Postgraduate Biomedical Physics 2018-2019

This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, in order to develop a basic understanding of cells, tissues and organs and how they may be altered by disease. The course also includes a range of topics around Professional Issues, Management of Medical Physics, Statistics and Safety.

This course provides instruction in the basic physics and engineering principles of imaging techniques used in medicine. It also provides an overview of the range of applications of imaging techniques in the modern medical environment. The course covers Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography, Radiodiagnosis (X-ray imaging), Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasound Imaging.

This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of radiation physics, including the mechanisms of interaction of radiation with matter. The basic concepts and techniques of radiation therapy are covered, as are the fundamentals of radiation protection. Applications of non-ionising radiation in medicine are also covered.

This course provides an introduction to computing and information technology as applied to medical physics and medical imaging, including an introduction to medical image processing techniques. Hands-on learning is provided to build confidence with computer software. The course also covers basic concepts of analogue and digital electronics and their application in a clinical setting.

Ionizing radiation is at the heart of medical imaging modalities such as diagnostic x-rays, CT, Nuclear Medicine and PET. This course will cover the underlying physics of ionizing radiation and explore the interactions of radiation with tissues and detectors.

This course covers all aspects of radiotherapy physics including radiobiology of radiotherapy treatment, charged particle therapy, dosimetry, treatment planning, brachytherapy, radiotherapy equipment, quality assurance, safety and radiation protection in radiotherapy. In addition to attending lectures and tutorials, students spend time in the state-of-the-art Radiotherapy department of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, to attend demonstrations in CT treatment planning, gynaecological brachytherapy, megavoltage beam data acquisition and linear accelerator QA.

You will gain hands-on experience of a modern gamma camera during the practical. Departmental visits allow access to state-of-the-art imaging systems and radioisotope production facilities. Lectures are delivered by experienced clinical staff and leading academics. They reflect current best clinical practice and provide content around research methods and analysis techniques. This ensures the course remains current and reflects the full range of applications of the technique.  It provides an overview of career possibilities in medical imaging applications of radiation and provides a knowledge base to make informed choices around future careers or study.

The wide range of related subjects covered, including basic Magnetic Resonance Imaging theory, practical applications and hands on experience, gives you a broad understanding of Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

You will be in the advantageous position of learning in an environment that was pivotal in the early development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and continues to contribute to its development.

The lecturers will be academics who are leading researchers, to ensure the course content is rooted in today’s best practice and science.

Image processing and analysis includes many tools and techniques widely used in the field of Medical Imaging. Topics covered in this course include image formation, representation and display; image degradation and restoration; intensity processing; spatial and spectral filtering; simple object and shape recognition; segmentation; pattern recognition; image compression.

The Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection Deeper Study will give you to opportunity to learn about a wide range of diagnostic modalities used in clinical practice, such as computed and digital radiography, fluoroscopy, CT and mammography.  You will also learn about Radiation Protection legislation in the UK and how this is applied.  The course will include hands-on practical work in ARI where you will have the opportunity to use x-ray equipment and a variety of detectors.  This course provides a solid knowledge base for going on to work in a medical physics department.