Objectives-produce graduates with a systematic understanding of the application of physics and computing principles and techniques to the solution of problems in medicine and biology -advance the state of knowledge in biomedical research and development. By the end of the course, MSc students should be equipped with the knowledge, skills and critical awareness to make a significant contribution to the research of the Imaging Sciences Research Group, particularly in imaging, both at MSc level and beyond.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements: The requirements for the different pathways are as follows: Medical Physics - A good Honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in Physics or Engineering, or a comparable professional qualification. Medical Imaging and Computer Vision and Biomedical Engineering - A good Honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a comparable professional qualification.
Academic titlePhysics and Computing in Medicine and Biology MSc
Course descriptionCourse description
This programme has options to suit most science graduates. It provides multidisciplinary training that prepares students for a career in medical instrumentation, biomedical R&D, medical imaging and hospital physics.
The syllabus has been designed in collaboration with colleagues from the NHS and industry and reflects their need for recruits with a combination of knowledge and skills in information technology, life science, mathematical methods, statistics, and physical science.
Learning and project opportunities are available within specified departments of leading hospitals in the North-West of England. Most taught course units are assessed by a combination of course work and an end of module examination. Where the two types of assessment are used, they carry roughly equal numbers of marks.
Three different pathways through the degree are possible:
-Medical Physics
-Medical Imaging & Computer Vision
-Biomedical Engineering
-Candidates select the variant they wish to pursue on the basis of qualifications on entry and intended career.
The Medical Physics pathway is intended for physicists and engineers wishing to apply their skills in a hospital setting. The pathway in Medical Imaging and Computer Vision is intended for physical scientists, computer scientists, mathematicians and engineers who wish to work in biomedical R&D, specialising in applications of imaging and image analysis.
Given an appropriate choice of course unit, the programme is recognised by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine as fulfilling the academic component of a professional qualification in Medical Physics or Medical Imaging.The pathway in Biomedical Engineering is similarly intended for physical scientists, computer scientists, mathematicians and engineers and provides broadly-based training for working in biomedical R&D.
Module details
Students take six out of the following course units:
-Clinical Physics
-Computer Vision
-Instrumentation
-Introduction to Biostatistics and Epidemiology
-Introductory Human Biology
-Java 1
-Mathematical Models
-Medical Imaging
-Nuclear Medicine
-Physiological Measurement
-Radiotherapy
Assessment is by a combination of coursework, multiple-choice tests, presentations and end-of-semester written examinations.
Accrediting organisations
The 'medical physics' and 'medical imaging and computer vision' pathways are accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine as satisfying the academic component of the training scheme for medical physicists in health care, subject to appropriate choice of modules.
Other programs related to medical physics, radiology