Program Overview
Program Overview
The Medical Physics program at Toronto Metropolitan University teaches students how physics is used in healthcare, through both theory and practical learning.
Program Details
- Program: Medical Physics
- Degree: Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Program Duration: 4 years, full time
- Co-op Available: Yes, 5 years, full time
Medical Physics (BSc)
The Medical Physics program at TMU shows students how the application of physics principles can help prevent, find, and treat illnesses. Students learn about tools like ultrasound and MRI, as well as how radiation therapy can help treat cancer. They can choose an optional paid co-op at a hospital, medical equipment company, in pharmaceuticals, or at a power plant, and deepen their knowledge with a fourth-year research project. Students can also choose a specialization in Management Sciences to become a well-rounded expert.
1st & 2nd Year
First year builds a broad, solid foundation in science. Students take the same courses as first-year students in Biology and Chemistry, providing an opportunity to learn about the various fields of science. Electives in computing and liberal arts round out their overall education. An orientation course helps students transition from high school to university-level studies.
3rd & 4th Year
In upper years, students narrow in on physics and its applications in medicine. They learn through lab work, research, and professional-related electives to explore specialty areas. Students complete their own research project in the fourth year, with supervision from a professor or hospital researcher.
Undergraduate Research
Students gain practical research experience before graduating in TMU's Medical Physics program through:
- Research Practicum (SCI 999): An optional, non-credit course to gain early experience in how research works.
- 4th Year Thesis (PCS 40A/B): A required, year-long research project, working 1:1 with faculty or hospital researchers.
- Summer Research Assistantship: Paid summer roles in faculty research labs.
- Volunteer Research: Real-time training assisting professors with their research work.
- Co-op: Optional paid work terms that integrate into studies.
- Global Exchange: Experience science and culture abroad through course and research-based exchange programs.
Areas of Study
TMU's Medical Physics program trains students to apply physics principles in the fields of medicine and healthcare. Students learn to take a scientific approach to solving problems in areas such as:
- Medical Technology: Innovating improvements to diagnostic imaging, such as MRI and ultrasound.
- Treatment Planning: Determining the most effective dosage of radiation to treat a cancer patient.
- Safety Management: Managing the risk of radiation for nuclear power plant or clinical workers and the public.
Minors
The Department of Physics offers a Physics minor option for students outside of physics programs. To complete a minor, students must take six courses from a pre-determined curriculum.
Minor in Physics
A Minor in Physics provides students with a deeper knowledge of physics and hands-on lab experience. This minor is not available to students in the following programs: Biology - Biophysics Option, Chemistry - Applied Physics Option, and Medical Physics.