welcome
Medical physics is about fighting disease. It's a specialized branch of applied physics
that is at the forefront of advancements in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of
diseases like cancer and heart disease through the use of physics and technology.
Imaging with X-rays, Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance, Computed Tomography, as well
as Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy, are all branches of Medical Physics where
continued research is being conducted with visible impact on human health.
This program will equip you to appreciate Medical Physics from a broad perspective and
allow graduates to enter the profession directly and pursue graduate programs in the
discipline. In addition to core physics and mathematics, you'll study medical imaging,
radiation therapy, biology, image analysis, medical diagnostics, health physics and
radiation protection and computer modelling techniques. Studies in biology, chemistry
and computer science will ensure you develop the multidisciplinary skills valued in
research settings. This multidisciplinary approach is a critical factor to the process of
innovation in the medical field today.
Our program focuses on a variety of practical learning experiences. For example, you
will work on a supervised thesis project that draws on faculty research; recent projects
have included assessing trace element uptake by the body, novel methods to detect
cancer, imaging of moving organs and of tumours, novel methods for the treatment of
cancer, and assessing organs' viability for transplant.
The program will prepare you to work in diagnosis and management or other health
care fields, or for graduate work in physics or health/ medical physics — an essential
next step if you're interested in a career as a medical physicist in a clinical diagnostic
imaging or radiation therapy department.
And, you'll have a full range of contemporary skills, suited to a variety of careers from
industrial employment in the biomedical technology and health sectors to working as a
technician in hospital-based research establishments in areas such as cancer diagnosis
and management services. These career opportunities could include Health Physics,
Bioinformatics, Clinical Physics Assistants, Graduate School in Biomedical Physics,
Medical Biophysics or Physics as well as professional school (Medicine, Education,
Business, Law).
With the percentage of the Canadian over 65 expected to rise by almost 15% by 2011,
there will be an increased demand on the health care sector. A strong demand for
trained medical physicists already exists today. As a graduate from our Medical Physics
program, you'll have training in fields that are of critical importance to Canada.
Top Profs:
Ryerson is home to one of the fastest-growing university based biomedical physics groups in Canada. Our faculty — many who have received international recognition for their innovations — are researching everything from detecting potentially toxic elements in the body to developing new image-guidance technologies and therapies for cancer management.
For more information about the Department of Physics, go to www.ryerson.ca/physics/
