Course summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas. The MSc in Medical Physics with Radiobiology is a one-year, full-time course, designed for individuals interested in a careers in medical physics from either a clinical or academic research perspective, or in professions that require a knowledge of medical physics, such as radiation protection. The main aim of this course is to discuss how ionising and non-ionising radiation are used in clinical practice, both in the context of radiotherapy and medical imaging. This is combined with principles of radiobiology at molecular and cellular level, to give graduates a better understanding of the effects of radiation than is achieved in other medical physics courses. The course is based on a series of overarching learning outcomes, which you will be able to demonstrate on completion of your studies:
- Explain the underpinning physics which governs the interactions between ionising radiation and biological tissues
- Critically analyse the effects of ionising radiation on DNA and the associated DNA damage response, with respect to their effects on cell survival
- Critically appraise the irradiation response of cells and tissues, including the factors that modify this response, with respect to how this may affect clinical practice
- Critically discuss the implementation of radiation safety precautions, with respect to the mechanism of damage from radiation exposure, and the legislative requirements which govern radiation protection
- Explain the mechanisms of action of a range both ionising and non-ionising radiation imaging technologies, with respect to their clinical use
- Use fundamental physics of radiation action to analyse the effects of clinical radiotherapy technologies and techniques
- Critically evaluate new developments in ionising and non-ionising imaging, and clinical radiotherapy
- Critically appraise the role of simple and advanced analytical techniques within medical physics research
- Explain and evaluate the research approaches used in applied and translational research within the field of medical physics
- Apply the scientific method to address research questions within the field of medical physics
Modules
You will take eight compulsory modules, which are delivered in two-week blocks, following on from each other. 1. Physics of Radiation Interactions 2. Molecular Radiation Biology 3. Radiobiology of Cells and Tissues 4. Radiation Safety 5. Ionising Radiation Imaging Technologies 6. Non-ionising Radiation Technologies 7. Radiation Therapy Physics 8. Translational Research Methods and Applications Modules one to four are delivered in Michaelmas term and build a picture of the biological responses to radiation from the sub-atomic level through to the effects on whole tissues, in both tumours and normal tissue, and will link this to radiation protection requirements for both patients and workers. Modules five to eight are delivered in Hilary term and cover the application of physics in clinical practice across both imaging and radiotherapy. This will include discussion of new and emerging modalities and how these approaches are translated from the lab into clinical practice.
Assessment method
You can expect to receive seven to eight lectures and three to four tutorial or practical classes per module. There will also be preparatory reading, independent study tasks, and formative assessments set throughout the course, to be completed in the non-contact hours. Alongside the module specific tutorials, you will also attend a series of compulsory Directors’ Tutorials throughout the year. These cover overarching themes such as critiquing a scientific paper, or presentation skills, and help to prepare you for specific assessment methods, including the dissertation.
Entry requirements
**Degree-level qualifications** As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent: a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in physics or a closely related subject. Entrance is competitive and most successful applicants will have a first-class degree or the equivalent. For applicants from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0. If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements. **GRE General Test scores** No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought. **Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience** - Peer-reviewed publications are not requirement for the course, but will be viewed positively - Students will be required to complete a DBS check and enhanced security screening for certain research projects. This is completed while on course and will not affect admission, but will affect the research projects available **English language proficiency** This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. IELTS: Minimum overall score - 7.5 Minimum score per componenet - 7.0 TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition' (Institution code: 0490) Minimum overall score - 110 Listening - 22 Reading - 24 Speaking - 25 Writing - 24
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
**For complete and up-to-date information about fees and funding for this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.**
Provider information
University of Oxford
University Offices
Wellington Square
Oxford
OX1 2JD