Courses
The Master of Science (Medical Science) in Clinical Physics
The Master of Science (Medical Science) in Clinical Physics is a part-time course lasting 2 years. Most of the teaching takes place within the major teaching hospitals associated with the University and this is supported by practical training within the NHS Department of Clinical Physics and Bioengineering. The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) and the training enables the professional requirements of the IPEM Part One training scheme to be satisfied.
The normal entry requirement is a first or second class honours degree in a physical science (e.g. Physics, Applied Physics, Electronic Engineering) from an institution recognised by the University.
Funded places on the course are made available under a centrally recruited Scottish Office scheme and trainees are offered a four-year fixed term contract with NHS conditions of employment. The second two years constitute part two of IPEM training. Other entrants are responsible for funding all course fees, accommodation and subsistence.
In the broadest terms, the M.Sc. course aims to prepare trainees with the full range of theoretical and practical skills in both routine practice and research for employment as Clinical Physicists within the NHS. More specifically, the course objectives are to provide trainees with
· a working knowledge of the range of applications of physics applied to health care
· an understanding of the necessary human anatomy and physiology
· an understanding of the theory and clinical application of medical physics and bioengineering
· a thorough background in the relevant theoretical, experimental and clinical literature
· an ability to design and conduct clinical research and to analyse, interpret and report results
· a thorough background in all legislative aspects of physics in health care
· the interpersonal skills necessary to work within multi-disciplinary teams.
During the first term of the first year, the trainees acquire a knowledge base through formal tuition of several courses e.g. Anatomy, Physiology, Statistics, Radiation Physics together with introductory courses in Radiotherapy Physics, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology and Medical Image Computing. Subsequently, the trainee undertakes three successive 5 month placements in major subject areas. The first placement is in Radiotherapy Physics. There are choices between Physiological Measurement and Medical Equipment Management for the second placement, and between Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Protection for the third placement. These placements are supported by formal tuition in all these subjects (which all trainees must attend irrespective of their choice of placement) together with further tuition e.g. Non-Ionising Radiation, Medical Imaging, Electronics & Instrumentation, Computing. Finally, the trainee undertakes a research project of 6 months duration which leads to a dissertation.
Assessment is by written examinations, portfolios describing work carried out during the placements, the project dissertation and a final viva voce examination.
LINKS:
IPEM training prospectus pdf