Medical Physics, M.S.

(Major Code: 12251) (SIMS Code: 777769)

Admission to the Degree Curriculum

All students must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies with classified graduate standing, as described in Admission and Registration under Admission to the College of Graduate Studies. In addition, the undergraduate preparation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics must have substantially satisfied the undergraduate requirements for a baccalaureate degree in the life sciences or the physical sciences so that satisfactory progress can be made toward the master’s degree. If the student’s undergraduate preparation is deficient, he will be required to take courses for the removal of the deficiency. These courses are in addition to the minimum of 30 units for the master’s degree.

Advancement to Candidacy

All students must satisfy the general requirements for advancement to candidacy, as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees .

Specific Requirements

In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing and the basic requirements for the master’s degree as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees , the student must meet the following requirements:

Required Courses

The student must complete a 30-unit graduate program to include

PHYS 560 - Radiological Physics and Dosimetry Units: 3
PHYS 565 - Radiobiology and Radiation Safety Units: 3
PHYS 567 - Nuclear Medicine Physics Units: 3
PHYS 670A - Medical Physics Units: 3
PHYS 670B - Medical Physics Units: 3
PHYS 672A - Radiation Therapy Physics Laboratory Units: 3
PHYS 672B - Diagnostic Imaging Laboratory Units: 3
Nine additional units of electives must be selected as described below.

Thesis Option

The thesis option (Plan A) requires the approval of the graduate adviser. Students opting for Plan A must complete PHYS 797 , PHYS 799A , and three units of electives approved by the graduate adviser. Plan A students must also pass a final oral examination on their thesis.

Plan B1

Students opting for Plan B1 (non-thesis option) are required to complete nine units of electives approved by the graduate adviser (maximum six units at the 500-level). Plan B1 students must also pass a comprehensive written examination.

Plan B2

Students opting for Plan B2 (non-thesis option) must complete PHYS 797 , PHYS 798 (3 units), and three units of electives approved by the graduate adviser. PHYS 798 will culminate in a publication-ready report and a presentation to a committee.

Note

Students in the program are also required to take BIOL 335 or equivalent as part of the requirements for CAMPEP accreditation of the Master of Science Degree in medical physics. BIOL 335 is recommended for the second semester of the first year, as a prerequisite for the core course, PHYS 672A .