Medical Physics
Admissions Requirements
A baccalaureate degree in a natural science or engineering discipline is required. A degree in any other field must include sufficient science and mathematics courses to give the applicant the equivalent of a degree in natural science or engineering. Applicants must have undergraduate credit for the following courses:
- Biology: One semester of general biology;
- Chemistry: One semester of general chemistry;
- One semester of Human Anatomy OR Physiology (strongly preferred but not required);
- Physics: Include at a minimum Modern Physics, Modern Physics Lab, Electricity & Magnetism, Classical Mechanics, and Quantum Mechanics;
- Mathematics: Through calculus and ordinary differential equations;
- Computer Science: Introduction to Computer Science (one semester)
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test and a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are required. Three letters of recommendation are required. During the application process, essays stating the reasons for the applicant's interest in medical physics, a description of professional goals, and an outline of any undergraduate, industry, or summer research, teaching experience, and clinical experience are required.
International applicants who have completed or will complete their degree prior to matriculation at an accredited US Institution may be exempted from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.
The admission process includes a review of the academic history as well as the experience and goals of the applicant. Virtual interviews are conducted for qualified applicants that are selected by the Admissions Committee.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 98 credit hours (48 of which are clinical rotations) and a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 are required for the D.M.P. degree. The student is required to demonstrate intellectual command of the subject area and proficiency in all aspects of their chosen clinical specialization. A Core Knowledge Exam (CKE) shall be scheduled for all first year DMP students. The students have two opportunities to take and pass the CKE before the start of the second year. Failure to pass is an automatic dismissal from the program. The American Board of Radiology Medical Physics Part 1 Exam must be taken before graduation.
DMP students are required to complete eight hours of community service/volunteer hours each academic year. Students may choose where to complete these hours. They are encouraged to complete hours as a team, join an established volunteer activity within the university, or in the community, or participate in local ‘Days of Service.'
D.M.P. - Therapy Track
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 5015 | Physics Of Diagnostic Imaging 1 | 3 |
| RADI 6030 | Physics Of Radiotherapy | 3 |
| RADI 5005 | Fundamentals Of Radiation Dosimetry | 3 |
| RADI 6023 | Introduction To Clinical Medical Physics Practice | 1 |
| RADI 6049 | Intro To Magnetic Resonance | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12.0 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 6033 | Advanced Radiotherapy Physics | 3 |
| RADI 5020 | Principles of Health Physics 1 | 3 |
| RADI 6012 | Phys Nuclear Medi Imaging | 3 |
| RADI 6023 | Introduction To Clinical Medical Physics Practice | 1 |
| RADI 6024 | Radiological Anatomy & Physiology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13.0 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 5025 | Molecular Oncology & Radiobiology | 3 |
| RADI 6031 | Physics Measurements In Radiotherapy I | 3 |
| RADI 7005 | Treatment Planning Techniques In Radiation Therapy | 3 |
| RADI 6023 | Introduction To Clinical Medical Physics Practice | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12.0 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 7006 | Treatment Planning Techniques in Radiotherapy 2 | 3 |
| RADI 6035 | Physics Measurements In Radiotherapy 2 | 3 |
| RADI 6023 | Introduction To Clinical Medical Physics Practice | 1 |
| RADI 6016 | Physics of Diagnostic Imaging 2 | 3 |
| RADI 5007 | Statistics in the Radiological Sciences | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12.0 | |
| Third Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 6025 | Therapy Clinical Rotation 1 | 10 |
| RADI 7077 | Ethics, Leadership and Vision | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12.0 | |
| Third Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 6026 | Clinical Therapy Rotation 2 | 12 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12.0 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 6032 | Therapy Clinical Rotation 3 | 12 |
| RADI 6097 | Research | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13.0 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 6034 | Therapy Clinical Rotation 4 | 12 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12.0 | |
D.M.P. - Imaging Track
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 5015 | Physics Of Diagnostic Imaging 1 | 3 |
| RADI 6030 | Physics Of Radiotherapy | 3 |
| RADI 5005 | Fundamentals Of Radiation Dosimetry | 3 |
| RADI 6023 | Introduction To Clinical Medical Physics Practice | 1 |
| RADI 6049 | Intro To Magnetic Resonance | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12.0 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 5020 | Principles of Health Physics 1 | 3 |
| RADI 6012 | Phys Nuclear Medi Imaging | 3 |
| RADI 6023 | Introduction To Clinical Medical Physics Practice | 1 |
| RADI 6024 | Radiological Anatomy & Physiology | 3 |
| RADI 5018 | Physics Measurements In Imaging Lab | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12.0 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 5025 | Molecular Oncology & Radiobiology | 3 |
| RADI 6038 | Methods in Dosimetry & Shielding Design | 2.5 |
| RADI 6051 | Statistical Parametric Mapping | 3 |
| RADI 6023 | Introduction To Clinical Medical Physics Practice | 2.5 |
| RADI 7077 | Ethics, Leadership and Vision | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13.0 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 6050 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | 2 |
| RADI 6016 | Physics of Diagnostic Imaging 2 | 3 |
| RADI 5007 | Statistics in the Radiological Sciences | 2 |
| RADI 6033 | Advanced Radiotherapy Physics | 3 |
| RADI 6023 | Introduction To Clinical Medical Physics Practice | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12.0 | |
| Third Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 6027 | Imaging Physics Clinical Rotation 1 | 12 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12.0 | |
| Third Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 6039 | Imaging Physics Clinical Rotation 2 | 12 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12.0 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 6040 | Imaging Physics Clinical Rotation 3 | 12 |
| RADI 6097 | Research | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13.0 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| RADI 6043 | Imaging Physics Clinical Rotation 4 | 12 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12.0 | |
Objectives/Program Outcomes
- Proficiency in core biomedical and radiological science principles
- Critically review and interpret literature on clinical research in your chosen study discipline
- Conduct clinical research in an ethical manner
- Demonstrate competence in written communication
- Demonstrate competence in verbal communication
- Demonstrate competence as a clinician in your chosen study discipline
Courses
RADI 5005. Fundamentals Of Radiation Dosimetry. 3 Credit Hours.
The aim of this course is to introduce the students to the fundamentals of radiation dosimetry, including dosimetry quantities, interactions with matter, cavity theory and calibration protocols. More specifically, the topics that will be covered during this course are the following: 1) Introduction/Ionizing Radiation, 2) Quantities for describing interactions, 3) Exponential attenuation, 4) Charged particle and radiation equilibria, 5) Absorbed dose in radioactive media, 6) Radioactive decay, 7) X-ray interactions with matter, 8) Charged particle interactions with matter, 9) Cavity theory, 10) Dosimetry Fundamentals, and 11) Calibration protocols.
RADI 5007. Statistics in the Radiological Sciences. 2 Credit Hours.
An overview of biomedical statistics methods and basic applications to experimental design with special emphasis given to those methods used in radiation detection, image analysis, and evaluations of diagnostic efficacy. Students will learn the theory behind these methods and apply them to actual and simulated problems in the Radiological Sciences using the R statistical programming environment.
RADI 5015. Physics Of Diagnostic Imaging 1. 3 Credit Hours.
This course introduces the student to the basic principles and radiological practice using noninvasive imaging systems. Topics include production of x-rays, interaction of radiation with matter, and the physics of imaging using computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance.
Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
RADI 5018. Physics Measurements In Imaging Lab. 2 Credit Hours.
This is a laboratory course focusing on performance of measurements used in quality assurance (QA), system characterization, and acceptance testing of medical imagers.
Corequisites: RADI 5015.
RADI 5020. Principles of Health Physics 1. 3 Credit Hours.
This course covers the basic principles of protection dealing with the major forms of ionizing radiation.
RADI 5025. Molecular Oncology & Radiobiology. 1.5-3 Credit Hours.
This course is an overview of the physics and chemistry of radiation biology; the biological effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiations and hyperthermia at the cellular and tissue levels and whole body and late effects.
RADI 6012. Phys Nuclear Medi Imaging. 3 Credit Hours.
This course is a study of physical principles of planar, SPECT, and PET radionuclide imaging; instrument theory; dosimetry; computer uses; and safety considerations.
RADI 6015. Physics Measurements in Imaging 2. 3 Credit Hours.
Students will study and work with advanced methods for evaluating the performance of clinical imagining systems, including x-ray imagining, fluoroscopy, mammography, ultrasound, x-ray CT and MRI. Testing will follow procedures described in publications of the AAPM and ACR and used to achieve compliance with the regulations and recommendations the DSA, MQSA, ACR, NRC, MIPPA and State of Texas' Radiation Control Program. Students will study the procedures and then use "best practices" to perform the tests in a clinical setting. Methods for evaluating nuclear medicine equipment shall also be reviewed and carried out, but in a less intensive manner.
Prerequisites: RADI 5015, RADI 6049, RADI 6012 and RADI 6016.
RADI 6016. Physics of Diagnostic Imaging 2. 3 Credit Hours.
This course includes theory and applications of various forms of electronic imaging systems; advanced diagnostic imaging principles involving mathematical image analysis, digital image processing, digital image display, and concepts of electronic imaging.
Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
RADI 6023. Introduction To Clinical Medical Physics Practice. 1-9 Credit Hours.
This course allows students to observe professional medical physicists in a clinical setting and learn the roles of various other medical professionals in the Radiology and Radiation Oncology medical clinic. Students participate in simple tasks related to medical physics data and are shown how to evaluate data to provide reports and tables. Students are also trained in basic safety and ethical issues in clinical medicine and the professional conduct of the medical physicist, following the guidelines established in AAPM Report 109. This material is intended to cover ethical issues in clinical medicine and in the professional conduct of the medical physicist .The term ethics is used here in the sense of a permissible standard of conduct for members of profession. While different people may have different opinions of what is ethical professions always have certain ethical standards or codes of conduct that are compiled in written form and are generally by practitioners. In addition to becoming familiar with written codes of conduct, the student shall be introduced to commonly encountered situations in which a choice of actions is available, some of which would be considered unethical and some of which be considered ethical, according to current standards of care of practice. These would include more specific issues that arise with respect to recent patient privacy concerns and legislation specific to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and compliance both in clinical practice and research.
A case-based approach in a seminar setting with class participation is utilized. This allows the student to put him or herself in the place of an individual who faces an ethical dilemma and to explore variations of the case that is presented. Other faculty members are also encouraged to attend, to offer comments, and to relate situations that they encountered either first- or secondhand.
RADI 6024. Radiological Anatomy & Physiology. 3 Credit Hours.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to learn anatomy, physiology, and commonly used medical terminology as it relates to radiologic imaging. Anatomic and physiologic features will be illustrated with radiologic images in formats commonly encountered in clinical radiology. By the end of the course, students are expected to be familiar with basic medical terminology and have a good understanding of medical anatomy, physiology, and some basic pathology as related to specific organs for which radiologic images are commonly applied.
RADI 6025. Therapy Clinical Rotation 1. 10-12 Credit Hours.
The first clinical rotation is designed to give an introduction and an overview of all the clinical processes and the basic safety training. In detail the student will cover the following topics: employee orientation, radiation oncology orientation, HIPAA training, introduction to radiation protection, introduction to nursing and introduction to simulation, introduction to LINACs, LINAC QA and warm up, monitor unit calculations, electronic medical records orientation, regulations and professional recommendations.
RADI 6026. Clinical Therapy Rotation 2. 10-12 Credit Hours.
In the second semester of the clinical rotation, the students will cover the following topics: on board MV and kV imaging, ExacTrac design, function and daily, monthly QA, Linac Annual QA and the RPC process, TBI and TSE, IMRT planning, LDR planning and the COMS eye plaque process, patient safety, and learn shielding techniques for CT, kV imaging, LINAC and isotopes.
RADI 6027. Imaging Physics Clinical Rotation 1. 10-12 Credit Hours.
The first clinical rotation is designed to give an introduction and an overview of all the clinical processes and the basic safety training. In detail the student will cover the following topics: employee orientation, clinical radiology department orientation, HIPAA & MIPPA training, introduction to safety in the radiology clinic, introduction to general radiography, introduction to hard copy devices and image displays, electronic medical records orientation, introduction to ultrasounds imaging, introduction to mammography, regulations and professional recommendations.
RADI 6030. Physics Of Radiotherapy. 3 Credit Hours.
Theory, design, and operation of radiation-producing equipment used in radiation therapy are introduced. Exposure and absorbed dose calculations, patient dosimetry, treatment planning, and use of computers in radiation therapy are covered.
RADI 6031. Physics Measurements In Radiotherapy I. 3 Credit Hours.
Performance of measurements on radiation therapy equipment used to determine therapy treatment parameters is the opportunity for study in this course.
RADI 6032. Therapy Clinical Rotation 3. 10-12 Credit Hours.
In the third semester of the clinical rotation, the students will cover the following topics: treatment plan checks, weekly chart checks, brachytherapy planning and QA, LINAC design, SRS Treatment Planning (SRS) and daily, monthly and annual QA, participation in all aspects of SBRT treatment and treatment planning QA.
RADI 6033. Advanced Radiotherapy Physics. 3 Credit Hours.
This course includes the coverage of advanced radiation therapy special topics: intensity modulated radiation therapy, advanced brachytherapy, and radiation therapy shielding.
RADI 6034. Therapy Clinical Rotation 4. 10-12 Credit Hours.
In the fourth semester of the clinical rotation, the students will cover the following topics: medical dosimetry rotation, ultrasound, PET, MRI, SPECT imaging in radiotherapy and acceptance and commissioning of major equipment.
RADI 6035. Physics Measurements In Radiotherapy 2. 3 Credit Hours.
In this course students will have the opportunity to gain further didactic and hands-on familiarity with radiation therapy measurement equipment (ion chambers, films, TLDs, water tanks, profilers, etc.) and learn daily clinical practices. Students will have the opportunity to learn the roles of a radiation oncology team, the generation of radiation therapy treatment plans, patient quality assurance, and advanced, specialized radiation therapy techniques. Learning can be accomplished through attendance of didactic lectures, homework assignments, presentations of class projects, and a comprehensive oral exam.
Prerequisites: RADI 5005, RADI 6030, and RADI 6031.
RADI 6038. Methods in Dosimetry & Shielding Design. 2.5 Credit Hours.
The goal of the course is to teach students the guidelines established by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) and the National Council of Radiation Protection (NCRP) relating to patient dosimetry and shielding design of radiological facilities. Students will be responsible to read, comprehend, and learn the selected Task Group reports. Students will be evaluated of their knowledge by weekly quizzes and a final oral evaluation held at the end of the course. Successful completion of the course will be accomplished when the student is knowledgeable and understands the recommendations for a practicing clinical physicist. Learning is accomplished through attendance of weekly lectures, assignments (presentation of assigned reports and guidelines), and class discussion.
RADI 6039. Imaging Physics Clinical Rotation 2. 10-12 Credit Hours.
In the second semester of the clinical rotation, topics covered include safety in the radiological clinic, nuclear medicine and MRI, introduction to fluoroscopy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine and regulations, professionalism and ethics.
RADI 6040. Imaging Physics Clinical Rotation 3. 10-12 Credit Hours.
The third clinical rotation will include safety in radiology clinic, advanced general radiography, advanced breast imaging and image-guided stereotactic breast biopsy, dental radiography and cone beam CT, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), advanced fluoroscopic imaging and special procedures, intermediate nuclear medicine and regulations, professionalism and ethics.
RADI 6043. Imaging Physics Clinical Rotation 4. 10-12 Credit Hours.
The fourth clinical rotation will include safety in radiology clinic, imaging informatics, advanced imaging informatics, advanced magnetic resonance imaging, advanced nuclear medicine physics, regulations, professionalism and ethics.
RADI 6049. Intro To Magnetic Resonance. 2 Credit Hours.
This course presents the basics of the practice of magnetic resonance as the experimentalist or clinician first meets them. The approach begins with images, equipment, and scanning protocols. The student will have the opportunity to face issues pertinent to practice with theoretical background added as experience grows. Through this approach, key ideas are introduced in an intuitive style that is faithful to the underlying physics.
RADI 6050. Magnetic Resonance Imaging. 2 Credit Hours.
This course explores the physics of magnetic resonance image formation through discussion of imaging problems, reviews of current research topics with an emphasis on quantitative methods using MRI, and hands-on experience in MRI laboratories.
Prerequisites: RADI 6049.
RADI 6051. Statistical Parametric Mapping. 3 Credit Hours.
Course content includes principles of NMR Spectroscopy as applied to the resolution of molecular structural problems in chemistry, biology, and medicine; and principles and methods for designing BOLD contrast MRI experiments and evaluating fMRI data.
RADI 6097. Research. 1-12 Credit Hours.
This course is supervised research under the guidance of a faculty member.
RADI 7005. Treatment Planning Techniques In Radiation Therapy. 3 Credit Hours.
The goal of the course is to provide an overview of the physics and clinical elements that contribute to the development of computerized treatment plans in radiation therapy. The commissioning and acceptance testing of a planning system will be discussed and demonstrated in several planning platforms. Anatomy specific treatment planning will be described, including imaging of the specific disease, as well as contouring and plan development. Multiple plans will be generated for each site using different planning modalities, such as 2D, 3D, and IMRT.
RADI 7006. Treatment Planning Techniques in Radiotherapy 2. 3 Credit Hours.
This course is a continuation of RADI 7005. It presents an in-depth study of multidisciplinary treatment of the cancer patient from the clinician's viewpoint. Students are required to master concepts specific to site-specific disease including: histopathology, etiologic and epidemiology factors, detection and diagnosis, tumor stage and grade, routes of metastases, dose fractionation and prognostic factors. This course is designed to approach each cancer type by anatomic system, addressing treatment factors with increasing degrees of complexity. Assigned exercises organized by treatment site and procedure type will be carried out under the direct supervision of an assigned advisor. These will be both simulated and real case assignments. The course is taught as a didactic course with applied planning. Didactic instruction will be provided by medical residents while practical planning instruction will be applied by a medical dosimetrist.