MSc in Medical Physics with Radiobiology

University of Oxford

About the course: 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 physicsApply the scientific method to address research questions within the field of medical physics

University of Oxford