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Medical Physics (MSc)

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Course Overview

This MSc programme is designed to meet the demand for qualified medical physicists. It is primarily geared toward training for physicists in the application of radiation physics in medicine but maintains a reasonable exposure to key aspects of clinical engineering so that students receive a comprehensive knowledge of the application of the physical sciences and engineering to medicine.

The course is unique in that it is closely integrated with the University Hospital Galway.
The majority of lectures and course materials are delivered by hospital staff.
The course provides a unique opportunity to see the operation of a busy academic hospital.

September 2015: NUI Galway’s MSc in Medical Physics is the first European MSc programme to be awarded accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programmes (CAMPEP) and the second programme worldwide. Read more here.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code(s) above.

Selection is based on the candidate's academic record at under-graduate level and their aptitude for the course. Candidates may be interviewed to determine suitability.

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Assssments take the form of assignments, essays, presentations and conventional exams. There is an increasing emphasis on self-directed learning. A small research project counts for about 30% of the overall marks.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Graduates must hold at least a Second Class Honours, Level 8 degree (or equivalent international qualification) in Physics or Experimental Physics, Electronic Engineering, or another relevant discipline as determined by the College of Science. Candidates with a primary degree without honours and with three years’ relevant and appropriate practical experience may be also considered.

Additional Requirements

Garda vetting/police clearance is required for this programme.
Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2017

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

Up to 20

Closing Date

7 July 2017

Next start date

September 2017

NFQ level

Mode of study

Taught

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

PAC code

GYS10

Course Outline

The MSc consists of a fairly intense programme of lectures, workshops, laboratory sessions, tutorials and self-directed learning, followed by a four to five-month research project. The syllabus contains modules covering traditional Medical Physics topics, such as Radiation Fundamentals, and Hospital and Radiation Safety, but also provides an introduction to other areas like Clinical Instrumentation, Modules in Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Informatics and Safety and Risk Management. The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) and is, therefore, recognised as a component of IPEM professional training.

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Modules for 2014-15

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required PH5102: Clinical Instrumentation


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Written Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module PH5102: "Clinical Instrumentation" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required PH5103: Radiation Fundamentals


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Written Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module PH5103: "Radiation Fundamentals" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required PH5104: Medical Imaging


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module PH5104: "Medical Imaging" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required PH5110: Research Project


12 months long | Credits: 30

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module PH5110: "Research Project" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required MD503: Medical Informatics


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module MD503: "Medical Informatics" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SI317: Human Body Function


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

The ‘Human Body Function’ module teaches students the complex nature of how the mammalian body functions through the study of its component organ systems. Specifically, the following areas are covered: Body fluids and fluid compartments, haematology, nerve and muscle physiology, cardiovascular physiology, respiratory physiology, immunology and endocrinology.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Know the distribution of water between the body fluid compartements and understand the role of body water in cell and system function.
  2. Know the components of blood, understand the process of blood clotting and understand the principles of the ABO and rhesus blood groups.
  3. Know the structure and function of nerve and muscle cells.
  4. Understand how a nerve impulse is generated and propagated.
  5. Understand the process of muscle contraction, and how nerves can stimulate muscle cells.
  6. Understand the autonomic nervous system.
  7. Know the structure and function of the heart and its electrophysiology, focusing on the electrical and mechanical events at each stage of the cardiac cycle.
  8. Know the importance of blood pressure, and understand the basic principles of regulation.
  9. Understand how breathing is performed and know the volumes and capacities associated with respiration.
  10. Understand how oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported, and how oxygen delivery is regulated and controlled.
  11. Understand the basics of hormone function, with a focus on glucose metabolism and the functions of growth hormone.
  12. Understand the basics of immune defense.
  13. Know the divisions of the central nervous system and have a basic knowledge of how the different areas function.
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (70%)
  • Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Human Physiology" by Stuart Ira Fox
  2. "Introduction to the Human Body" by Tortora & Derrickson
The above information outlines module SI317: "Human Body Function" and is valid from 2016 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required AN230: Human Body Structure


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

Human Body Structure is delivered by the anatomy department to students at the first, second and masters level in university for whom anatomy is not a core degree element who require a sound basic knowledge of the structure of the human body. The content will cover topics including the following: * Organisation of human body, anatomical terminology, the principles of support and movement, the control systems of the human body, maintenance and continuity of the body and finally, biomechanics and functional anatomy of the limbs.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Established a sound basic knowledge of the organization and structure of the human body including the location and anatomical relations of the major organ systems
  2. Developed a basic understanding of the principles of support and movement, the control systems of the body, maintenance and continuity of the human body.
  3. Understand and describe the biomechanics and functional anatomy of the human limbs and musculoskeletal system
  4. Explain how specific aspects of human anatomy relate to your field of study
  5. Begun to develop your ability to look up and synthesize anatomical subject matter in a self-directed manner
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (30%)
  • Computer-based Assessment (70%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Introduction to the human body" by Gerard J. Tortora, Bryan Derrickson.
    ISBN: 9781118583180.
    Publisher: New York; Wiley
  2. "Human Anatomy" by Michael McKinley,Valerie O'Loughlin,Ronald Harris,Elizabeth Pennefather-O'Brien
    ISBN: 9780073525730.
    Publisher: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math
    Chapters: 2018-08-12T00:00:00
The above information outlines module AN230: "Human Body Structure" and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required PH5105: Physics of Radiotherapy


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Assessments
  • Written Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module PH5105: "Physics of Radiotherapy" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required PH5106: Hospital and Radiation Safety


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Written Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module PH5106: "Hospital and Radiation Safety" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required PH5107: Monitoring for Health Hazards at Work


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module aims to provide students with an introduction to skills required to anticipate, evaluate and control workplace hazards

Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand the importance of the role of exposure measurment within the Health and Safety Function
  2. Identify, locate and interpret health and safety legislation, guidance and standards relevent to the measurement and control of workplace hazards
  3. Describe techniques used to evaluate exposure risk from physical, chemical and biological hazards in the work environment
  4. Interpret and communicate occupational exposure data
  5. Appreciate the need for suitable workplace exposure control
  6. Appreciate the need for continuous professional development and the role of professional ethics in this area
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Monitoring for health hazards at work." by J.W. Cherrie, R.M. Howie and S. Semple.
    Publisher: Blackwell Science.
  2. "Occupational Hygiene" by K. Gardiner and J.M. Harrington (Ed’s)
The above information outlines module PH5107: "Monitoring for Health Hazards at Work" and is valid from 2016 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional EP524: Continuous Assessment


Not applicable | Credits: 0

Assessments
    The above information outlines module EP524: "Continuous Assessment" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
    Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

    Optional EP522: Thesis


    Not applicable | Credits:

    Assessments
    • Continuous Assessment (100%)
    The above information outlines module EP522: "Thesis" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
    Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

    Why Choose This Course?

    Career Opportunities

    The course has been successful in its aims in providing individuals with a good grounding in Medical Physics.

    A recent survey of graduates showed that around 75% of them had found employment in a Medical Physics-based career. This includes several individuals who have pursued or are pursuing a PhD. About 20% are employed abroad, in countries like the UK , the US, Australia and New Zealand.

    Who’s Suited to This Course

    Learning Outcomes

     

    Work Placement

    Study Abroad

    Related Student Organisations

    Course Fees

    Fees: EU

    €7,015 p.a. 2018/19

    Fees: Tuition

    €6,791 p.a. 2018/19

    Fees: Student levy

    €224 p.a. 2018/19

    Fees: Non EU

    €25,000 p.a. 2018/19
     For further information on postgraduate funding & scholarship opportunities see here.

    Find out More

    Programme Director

    Dr Christoph Kleefeld
    T:     +353 91 542 870
    E: christoph.kleefeld@hse.ie

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