Program Overview

Radiation Sciences (Medical Physics/Radiation Biology)

Radiation Sciences is broadly interdisciplinary, bridging the fields of medicine, biology, engineering, and physical science. It provides scientific method and knowledge to certain industrial sectors, especially the Health Care and Nuclear industries.

Faculty of Science

The program is offered by the Faculty of Science.

Program Contact

For more information about the program, please contact the program administrator.

Degree Options

The program offers the following degree options:

• Radiation Sciences (Medical Physics/Radiation Biology) (MSc)
• Radiation Sciences (Medical Physics/Radiation Biology) (PhD)

Radiation Sciences (Medical Physics/Radiation Biology) (MSc)

The program consists of a research thesis-based MSc in three streams: Medical Physics, Radiation Biology, and Medical Radiation Sciences. Research is conducted with faculty using McMaster radiation facilities or at area hospitals.

Areas of Research

The program covers a wide range of research areas, including:

• Brachytherapy radioisotopes, interface dosimetry, imaging dose distributions, neutron micro-dosimetry
• Nuclear and atomic techniques used for analysis of both trace toxic elements and major components of human body composition
• Development of novel radiopharmaceuticals and medical use of radioisotopes in diagnosis and therapy
• Novel methods of imaging bone architecture and joint structure non-invasively
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• DNA damage and DNA repair processes in carcinogenesis
• Adaptive response, genomic instability, and bystander effect in radiation risk assessment of human and non-human biota
• Laser and light propagation in tissue for photodynamic therapy and tissue characterization
• Skeletal muscle function and the mechanisms of repair/regeneration
• Radiation accident dosimetry
• Advanced methods of optimization for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and gel dosimetry

Radiation Sciences (Medical Physics/Radiation Biology) (PhD)

The program consists of a research thesis-based PhD in two streams: Medical Physics and Radiation Biology. Research is conducted with faculty using McMaster radiation facilities or at area hospitals.

Areas of Research

The program covers a wide range of research areas, including:

• Brachytherapy radioisotopes, interface dosimetry, imaging dose distributions, neutron micro-dosimetry
• Nuclear and atomic techniques used for analysis of both trace toxic elements and major components of human body composition
• Development of novel radiopharmaceuticals and medical use of radioisotopes in diagnosis and therapy
• Novel methods of imaging bone architecture and joint structure non-invasively
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• DNA damage and DNA repair processes in carcinogenesis
• Adaptive response, genomic instability, and bystander effect in radiation risk assessment of human and non-human biota
• Laser and light propagation in tissue for photodynamic therapy and tissue characterization
• Skeletal muscle function and the mechanisms of repair/regeneration
• Radiation accident dosimetry
• Advanced methods of optimization for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and gel dosimetry

Program Details

• Length: 2 years (MSc), 4 years (PhD)
• Type: Thesis
• Options: Full-Time, Part-Time
• Typical Entry: September
• Typical Deadline: February 28 (MSc), February 28th (PhD)