Medical Physics MDPH
Instruction offered by members of the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science.
Department Head - A.R. Taylor
Note: For listings of related courses, see Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, and Space Physics.
Graduate Courses
Medical Physics 623 H(3-0)
Radiological Physics and Radiation Dosimetry
Photon and electron interactions, charged particle and radiation equilibrium, cavity theory, absolute and relative dosimetry, calibration protocols.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Medical Physics 625 H(3-0)
Radiation Oncology Physics
Clinical photon and electron beams, brachytherapy, treatment planning, radiation therapy devices, special techniques.
Prerequisites: Medical Physics 623 and consent of the Department.
Medical Physics 633 H(1-3)
Radiation Oncology Physics Laboratory
Absorption dose determination, dose descriptors, photon beam modelling, quality control.
Prerequisites: Medical Physics 625 and consent of the Department.
Medical Physics 637 H(3-0)
Anatomy and Statistics for Medical Physicists
Anatomy, physiology, probability, statistical inference, hypothesis testing, regression models, clinical trials, survival analysis.
Prerequisites: Medical Physics 623 and consent of the Department.
Medical Physics 639 H(3-0)
Radiobiology and Radiation Safety for Medical Physicists
Cell kinetics, cell survival curves, radiation pathology, fractionation, radiation safety, shielding calculations.
Prerequisites: Medical Physics 625 and consent of the Department.
Medical Physics 711 H(0-8)
Clinical Competency 1
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.
Medical Physics 712 H(0-8)
Clinical Competency 2
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.
Prerequisites: Medical Physics 711.
Medical Physics 721 H(0-8)
Clinical Projects 1
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.
Medical Physics 722 H(0-8)
Clinical Projects 2
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.
Prerequisites: Medical Physics 721.
Medical Physics 731 H(2T-0)
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 Col lege 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.
Medical Physics 741 H(0-4)
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.