medical physics phd canada

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Physics (PhD)
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Medical physicists are health care professionals with specialized training in the medical applications of physics. Their work often involves the use of x-rays and accelerated charged particles, radioactive substances, ultrasound, magnetic and electric fields, infra-red and ultraviolet light, heat and lasers in diagnosis and therapy. Most medical physicists work in hospital diagnostic imaging departments, cancer treatment facilities, or hospital-based research establishments. Others work in universities, government, and industry.

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Medical Physics program will:

  • understand the physics of medical imaging and radiation oncology;
  • achieve independence in original medical physics research;
  • work effectively in clinical and research environments that include oncologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, cardiologists, neuroscientists, radiation therapy professionals and biomedical engineers;
  • be prepared for positions at medical physics research institutions as well as healthcare institutions.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

I attended UBC for my BSc and found the physics department to be very efficient and supportive. It’s one of the few CAMPEP-accredited programs in Canada and has connections to BC Cancer. I also enjoy teaching so the TAing opportunities were another major factor.

medical physics phd canada

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

  • Canada or the United States
  • International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 90

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

2) Meet Deadlines

September 2025 intake, application open date, canadian applicants, international applicants, deadline explanations.

Deadline to submit online application. No changes can be made to the application after submission.

Deadline to upload scans of official transcripts through the applicant portal in support of a submitted application. Information for accessing the applicant portal will be provided after submitting an online application for admission.

Deadline for the referees identified in the application for admission to submit references. See Letters of Reference for more information.

3) Prepare Application

Transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

  • Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Physics (PhD)

Citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

From September 2024 all full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs will be provided with a funding package of at least $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. Please note that many graduate programs provide funding packages that are substantially greater than $24,000 per year. Please check with your prospective graduate program for specific details of the funding provided to its PhD students.

Average Funding

  • 8 students received Teaching Assistantships. Average TA funding based on 8 students was $9,907.
  • 4 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 4 students was $9,742.
  • 2 students received Academic Assistantships. Average AA funding based on 2 students was $2,188.
  • 11 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 11 students was $8,462.
  • 6 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 6 students was $19,094.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

Career options.

Graduates will be equipped to pursue careers in hospitals, specialized areas of medicine (e.g. cancer treatment and research and brain research), government, industry and other medical research environments. Their work is interdisciplinary in nature and in many cases, translates to innovative solutions to real world medical problems relating to diagnosis and treatment of many disease types from cancer to brain and cardiac research.

Many of our medical physics faculty hold associate or adjunct professor status in the Department of Physics and Astronomy but have primary appointments in Departments of the Faculty of Medicine (Radiology, Surgery, Oncology) or work at the BC Cancer Agency Treatment or Research Centres.

In BC alone, population growth and replacement of retirements requires about 5 new radiotherapy physicists each year.  Growing demand for advanced medical imaging (CT, MRI, PET) creates a similar requirement for imaging physicists. 

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Physics (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

  • Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

medical physics phd canada

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

  • Ford, Nancy (Medical physics; Medical biotechnology diagnostics (including biosensors); Dental materials and equipment; micro-computed tomography; physiological gating; contrast agents; models of respiratory disease; image-based measurements; dental imaging; x-ray imaging)
  • Kolind, Shannon (Medical physics; Neurosciences, biological and chemical aspects; Neurosciences, medical and physiological and health aspects; brain; Imaging; MRI; medical physics; multiple sclerosis; myelin; Neurological Disease; spinal cord)
  • Laule, Cornelia (Medical physics; Neurosciences, biological and chemical aspects; Neurosciences, medical and physiological and health aspects; Pathology (except oral pathology); Auto-Immune Diseases; Axons; brain; Central Nervous System Inflammatory Diseases; Cerebral Atrophy; Histology; image analysis; Imaging; Inflammation; magnetic resonance imaging; Magnetic resonance spectroscopy; multiple sclerosis; myelin; Nervous System Development; Neurodegenerative diseases; Neurological diseases; Neuronal Systems; pain; Pathology; Schizophrenia; Spinal Cord Diseases; spinal cord; Spinal cord injury)
  • Rahmim, Arman (Clinical oncology; Medical physics; Physical sciences; Image Reconstruction; Machine learning and radiomics; medical physics; Molecular imaging; Quantitative Imaging; Theranostics)
  • Rauscher, Alexander (Other physical sciences; Medical and biomedical engineering; magnetic resonance imaging; physics; quantitative susceptibility mapping; myelin water imaging; brain; maschine learning)
  • Reinsberg, Stefan (Medical physics, MRIs )
  • Sossi, Vesna (Medical Imaging, Brain imaging )
  • Zeng, Haishan (Family practice, dermatology)

Doctoral Citations

Sample thesis submissions.

  • Dosimetry and biodistribution of actinium radiopharmaceuticals for targeted alpha therapy
  • Cardiac radiosurgery motion management – investigation of regional myocardial motion and cardiac gating
  • Markerless dynamic tumor tracking using diaphragm as a soft-tissue anatomical surrogate for liver tumors

Related Programs

Same specialization.

  • Master of Science in Medical Physics (MSc)

Same Academic Unit

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy (PhD)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD)
  • Master of Applied Science in Engineering Physics (MASc)
  • Master of Science in Astronomy (MSc)
  • Master of Science in Physics (MSc)

At the UBC Okanagan Campus

Further information, specialization.

Required core courses of the Medical Physics program include Quantum Mechanics I (PHYS 500), Radiotherapy Physics I (PHYS 534), Radiotherapy Physics II (PHYS 535), Advanced Radiation Biophysics (PHYS 536), Radiation Dosimetry (PHYS 539), Image Reconstruction (PHYS 540), and Anatomy, Physiology and Statistics for Medical Physicists (PHYS 545) and Clinical Experience in Medical Physics (PHYS 546). There is one elective which should be chosen from Nuclear Medicine (PHYS 541), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PHYS 542), and Biomedical Optics (PHYS 543).

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

medical physics phd canada

Aria Malhotra

I grew up here and I love living in Vancouver. I was very excited to be returning back here to begin the grad school adventure, especially after the Montreal winters I experienced during my undergrad at McGill!

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Luke Polson

When applying to PhD programs, I knew that I wanted to engage in research that applied artificial intelligence in the medical imaging world. It was while exploring various options that I discovered my (now) current research group, Qurit, here at UBC. Their strong presence in the world of nuclear...

medical physics phd canada

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Ph.D. Program

The Medical Physics Unit (MPU) offers a Ph.D. program in medical physics to its own M.Sc. graduates who excel in their M.Sc. studies and to students entering McGill with a M.Sc. degree in medical physics from another institution with an accredited M.Sc. program in medical physics. The relatively small size of the MPU and the heavy clinical commitments of its staff allows for a very focussed effort toward a Ph.D. program in medical physics in collaboration with major departments at McGill University. Our partners in offering the PhD include the McGill Department of Physics , with its excellent reputation in physics and 70+ staff members, is a premier environment for physics-focused research. The Department of Biomedical Engineering offers access to the joint program in Biological and Biomedical Engineering, of interest for biomedically-oriented projects. The administrations of these departments and their academic staff strongly support the joint venture in medical physics between them and the MPU.

The Ph.D. graduate in medical physics at McGill University thus receives a Ph.D. from the Physics Department or the Biological and Biomedical Engineering program with a subspecialty in medical physics.  Applications to the Ph.D. program are submitted through the Physics Department or the Biomedical Engineering Department . A PhD applicant therefore needs to fulfill admission requirements for the appropriate program and have the necessary background for consideration to Medical Physics i.e. requirements for entry to the Ph.D. in Medical Physics. An applicant wishing to enter the Ph.D. program should possess an appropriate M.Sc. degree and should specify which area of Medical Physics they wish to pursue. They should have the necessary background and knowledge to pass the Ph.D. preliminary exam in Physics or the thesis proposal examination in Biomedical Engineering. These exams cover aspects of appropriate knowledge relevant to each discipline and/or the project.

As part of the application process, Ph.D. applicants should contact professors affiliated with the MPU , with whom they are interested in working, to inquire about opportunities for Ph.D. projects.

A Ph.D. applicant holding an M.Sc. other than from a CAMPEP-accredited program will be required to complete the coursework equivalent to the M.Sc. program (all MDPH courses) as part of their accredited Ph.D. program. An applicant holding an M.Sc. from a CAMPEP-accredited program will be dispensed of additional coursework in medical physics.

Deadlines to submit a complete application (online application submitted and all necessary supporting documents uploaded) for consideration for upcoming admission to the PhD program (Medical Physics specialty) through either the Physics Department or Biomedical Engineering Department can be verified at the links provided above.

The PhD Medical Physics program achieved its first 5-year accreditation in 1993, latest reaccreditation awarded in 2018 - full accreditation now valid through to December 31, 2024. The portfolio for CAMPEP reaccreditation is currently pending results of a Site Visit to the Medical Physics Unit held in Fall 2024.

Department and University Information

Medical physics unit.

Medical Biophysics Home

PhD in Medical Biophysics - Medical Physics Specialization

Dr. Jean-Pierre Bissonette at conference

In addition to our  graduate programs , the Department of Medical Biophysics offers a CAMPEP  -accredited specialization for PhD students interested in a Medical Physics career. Medical Physics spans research, development, and clinical trials involving medical imaging and radiotherapy technologies.

In this specialization within our PhD program, students complete a thesis-based PhD, while completing a structured medical physics course curriculum. The specialized program provides a research-intensive environment that immerses students in clinical technologies pertinent to medical imaging, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy. Cutting edge research involving machine learning, theranostics, and heavy particle therapy are ongoing. Students gain skills to pursue the production of high quality research and develop leadership skills.

Upon completion of their PhD, the official university transcript will declare “CAMPEP-accredited Medical Physics Specialization".

More information about the program can be found below.

Admission Requirements - Medical Physics Specialization within the Medical Biophysics PhD program

Students wanting to enroll in the Medical Physics PhD Specialization must first apply to and be accepted into the Medical Biophysics PhD program . Admission consideration to the Medical Biophysics PhD requires:

completion of an appropriate master's degree from a recognized university 

a minimum A- average in the final two years of study. This is flexible for those demonstrating exceptional aptitude for research.

submission and evaluation of all supplemental application material as outlined on the  Admission Requirements and Deadlines  page of our website.

an admissions interview for all candidates who are a potential fit for the program.

To be eligible for admission to the Medical Physics PhD specialization, MBP PhD students must also have:

completed an undergraduate degree in physics or an equivalent, relevant quantitative physical or engineering science, or have least three upper level (3rd or 4th year) half-courses in traditional physics such as classical mechanics/dynamics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetic theory thermal physics, atomic/nuclear physics, optical physics, or laboratory physics. Applicants with a non-physics majors must have coursework that is equivalent to a minor in physics, as defined by the University of Toronto, involving upper-level physics (e.g., PHY356H1, PHY357H1) and calculus courses.

their supervisor's approval in order to be eligible for a transfer into the Medical Physics PhD Specialization. This type of transfer must be completed by the end of their first year of study as a PhD student.

submitted an official application to the Medical Physics Specialization within 1 year of beginning their PhD program, ideally within the first six months. See below for more information on the application process.

How to Apply to the MBP Medical Physics Specialization

Please note that in order to apply for the MBP Medical Physics Specialization, you must be enrolled in the MBP PhD program.

MBP PhD students must apply to the Medical Physics Specialization within 1 year of beginning their PhD program, ideally within the first six months. An official application to the MBP Medical Physics Specialization includes two main components:

A completed MBP Medical Physics Specialization Application Form .

Submission of post-secondary transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs taken, including your most up-to-date MBP transcript. Please note, any transcripts written in a language other than English must include an English translation.

Once completed, the application form and transcripts are to be emailed to [email protected] .

Please be advised that an application make take several weeks to process. Should you have any questions during this time, please direct them to [email protected] .

Courses - Medical Physics PhD Specialization

In addition to the mandatory course requirements of the MBP PhD program, students enrolled in the MBP PhD Medical Physics Specialization will be required to complete the following courses:

MBP 1023H: Clinical Radiation Physics and Dosimetry

MBP 1301H: Radiation Oncology: Clinical & Experimental Radiobiology

MBP 1407H: Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Overview

MBP 1411H: Overview of Medical Imaging

MBP 1412H: Ultrasound Overview

MBP 1415H: Radiotherapy Physics

MBP 1416H: Anatomy & Physiology (for Non-Specialists or Physicists)

MBP 1417H: Introduction to Health Physics

Please note that modules are available to all MBP students with suitable prerequisites. They can be taken pre-emptively by MBP MSc students who are considering reclassification into the PhD Specialization.

For more information about courses, including detailed course descriptions, please refer to the MBP Course Modules page .

CAMPEP Accredited Postgraduate Information

CAMPEP (Commission on the Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs) and SDAMPP (Society of Directors of Academic Medical Physics Programs) require all medical physics education programs to post and maintain data regarding student statistics as indicated below.

Medical Physics Student Organization

The Medical Physics Student Organization (MPSO) is a graduate student-led group that strives to provide professional development and mentorship opportunities for graduate students interested in pursuing a career as an accredited Medical Physicist. The group was created with the simultaneous launch of the Medical Physics CAMPEP PhD Specialization within the Department of Medical Biophysics in September 2023. 

Learn more on the MPSO website .

For inquiries related to the the PhD Medical Physics Specialization, please contact Program Director  Dr. Jean-Pierre Bissonnette .

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medical physics phd canada

CAMPEP Accredited Graduate Programs in Medical Physics

Entries Last Updated December 10, 2024

† Indicates institutions offering tracks within their degree program that are not CAMPEP compliant. Students graduating from these institutions who have completed the CAMPEP accredited program will be identified through an appropriate certificate awarded on completion of the program.

‡ Indicates institutions that are accredited but are non-compliant with one or more CAMPEP standards. Public disclosure statements can be found at: http://www.campep.org/PublicDisclosure.asp

‡‡ Provisional accreditation for a period of up to three years may be granted at the discretion of the CAMPEP Board if circumstances preclude the awarding of initial or full accreditation. The most common reason for such provisional accreditation is in the case of a new program that has not yet graduated or admitted any students. Provisional accreditation may be extended when all the compliance conditions have been met.

Brown University Department of Radiation Oncology 225 Dyer Street Providence RI 02903 (401) 606-4283 Accredited degrees available: M.S. Program Director: Edward G. Walsh, Ph.D. [email protected]

https://www.brown.edu/med-physics-graduate-program/home

Carleton University † Physics Department 1125 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 CANADA (613) 520-2600 Ext:4053 Accredited degrees available: Ph.D. Program Director: Emily C. Heath, Ph.D. [email protected] https://physics.carleton.ca/ompi/graduate-studies

Columbia University Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics 500 West 120th St., 200 S. W. Mudd, MC 4701 New York, NY 10027 (212) 305-2256 Fax: (212) 305-5935 Accredited degrees available:MS. Program Director: Cheng-Shie Wuu, Ph.D. [email protected] https://apam.columbia.edu/medical-physics

Creighton University Department of Physics 2500 California Plaza Omaha, NE 68178 (402) 280-2159 / Fax: (402) 280-2140 Accredited degrees available: MS. Program Director: Michael G. Nichols, Ph.D. [email protected] https://www.creighton.edu/academics/programs/medical-physics-ms https://physics.creighton.edu https://physics.creighton.edu/content/ms-medical-physics-program-statistics

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia Health Authority 5820 University Avenue Room 3001A Halifax NS B3H 1V7 Canada (902) 473-6191 / Fax:  Accredited degrees available:MS.,Ph.D. Program Director: Alasdair Syme, Ph.D. [email protected] http://www.dal.ca/academics/programs/graduate/medical-physics.html

Dartmouth College Thayer School of Engineering 14 Engineering Drive Hanover, NH 03755 603-650-6442/ Fax:  Accredited degrees: Ph.D. Program Director: David Gladstone, Sc.D. [email protected] http://sites.dartmouth.edu/medphys/

Duke University † Medical Physics Graduate Program 2424 Erwin Road Suite 302 Durham, NC 27705 (919) 699-4775 Fax: (919) 684-1491 Accredited degrees available:M.S.,Ph.D. Program Director: Mark Oldham, Ph.D. [email protected] http://medicalphysics.duke.edu/

East Carolina University† Medical and Biomedical Physics Graduate Programs Department of Physics Mailstop #563 Greenville, NC 27858 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Medical Physics., Biomedical Physics Program Director: Michael Dingfelder,Ph.D. (252) 328-6739 / (252) 328-6314 [email protected] https://physics.ecu.edu/ https://physics.ecu.edu/facts-and-figures/

Florida Atlantic University Department of Physics Medical Physics Programs 777 Glades Road Boca Raton, FL 33431 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Medical Physics Program Director: Theodora Leventouri, Ph.D. (561) 297-2695 / Fax: (561) 297-2662 [email protected] http://physics.fau.edu/programs/psmmp/index.php Georgetown University Department of Medical Physics 3970 Reservoir Road NW Washington DC 20057 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Medical Physics Program Director: Stanley Fricke. Ph.D. (202)687-2232 / Fax: 253-681-9619 [email protected]

Georgia Institute of Technology Medical Physics Programs 770 State Street, RM-3-39S Atlanta, GA 30332-0745 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Ph.D. Program Director: Steven Biegalski, Ph.D. (404) 385-5973 [email protected]

Hofstra University   Department of Physics and Astronomy Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 151 Hofstra University, 102 Berliner Hall Hempstead, NY 11549-1000 Medical Degrees available: M.S., Medical Physics Program Director: Jenghwa Chang, Ph.D. (516)321-3136 / Fax (516)470-8445 [email protected] hofstra.edu/medicalphysics

Howard University Radiation Oncology 2355 6th Street NW, Suite 105 Washington, DC 20059 Tel: (202) 806-6904 Program Director: Rao Khan, Ph.D. [email protected]

Indiana University/Purdue University Joint Medical Physics Program Purdue University School of Health Sciences 550 Stadium Mall Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051 Program Director: Ulrike Dydak, Ph.D. Tel: (765) 494-0550 / Fax: (765) 496-1377 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Ph.D. [email protected] http://www.purdue.edu/hhs/hsci/students/graduate/programs/medical_physics.html

Johns Hopkins University CRB II, 4M61 1550 Orleans St Baltimore, MD 21231 Program Director: George Sgouros, Ph.D. Tel: (410) 614-0116 / Fax: (413) 487-3753 [email protected]

Louisiana State University Department of Physics and Astronomy 202 Nicholson Hall Baton Rouge, LA 70803-4001 Program Director: Kenneth (Kip) Matthews II, Ph.D. [email protected] Program Administrator Tel: (225) 578-2740 / Fax  Accredited degrees available: M.S. in Medical Physics and Health Physics, Ph.D. http://www.phys.lsu.edu/medphys/

McGill University Department of Medical Physics McGill University Health Centre (Glen Site) DS1 7141 1001 boul. Decarie Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada Program Director: Shirin A. Enger, Ph.D. Tel: (514) 934-1934 (44161)/ Fax: (514) 934-8229 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Ph.D [email protected] http://www.mcgill.ca/medphys/academic

McMaster University  699 Concession Street Hamilton, Ontario CANADA Program Director: Marcin Wierzbicki, Ph,D. Tel: (905) 387-9711 [email protected]

National University of Ireland, Galway School of Physics Newcastle Road Galway, Ireland Accredited degrees: M.S., Medical Physics Program Director: Christopher Kleefeld, Ph.D. 353 (0) 91-495383 / Fax: 353 (0) 91-494584 [email protected]

Oregon Health and Science University Medical Physics Graduate Program 2730 SW Moody Avenue Portland, OR 97201 Program Director: Anna Mench, Ph.D. [email protected] Tel: (503) 814-1366 / Fax: (503) 814-1063 Accredited Degrees Available: M.S., Ph.D. https://www.ohsu.edu/school-of-medicine/medical-physics-graduate-program San Diego State University Physics-MC1233 5500 Campanile Drive San Diego, CA 92182 Program Director: Mauro Tambasco, Ph.D. (619) 594-6161 / Fax: (619) 594-5485 Accredited degrees available: M.S. [email protected]

SUNY Stony Brook University† Radiology Department HSC L-4 RM 092 Stony Brook, NY 11794 Program Director: Terry M. Button, Ph.D. (516) 444-3841 / Fax: (516) 444-7538 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Ph.D. [email protected] http://bme.sunysb.edu/grad/medicalphysics.html The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Science Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Department of Imaging Physics 1400 Pressler St. Unit 1472 Houston, TX 77030 Program Director: Rebecca M. Howell, Ph.D. Tel: (713) 563-2493 / Fax:  Accredited degrees available: M.S., Ph.D. [email protected] https://gsbs.uth.edu/medphys/

Toronto Metropolitan University† Department of Physics 350 Victoria St. Toronto ON Canada M5B 2K3 Program Director: Raffi Karshaffian, Ph.D. Tel: (416) 979-5000 x7536 / Fax: (416) 979-5343 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Ph.D. [email protected] https://www.torontomu.ca/physics/graduate-studies/

Universite de Montreal‡ Department de Radio-Oncologie Centre hospitalier de 1' Universite de Montreal 1000 rue St-Denis Montreal QCH2X 0C1 Canada Program Director: Jean-Francois Carrier, Ph.D. Tel: (514) 343-6111 x34879 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Ph.D. [email protected]

  Université Laval Department of Radiation Therapy 2325, rue de l'Université Québec (Québec) G1V 0A6 Canada Program Director: Luc Beaulieu, Ph.D. Tel: (418) 525-4444 Ext: 15315 / Fax: (418) 691-5268 Accredited degrees available: M.Sc., Ph.D. [email protected] view website

University at Buffalo (SUNY)  Medical Physics Program Radiol, Neurosurg, Biomed Engin, MAE, EE 955 Main Street Canon Stroke and Vascular Res Center Buffalo, NY 14203 Program Director: Stephen Rudin, Ph.D. Tel: (716) 829-5408 / Fax: (716) 829-2212 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Ph.D. [email protected] http://medicine.buffalo.edu/education/medical-physics.html

University College Dublin Centre for Physics in Health and Medicine School of Physics O'Brien Centre for Science, North Belfield  Dublin 4, Ireland Program Director: Sean Cournane, Ph.D. Tel: +353 1 7162222 Accredited Degrees available:M.S., Ph.D. [email protected] https://www.ucd.ie/cphm/study/mscinmedicalphysics/

University of Alberta Department of Medical Physics 11560 University Avenue Edmonton, T6G 1Z2, Canada Program Director: Gino Fallone, Ph.D. Tel: (780) 432-8750/Fax: (780) 432-8615 Accredited degrees available: M.Sc., Ph.D. [email protected] http://mp.med.ualberta.ca

UC Berkeley/UC San Francisco 1600 Divisadero St, Box 1708, Suite H1030 San Francisco CA 94115 Program Director: J Adam M Cunha, Ph.D. Tel: ((415)353-7031) / Fax: Accredited degrees available: [email protected]

University of British Columbia Department of Physics and Astronomy Medical Physics Program 6224 Agricultural Road Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada Program Director: Stefan Reinsberg, Ph.D. Tel: (604) 822-2925 / Fax: (604) 822-5324 Co-director: Cheryl Duzenli, Ph.D. Tel: (604) 877-6000 x 2021 Accredited degrees available: M.Sc., Ph.D. [email protected] http://www.phas.ubc.ca/graduate-program-medical-physics-stream-requirements

University of British Columbia - Okanagan ASC 354 - 3187 University Way Kelowna, BC CANADA V1V 1V7 Program Director: Christina Haston, Ph.D. (250) 807-9886 Accredited degrees available: M.Sc.,Ph.D. [email protected]

University of Calgary Tom Baker Cancer Centre Department of Medical Physics Tom Baker Cancer Centre 1331 - 29 Street NW Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Program Director: Charles Kirkby, Ph.D., FCCPM Tel: (403) 388-6872 Accredited degrees available: M.Sc, Ph.D. [email protected] http://www.ucalgary.ca/rop/ -->

University of California Los Angeles The Departments of Radiological Sciences, Radiation Oncology, and Molecular & Medical Pharmacology Physics & Biology in Medicine Interdepartmental Graduate Program (Formerly Biomedical Physics Interdepartmental Graduate Program) 650 Charles E Young Dr S, RM B2-115CHS Los Angeles, CA 90095-1721 Program Director: Michael F. McNitt-Gray, Ph.D. Tel: (310) 825-7811 / Fax: (310) 825-7705 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Ph.D. [email protected] [email protected] http://pbm.ucla.edu/ -->

University of Chicago Graduate Programs in Medical Physics MC 2026 5841 S. Maryland Ave. Chicago, IL 60637 Program Director: Samuel G. Armato, III, Ph.D. Tel: (773) 834-3044 / Fax: (773) 702-0371 Accredited degrees available: Ph.D. [email protected] http://medicalphysics.uchicago.edu/

University of Cincinnati Department of Radiation Oncology 234 Goodman St. ML 0757 Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0757 Program Director: Michael A.S. Lamba, Ph.D. Tel:(513)584-9028 / Fax: (513) 584-4007 Accredited degrees available:M.S. [email protected] [email protected] https://med.uc.edu/radonc/graduate/medicalphysics/program

University of Florida Division of Radiological Physics Department of Radiology 1600 SW Archer Rd. P.O. Box 100374 Gainesville, FL 32610-0374 Program Director: Stephanie Leon, Ph.D. Tel: (352) 594-2492 / Fax  Accredited degrees available: M.S., Ph.D. [email protected] https://medphysics.med.ufl.edu/

University of Kentucky  Department of Radiation Oncology 800 Rose Street Lexington, KY 40536 Program Director: Dennis Cheek, Ph.D. Tel: (859) 323-9947 Accredited degrees available: M.S.,Ph.D. [email protected] https://medicine.uky.edu/departments/radiationmedicine/medical-physics-graduate-program

University of Manitoba † Department of Physics and Astronomy Allen Building 30A Sifton Road Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada Program Director: Stephen Pistorius, P.Phys., Ph.D. Tel: (204) 787-2211 / Fax: (204) 775-1684 Accredited degrees available: M.Sc., Ph.D. [email protected] https://www.sci.umanitoba.ca/physics-astronomy/

University of Massachusetts Lowell Department of Physics-Radiological Sciences Lowell, MA 01854 Program Director: Erno Sajo, Ph.D. Tel: (978) 934-3288 Accredited Degrees available:M.S., Ph.D. [email protected] http://www.uml.edu/MedPhys

University of Miami Biomedical Engineering Department 1251 Memorial Drive Coral Gables, FL 33146 Program Director: Weizhao Zhao, Ph.D. Tel: 305-284-6763 / Fax 305-284-6494 Radiation Oncology Department 1475 NW 12th Ave Miami, FL 33136 Assistant Program Director: Nesrin Dogan, Ph.D. Tel: 305-243-8629 / Fax 305-243-9833 Accredited Degrees available:M.S., Ph.D. [email protected] [email protected] https://bme.coe.miami.edu/programs/graduate/medical-physics-program/index.html

University of Minnesota Department of Radiation Oncology Mayo Mail Code 494 420 Delaware St SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 Program Director: Parham Alaei, Ph.D. Tel: 612-626-6505 / Fax 612-624-5445 Accredited Degrees available:M.S., Ph.D. [email protected] https://www.radiationoncology.umn.edu/medical-physics-graduate-program

University of Nevada Las Vegas† ** Department of Health Physics and Diagnostic Sciences 4505 Maryland Parkway Box 453037 Las Vegas, NV 89154 Program Director: Steen Madsen, Ph.D. Tel: (702) 895-1805 / Fax: (702) 895-4819 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Combined Program (DMP) [email protected]

University of New Mexico Department of Radiology MSC 10 5530 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001 Program Director: Reed Selwyn, Ph.D. Tel: (505) 272-4433 Accredited degrees available: M.S. [email protected] https://radiology.unm.edu/medphys/graduate-studies/program_info.html

University of Oklahoma  Dept. of Radiological Sciences. Garrison Tower 940 NE 13th Street, Suite 4G 4250 Oklahoma City, OK 73104-5008 Program Director: J. R. Sonnad, Ph.D. Tel: (405) 271-8001 Ext: 52415 / Fax: 405-271-6404 Accredited degrees available: M.S.,Ph.D. https://medicine.ouhsc.edu/Academic-Departments/Radiological-Sciences/Academic-Programs/Medical-Radiological-Physics-Graduate-Program [email protected]

University of Pennsylvania  Perelman School of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine 3400 Civic Center Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19104 Program Director: Shannon O' Reilly, Ph.D.,DABR  Tel: (215) 615-5434 / Fax:  Accredited degrees available: M.S.,Ph.D. Shannon.O'[email protected] https://www.med.upenn.edu/mpp/

University of Rochester 601 Elmwood Avenue Box 647 Rochester NY 14643 Program Director: Sean Tanny, Ph.D. Tel: (585)275-9986 [email protected]

University of Rhode Island 2 Lippitt Road Kingston, RI 02881 Program Director: Michael Antosh, Ph.D. Tel: (401) 874-2048 / (401) 874-2380 Accredited degrees available: M.S. [email protected] http://web.uri.edu/physics/medical-physics/

University of South Florida  Moffitt Cancer Center 12902 Magnolia Dr (MCC-RAC ONC) Tampa, FL 33612 Accredited degree available: Ph.D. Program Director: Eduardo G. Moros, Ph.D. Tel: (813) 745-1075 Fax: (813) 745-7231 [email protected] http://physics.usf.edu/graduate/medical/

  University of Tennessee Knoxville 1412 Circle Drive Knoxville, TN 37916 Program Director: Michael Howard, Ph.D. Tel: (423) 493-1691 / Fax: (423) 493-6828 Accredited degrees available: M.S. [email protected] -->

University of Texas San Antonio† Department of Radiology 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Rm. 652E San Antonio, TX 78229-3900 Program Director: Geoffrey Clarke, Ph.D. Tel: (210) 567-8114/ Fax: (210) 567-5541 Accredited degrees available: Ph.D. [email protected] https://www.uthscsa.edu/academics/biomedical-sciences/programs/radiological-sciences-phd https://www.uthscsa.edu/academics/biomedical-sciences/programs/radiological-sciences-phd/statistics

University of Texas Southwestern  Department of Radiation Oncology 2280 Inwood Road Dallas, TX  75235 Program Director: You Zhang, Ph.D. Tel: (919) 627-3199 / Fax:  Accredited degrees available: Ph.D. [email protected] https://www.utsouthwestern. edu/education/medical-school/ departments/radiation- oncology/education-training/ physics-training-program/bme/ University of Toledo  Department of Radiation Oncology 2050E Dana Cancer Center 3000 Arlington Ave Toledo, OH 43614-2598 Program Director: David Pearson, Ph.D. Tel: (419) 383-6780 / Fax:  Accredited degrees available: M.S., Ph.D. [email protected] http://www.utoledo.edu/med/depts/radther/ University of Toronto Department of Medical Physics Princess Margaret Cancer Center 601 University Avenue Toronto, ON CANADA. M5G 2M9 Program Director: Jean-Pierre Bissonnette, Ph.D. Tel: (416) 946-4501 Ext:2151 / Fax: (416) 946-6566 [email protected]

University of Victoria BC Cancer Agency Graduate Program in Medical Physics Medical Physics Department BC Cancer Agency - Vancouver Island Centre 2410 Lee Avenue Victoria, BC V8R 6V5 CANADA Program Director: Wayne A. Beckham, Ph.D., FCCPM Tel: (250) 519-5620 / Fax (250) 519-2024 Accredited degrees available: M.Sc., Ph.D. [email protected] http://www.uvic.ca/science/physics/medicalphysics/

University of Wisconsin † Medical Physics University of Wisconsin Medical Physics, Room 1005 WIMR 1111 Highland Ave Madison, WI 53705-2275 Program Director:Brian Pogue, Ph.D. Tel: (608) 263-8037 / Fax: (603) 646-3856 Accredited degrees available:M.S., Ph.D [email protected] http://www.medphysics.wisc.edu http://www.medphysics.wisc.edu/graduate/facts/ University of Wollongong Centre for Medical Radiation Physics School of Physics Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences Wollongong 2500 Australia Tel: +61244215296 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Ph.D. [email protected]

Vanderbilt University ** Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology 2220 Pierce Avenue Preston Research Building B-1003 Nashville, TN 37232-5671 Program Director: John G. Eley, Ph.D. Tel: (615) 875-1625 Fax: (615) 343-0161 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Combined Program (DMP) [email protected] https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/dmp/

Virginia Commonwealth University VCU Department of Radiation Oncology PO Box 980058 401 College Street Richmond VA 23298-0058 Program Director: William Y. Song, Ph.D., DABR Tel: 1- (804)-628-3457/ Fax: 1-(804)-827-1861 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Ph.D. [email protected] https://radonc.vcu.edu/education/graduate-education/

Wake Forest University Department of Radiation Oncology Medical Center Boulevard  Winston-Salem, NC  27157 Program Director: William Dezarn, Ph.D. Tel: (336) 713-6511 / Fax: (336) 713-6565 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Ph.D. [email protected] https://school.wakehealth.edu/Education-and-Training/Graduate-Programs/Medical-Physics

Washington University in St. Louis Department of Radiation Oncology 4921 Parkview Place, Campus Box 8224 St. Louis, MO  63105 Program Director: Michael B. Altman, Ph.D. Tel: (314) 362-4818 Accredited degrees available: M.S. [email protected] https://radonc.wustl.edu/education/master-of-science-in-medical-physics/

Wayne State University Karmanos Cancer Institute Department of Radiation Oncology 4100 John R. Street Detroit, MI 48201 Program Director: Jay Burmeister, Ph.D. Tel: (313) 745-2483 / Fax: (313) 966-2314 Accredited degrees available: M.S., Ph.D. [email protected] http://medicalphysics.med.wayne.edu/

Western University † (Formerly the University of Western Ontario ) Medical Biophysics Graduate Program Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry Room 407 Medical Sciences Bldg. University of Western Ontario London, Ontario N6A 5C1 Program Director: Kathleen Surry, Ph.D. Tel: (519) 685-8605 / Fax (519) 685-8658  Accredited degrees available: M.Sc., Ph.D. [email protected] http://www.schulich.uwo.ca/biophysics/graduate/programs/medical_physics.html

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CAMPEP is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of medical physics. The information provided in this website is offered for the benefit of its members, trainees and the general public. CAMPEP does not independently verify or substantiate the information provided on other websites that may be linked to this site.

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Medical Physics

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Visit the FAQs page for more information and to contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Master of Science (MSc), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Graduate Program Overview

The medical physics graduate program at UBC’s Okanagan campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs ( CAMPEP ). Based in Kelowna, BC, the campus offers tier-one research-based degrees to students in a collegial, close-knit setting.

Our dynamic faculty and students are engaged in a variety of research projects, many in close partnership with the BC Cancer Agency and relevant industry.

Our research-based MSc and PhD degrees in medical physics provide students with theoretical, practical and analytical expertise, as well as experience in the application of scientific results to real-world problems.

The MSc degree is centred on conducting research that addresses current health-care challenges centred primarily around cancer diagnosis and treatment. Graduates of the MSc program are prepared for positions in clinical service and consultation, research and development, teaching or for PhD research.

Program Milestones

  • establishing a faculty supervisory committee
  • preparing, presenting, and defending a thesis research proposal
  • completing thesis research, and writing and defending the work

Coursework & Thesis Requirements

  • 33 credits of coursework
  • additional coursework may be required, at the discretion of the supervisory committee
  • 12-credit MSc thesis (PHYS 549)

Most MSc students complete Teaching Assistantships throughout the duration of their studies.

Exceptional MSc students can transfer to the PhD program after one year if they meet program requirements and are approved by the Graduate Program Advisory Committee.

The PhD degree is centred on conducting original research. Graduates of the PhD program are prepared for careers requiring advanced independent research and teaching in academia, cancer centres, research hospitals, government and industry.

Program milestones

  • preparing, presenting, and defending a dissertation research proposal
  • passing an oral candidacy examination
  • completing dissertation research and writing, and defending the work

Most PhD students complete Teaching Assistantships throughout the duration of their studies.

At the PhD level, courses beyond the MSc are required only at the discretion of the student’s advisory committee.

Research & Supervisors

We invite you to discuss your research interests and career goals with participating faculty and potential supervisors in medical physics, and we are happy to share our excitement about what we study and teach.

Graduate students can pursue these and other faculty research and teaching interests:

  • 3-D Radiation dosimetry
  • Accelerator physics and dosimetry
  • Brachytherapy
  • Experimental radiobiology
  • High precision radiotherapy
  • Medical imaging

Learn more about medical physics research

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Graduate student supervisor

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Medical Physics Laboratory

The medical physics laboratory is a multi-user facility with research interests in radiation oncology medical physics.  Research programs include understanding normal and tumour tissue response to radiation, determining predictors of radiation sensitivity and injury, and in the development of 3D radiation dosimetry systems.

Computer Aided Convex Analysis Laboratory (CA2 Lab)

CA² Lab is part of the Centre for Optimization, Convex Analysis and Nonsmooth Analysis (COCANA), which performs fundamental research in convex and nonsmooth analysis and transfers the results to industry by solving practical industrial problems with a focus on commercial applications. COCANA researchers are mathematicians, computer scientists and engineers who apply state-of-the-art optimization techniques to solve real-life problems and provide our industrial partners an edge over their competition. We leverage industry-sponsored funding with grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and MITACS, thereby more than doubling our partners’ investment in research. We have many man-years of experience in optimization and operations research applied to engineering and health science and are always looking for new partners.

Optimization, Convex Analysis and Nonsmooth Analysis Collaborative Laboratory (OCANA COLAB)

OCANA CoLab is part of the Centre for Optimization, Convex Analysis and Nonsmooth Analysis (COCANA), which performs fundamental research in convex and nonsmooth analysis and transfers the results to industry by solving practical industrial problems with a focus on commercial applications. COCANA researchers are mathematicians, computer scientists and engineers who apply state-of-the-art optimization techniques to solve real-life problems and provide our industrial partners an edge over their competition. OCANA CoLab allows research collaboration on-site or remotely. We routinely host seminars with researchers participating from the Pacific Northwest and abroad (e.g. Newcastle, Australia).

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STORY: Focused research on radiation therapy

Prof. Christina Haston

Andrew Jirasek Headshot Photo

STORY: Pioneering collaboration with the BC Cancer Agency

Prof. Andrew Jirasek

Students & Theses

Meet our students.

See what our students are up to—find them in our Contact page for their research interests, supervisors, alma maters, and info.

Theses & Dissertations

Search all UBC Okanagan medical physics student publications at cIRcle , the University’s digital repository for research and teaching materials.

Andrew Ogilviy Medical Physics Headshot

Physics is about relationships

Master of Medical Physics student Andrew Ogilvy followed an unorthodox path into cancer radiation therapy.   Read Andrew’s story

Admission Requirements

Admission to UBC graduate programs is competitive. Applicants must meet the following criteria.

MASTER OF SCIENCE (MSc) APPLICANTS 

Applicants to the medical physics MSc program are expected to have the academic equivalent of a four-year Honours BSc from UBC in physics or a related field, with a minimum average of B+ (76%) or better in their third- or fourth-year classes.

DOCTORAL APPLICANTS (PhD)

PhD applicants are expected to:

  • hold the academic equivalent of a two-year master’s degree from UBC in medical physics or a related field, with a B+ (76%) average or better,
  • demonstrate clear evidence of research ability or potential

Your background training must be sufficient for advanced work in your chosen field.  

EXCEPTIONAL CASES

In exceptional cases, applicants who do not meet the requirements stated above, but who have had significant formal training and relevant professional experience, may be granted admission on the recommendation of the Medical Physics Graduate Program Advisory Committee and approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar for full admission and program requirements information. The calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.

Note: In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct. 

International applicants to the medical physics MSc program are expected to:

  • have the academic equivalent of a four-year Honours BSc from UBC in physics or a related field, with a minimum average of B+ (76%) or better in their third- or fourth-year classes
  • present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language (please see details below)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

For up to date Engli sh language requirements for admission, please see https://gradstudies.ok.ubc.ca/applying/english-proficiency-requirements

International PhD applicants are expected to:

  • demonstrate clear evidence of research ability or potential,

Your background training must be sufficient for advanced work in your chosen field.

Below is a summary of pertinent application and graduation statistics for the Medical Physics program.

* Related fields include but are not limited to academic appointments, industry, and contract work.

Find answers to common questions about applying by visiting the Graduate Student FAQs page .

Tuition & Funding

Tuition amounts presented here are estimates only and all fees are subject to change. For official tuition and fee information, visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar , a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services, and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.

Tuition is paid three times a year, on the first day of each term: Winter Term 1 (September), Winter Term 2 (January), and Summer Term (May).

Funding Opportunities

Graduate students are typically funded through a combination of internal and external funding awards, Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships.

Students are expected whenever possible to apply for relevant scholarships and fellowships. These include, but are not limited to, Canadian Tri-Council scholarships, University Graduate Fellowships, and Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarships.

If students wish to hold off-campus (external) employment, they should discuss with their supervisor, particularly if the student is a grant-holder, as restrictions on hours of work may apply.

Graduate Entrance Award

The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science offers a $15,000 merit-based entrance scholarship to three exceptional individuals entering their first year of thesis-based graduate studies under a supervisor from the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, or an Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies program with a supervisor who is a member of the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science.

All applicants to Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science graduate programs who have submitted an application by January 31 will be automatically considered for the award. No additional application is required. Successful applicants will be notified by March 15.

The Department of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics has funding opportunities and assistantships available for qualified students.

Teaching Assistantships (TA)

Paid TA positions allow graduate students to develop skills in teaching, supervision, facilitation, and student assessment. Teaching assistants may lead seminars, help teach undergraduate courses, or assist in student evaluations and marking.

  • MSc students are eligible for paid TA positions for up to two years.
  • TA positions usually occur September to April. TA hours and wages are governed by the British Columbia Government Employees Union (BCGEU).

Teaching assistants are mentored by their supervisor and via the Centre for Teaching and Learning . To learn more or apply for a position, see our Careers page.

Research Assistantships (RA)

As paid research assistants, graduate students assist their supervisor or other researchers in conducting high-level research. RAs are typically funded by a supervisor’s external grants, contracts or other sources of funding, and, therefore, are not guaranteed.

Research Assistantships are wholly dependent upon individual research supervisor’s funding. RA positions may take place at any time during the school year and wages and hours will vary. RA positions are not guaranteed. Talk to your potential supervisor about RA opportunities.

The College of Graduate Studies administers merit-based graduate awards at the Okanagan campus. The College manages a number of award competitions each year and administers payment of all internal awards and selected external awards.

External Awards

All prospective graduate students (Domestic and International) should explore and apply for external awards and fellowships, including awards offered by Canada’s three research councils: CIHR , NSERC and SSHRC .

Graduate scholarships and awards may also be available from foundations, private organizations or foreign governments (check with your country’s education authority).

How to Apply

Please note: A named supervisor is not part of the MSc application.

A complete application package will contain:

  • Online application and application fee
  • Unofficial transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended are required for the application package. However, if admitted, the student must submit official transcripts to the College of Graduate Studies
  • English language test (for non-native speakers of English)
  • CV or resumé
  • Three reference forms or letters

Applying takes time. We recommend you start your application two months in advance.

For full consideration students should submit all application materials by the following deadlines:

Apply to UBC today!

Ubc’s okanagan campus.

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. In the computer science program at UBC’s Okanagan campus, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally respected university while studying in a close-knit learning community.

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DYNAMIC CITY

UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of about 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.

More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports in Canada.

UBC Okanagan is situated within the First Nations territory of the Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.

NATURAL BEAUTY

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Check out this 360-degree video: Kelowna From Above .*

* Best viewed using desktop Chrome or Firefox (desktop) or YouTube app (mobile).

CAMPUS HOUSING

Full-time UBC Okanagan students can live in residence, which offers modern living with easy access to academic and personal support. Residences are surrounded by hiking and biking trails, plus panoramic views of the campus and valley.

  • Student Residence
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OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

  • Living Off Campus Resources
  • Kelowna Off Campus Student Housing Facebook group*

* UBC does not verify or endorse information shared on this third-party website, which is offered here as a public resource only.

Join the club: Make friends with similar interests, compare notes, and organize and participate in academic and recreational events in the Quantitative Sciences Course Union .

College of Graduate Studies: CoGS offers orientation events to support you in your first steps as a graduate student at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

Stay active: Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and play—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness and Wellness Centre and our 1,561 square-metre gymnasium, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes, and nationally ranked varsity athletics. Have a ball in Sports and Recreation .

Relax: The Graduate Collegium is a gathering place where grad students can hang out, eat lunch, spend time with their fellow students, and attend or host special events. The lounge-style room is open seven days and week and is outfitted with comfortable furniture, kitchen facilities, and individual and group-work spaces.

College of Graduate Studies : Your hub for administrative support and such things as graduate workshops for professional development and for assisting you from the admissions process through to your graduation.

Centre for Scholarly Communication : Supports graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, staff, and faculty in disseminating their research. The Library’s CSC provides one-on-one consultations and workshops, including writing support for theses, dissertations, journal articles, and grant proposals.

Centre for Teaching and Learning : Provides support related to teaching, TA training, and use of technology in educational programming.

Learn more about graduate student resources and support.

Careers and Occupations

With a medical physics MSc or PhD degree from the University from the University of British Columbia, graduates are well-positioned to thrive in a variety of occupations, such as:

  • Academic physicist
  • Clinical medical physicist
  • Diagnostic medical physicist
  • Imaging specialist
  • Industry scientist
  • Radiotherapy physicist

Career Services

Map out your future and prepare to hit the ground running with resources and services provided by the Advising & Involvement Centre .

Tell your story with resumé and cover-letter strategies, and search Work Study jobs for experience relevant to your degree and career goals. You can also book an appointment to meet one-on-one with our career advisor.

alumni UBC is a member-driven association that offers a variety of lifetime programming and communications to enrich the lives of UBC graduates.

The ‘Your Next Step’ program offers webinars, speaker series and professional development sessions. It is designed to provide advice, tips and resources in areas of career development to graduates for life after university.

Realize the promise of a global community with shared ambition for a better world and an exceptional UBC.

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Medical Physics (PhD)

Gain the skills, knowledge, and research background to become an innovator in medical physics.

Why choose this program?

Our PhD students are encouraged to be innovators, beginning with their thesis research. For your doctoral thesis, you can undertake research in therapeutic medical physics, medical imaging, or a variety of multi-disciplinary topics.

Accreditation

Dalhousie’s doctoral program in Medical Physics is CAMPEP  (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Programs) accredited.

When you graduate with your PhD in Medical Physics, you will be well positioned to compete for residency training programs and career opportunities that can include and combine clinical support, research, academics, and administration.

Completing this program opens doors to a number of career opportunities. Ready to explore your professional options for after graduation? We're here to help. 

Admission requirements

You'll need to meet the  Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum requirements  as well as any program-specific admissions requirements before you can apply.

Financial information

At Dalhousie, we want our students to focus on their studies, rather than worry about their personal finances. We offer competitive tuition rates and funding programs to support graduate students in almost all of our degree programs.

Program options

Thesis : Pursue independent and original research guided by a supervisor to develop and defend your thesis. 

Standard program duration:

5 years or longer

Enrolment options:

Delivery format:.

All graduate programs at Dalhousie are collaboratively delivered by a home Faculty and the  Faculty of Graduate Studies .

Contact an admissions advisor

GRADUATE COORDINATOR

Email:  [email protected]

Phone:  902-494-1456

I'm ready to apply!

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While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this page, in the event of a discrepancy,  Dalhousie's Academic Calendars  are the official reference.

Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists

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  • What is Medical Physics?
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  • Medical Physics for World Benefit
  • Organization of Medical Physics Associates of Canada

Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists

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Volunteer Opportunity: Lead COMP Representative for CADRA & CPQR Initiatives

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Virtual Library

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Membership & Services

Become part of an active and engaged network of medical physicists who are committed to professional development and patient care excellence.

Community & Partnerships

Community & Partnerships

COMP works in partnership with national and provincial stakeholders to share knowledge, develop guidelines and conduct research related to physics in medicine.

Career & Education

Career & Education

COMP provides support at every stage of a medical physicist's career and is a resource for students, residents and practicing medical physicists.

Publications

Publications

COMP publishes scientific and technical information related to the field of medical physics and serves as an expert resource working in partnership with other organizations.

Career Centre

Career Centre

Employment opportunities may be advertised through COMP in a variety of ways. Positions may be e-mailed immediately to all COMP members, posted on this website, and/or appear in the next quarterly issue of the professional newsletter of the COMP and CCPM, InterACTIONS. Please refer to the job advertisement options and fee schedule below for more details. All postings will include social media channels (Twitter, Facebook). If a closing date for a website job posting is not specified, it will be assigned a closing date of two months from the date of posting.

Latest News & Articles

Pieces of Interest from COMP for the week of October 7 - IDEAs @ Home/Career Catalyst Networking Event/IDMP2024

IMAGES

  1. Physics (MSc, PhD)

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  4. PhD in Medical Biophysics

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  5. Research

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VIDEO

  1. Medical Physics

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COMMENTS

  1. Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Physics (PhD)

    Medical physicists are health care professionals with specialized training in the medical applications of physics. Their work often involves the use of x-rays and accelerated charged particles, radioactive substances, ultrasound, magnetic and electric fields, infra-red and ultraviolet light, heat and lasers in diagnosis and therapy. Most medical physicists work in hospital diagnostic imaging ...

  2. Ph.D. Program

    The PhD Medical Physics program achieved its first 5-year accreditation in 1993, latest reaccreditation awarded in 2018 - full accreditation now valid through to December 31, 2024. The portfolio for CAMPEP reaccreditation is currently pending results of a Site Visit to the Medical Physics Unit held in Fall 2024. ... Canada Phone: (514) 934-1934 ...

  3. PhD in Medical Biophysics

    In addition to our graduate programs, the Department of Medical Biophysics offers a CAMPEP -accredited specialization for PhD students interested in a Medical Physics career. Medical Physics spans research, development, and clinical trials involving medical imaging and radiotherapy technologies. In this specialization within our PhD program, students complete a thesis-based PhD, while ...

  4. CAMPEP Accredited Graduate Programs in Medical Physics

    Medical Physics Graduate Program 2730 SW Moody Avenue Portland, OR 97201 Program Director: Anna Mench, Ph.D. [email protected] ... Department of Physics 350 Victoria St. Toronto ON Canada M5B 2K3 Program Director: Raffi Karshaffian, Ph.D. Tel: (416) 979-5000 x7536 / Fax: (416) 979-5343 ...

  5. Graduate Programs

    Graduate Program Director, Medical Physics Canada Research Chair in Medical Physics Co-Director, FRQS Experimental Therapeutics Axes Co-Director, ... Directeur, CAMPEP Graduate Medical Physics Program Tel 1: (418) 525-4444 x15315 Tel 2: (418) 656-2131 x403814 Fax: (418) 691-5268

  6. Graduate Program

    The University of Alberta Medical Physics Graduate Teaching Program offers both an MSc in Medical Physics and a PhD degree in Medical Physics. These are research-oriented degrees examined by defence of a dissertation. Also, see below for a description of the Certificate Program for individuals with a doctoral degree in a related discipline who ...

  7. Medical Physics

    The medical physics graduate program at UBC's Okanagan campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs . Based in Kelowna, BC, the campus offers tier-one research-based degrees to students in a collegial, close-knit setting. ... including awards offered by Canada's three research councils: CIHR ...

  8. Medical Physics (PhD)

    When you graduate with your PhD in Medical Physics, you will be well positioned to compete for residency training programs and career opportunities that can include and combine clinical support, research, academics, and administration. ... 1982 recognizes and affirms Aboriginal and Treaty rights in Canada.

  9. Medical Physics Specialization

    Those in Magnetic Resonance Physics are required to take 6 units. Others are only required to take 3 units. 2 laboratory courses (4 units) BME 320 or BME 321 (3 units) 8 hours of academic integrity & ethics training; 8 hours of professional development training and an Individual Development Plan; Regular attendance at weekly Medical Physics ...

  10. Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists

    History of COMP and Medical Physics in Canada. Get Involved (Volunteer Opportunities) Awards. ... Graduate Programs. Residency Programs. Certification. Career Advice. Scholarship Information. ... COMP publishes scientific and technical information related to the field of medical physics and serves as an expert resource working in partnership ...