period of three years has elapsed since the date of conferring of their primary degree). Candidates may be interviewed to determine suitability. With respect to student numbers, a minimum of 5 students are required before the course will run. We can accommodate a maximum of up to 15 students.

Further Information

Course Director:

Prof. Wil van der Putten
Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College Hospital Galway
Tel : 091 – 544811 Email : wil.vanderputten

hse.ie

For Admission dates and Fee information contact :

The Post-Graduate Admission Office,
National University of Ireland, Galway
Tel : 091 – 524411 ext. 2199
Email : postgrad

nuigalway.ie

Career Opportunities

A wide variety of career opportunities are open following completion of the course. The program is ideally suited for those wishing to pursue a career in Hospital Physics and Clinical Engineering but there are also opportunities in the Medical Device and Health Care industry, Research and Development, Health and Safety and Teaching. The course has been accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (UK) and can thus form part of the NHS training program for Medical Physicists. Recently, graduates from the course have been successful in competing for training positions with the Health Service Executive (Ireland).

School of Physics
National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
E-mail: Tess.Mahoney

nuigalway.ie
Phone: +353 91 492490 - Fax: +353 91 494584
This page was last updated Friday, October 21, 2011