The Master of Science in Applied Physics (Medical Physics) program is a two-year program which offers qualified students, particularly those with backgrounds in physics, applied physics, and engineering, the opportunity to do graduate course work and research in the applications of the concepts and methods of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease.
Graduates of the proposed MS Applied Physics (Medical Physics) program are eligible to undertake a clinical residency leading to a board certification in three specialty areas, namely: radiation oncology medical physics, diagnostic radiology medical physics, and nuclear medicine medical physics. The clinical residency and board certification by the Society of Medical Physicists in the Republic of the Philippines.
Program Objectives
At the end of the program, graduates should be able to
- Apply theoretical, computational, and experimental physics in a career in medical physics;
- Implement radiation safety principles in the practice of medical physics;
- Evaluate research evidence and scholarly works in medical physics for evidence-based practice;
- Collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment involving the practice of medical physics;
- Acquire updated/new scientific knowledge and skills through continuing education over the course of their careers;
- Practice professionalism and ethical conduct required of medical physicists; and
- Conduct research, training, and clinical practice towards the improvement of healthcare in the country.
Admission Requirements
- Graduates of BS Applied Physics or BS Physics are eligible for admission into the program
- Graduates of natural science, engineering, and health science courses may be admitted into the program provided they have taken the following courses:
- Calculus and Differential Equations
- Numerical Methods/Computational Physics
- Electricity, Magnetism and Optics
- Modern Physics and Relativity
- Quantum Physics
- Classical Physics
- Thermodynamics/Statistical Physics
If not, applicants will be advised to enroll in the appropriate audit courses.
- Duly accomplished Application Form (available at the National Graduate Office for the Health Sciences) together with the following documents:
- Original copy of the official Transcript of Records
- 2 recommendation forms from former professors, supervisors, or employers (forms included in the application packet)
- Receipts of processing fee paid the UPM Cashier’s Office
- Certified true copy of college diploma with the seal of the university and signature of the registrar in ink
- Four (4) passport-size photos
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Essay on an 8-1/2″ x 11″ sheet of paper describing your motivation for pursuing graduate study and your view of self-directed learning as a method of instruction, and a description of your research interest.
For foreign applicants, additional requirements include:
- Two (2) copies of Transcript of Records in English
- Certified true copy of diploma with the seal of the university and the signature of the registrar in ink
- Official TOEFL score of at least 550 (written test) and 173 (computerized test); 61 (internet-based) or other Certification of English proficiency equivalent to TOEFL (e.g. IELTS (band 6)); a certificate that English is the medium of instruction in the university where the student has graduated is sufficient to waive this requirement)
- Affidavit of support or certification of financial capability
- Photocopy of passport (present original for verification)
- Certificate of Licensure from the country of origin or acceptable proof that profession is not regulated in the home country
Graduation Requirements
- Residency of at least one full academic year prior to granting of degree
- Completion of 40 units (16 units of core courses, 14 units of required courses and 4 units of electives)
- A general weighted average of 2.00 or better
- Certificate of submission of research article for publication
Curriculum
Foundation Course (2 units)
- APhysics 201 (Human Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Physicists) – 2 units
Core Courses (9 units)
- APhysics 211 (Radiation Physics for Medical Physicists) – 2 units
- APhysics 212 (Radiation Dosimetry – 3 units [2 units lec, 1 unit lab.]
- APhysics 213 (Radiation Protection and Safety) – 2 units
- APhysics 214 (Radiobiology) – 2 units
Major Courses (19 units)
- APhysics 241 (Physics of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology) – 3 units [2 units lec, 1 unit lab]
- APhysics 251 (Physics of Nuclear Medicine) – 3 units [2 units lec, 1 unit lab]
- APhysics 261 (Physics of Radiation Oncology) – 3 units [2 units lec, 1 unit lab]
- APhysics 287 (Medical Imaging Fundamentals) – 2 units
- APhysics 299 (Research Methods and Ethics) – 2 units
- APhysics 300.1 (Thesis Proposal) – 3 units
- APhysics 300.2 (Thesis Implementation) – 3 units
Electives/Cognates (2 units)
- APhysics 297 (Special Topics) – 2 units
Total Units: 32