Home
Education

Study plan for MAMNFY-MEDISIN Medical Physics, spring 2024

Name of qualification

Master of Science in Physics - medical physics

ECTS Credits

Two years of full-time study, where the normal workload for a full-time student is 60 credits for one academic year.

Language of Instruction

English

Semester

Autumn

Objectives and content

Over the past decades, there has been a tremendous technical development in the field of medical technology and the equipment applied in diagnostics and therapy. This development has also increased the demands for interdisciplinary competence in the clinics as well as an increased effort in research

The Master¿s programme aims to provide the student with a thorough understanding of the physics which forms the foundation for modern medical diagnostics and therapy. The Master¿s Thesis will comprise theoretical and/or experimental work and is often combined with modelling. Common subjects will be within diagnostics such as MRI, PET, ultrasound or CT or radiation therapy. This may involve instrumentation, computer simulations of physical processes, optimization of image acquisition, analysis of patient or phantom data or high performance computing

The student will receive guidance with respect to performing independent scientific work related to existing projects in the research group. Great emphasis is laid on teaching the student to evaluate own- and others research work/results as well as oral and written presentation of their own work and scientific literature.

Required Learning Outcomes

On completion of the programme the candidate will have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

  • Give an account of the basic theories and fundamental physics relevant for medical physics
  • Explain the foundation for for medical diagnostics and modern radiotherapy
  • Explain selected experimental methods and measurement techniques in medical physics
  • Demonstrate a high level of knowledge in the field of medical phyiscs, and expert knowledge within the field of the Master¿s thesis project

Skills

  • Perform an independent research project, under supervision, but show initiative and independence according to established research norms
  • Handle and present scientific data, evaluate prescision and uncertainties and use programming tools for analysis of data
  • Analyse relevant topics in medical physics and debate ways to explore these topics/questions using scientific methods
  • Get acquainted with the research community/environment and acquire the needed tools and resources for performing the scientific work
  • Analyse and evaluate scientific sources of information and use these in a structured manner to reach new ideas/hypothesis in the field of medial physics
  • Analyse, evaluate and debate own results in a scientifically sound manner, in light of the current knowledge in the field

General competence

  • be able to analyse scientific problems in general and participate in discussion about different ways to address and solve problems
  • give good written and oral presentation of scientific topics and results
  • communicate scientific problems, analyses and conclusions within medical physics, both to specialists and the general public
  • be able to reflect over central scientific problems in his/her own work and other people¿s work
  • demonstrate understanding and respect for scientific values like openness, precision and reliability

Admission Requirements

In order to apply for the Master Programme in Physics, Medical Physics, you need a bachelor degree in Physics or related fields.

Bachelor degrees from UiB that qualify:

  • Bachelor degree in Physics

Bachelor degrees that qualify

  • Bachelor degree in Physics
  • Other bachelor degrees can qualify if you can document courses in Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equation, Function of Several Variables, Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Basic Measurement Science and Experimental Physics, Modern Physics, Project in Physics

You also need to document:

Recommended previous knowledge

In addition to the bachelor degree, competence in general physics and mathematics is needed. Basic knowledge in programming is also strongly recommended.

Compulsory units

The master¿s programme consists of two components: Coursework of 60 credits and an individual research project (master¿s thesis) of 60 credits.

Courses: The courses PHYS212 Physics of medical imaging or PHYS213 Medical physics in radiotherapy

have to be a part of either the bachelor or master¿s degree. Elective courses (and special curriculum if applicable) are chosen in agreement with the supervisor.

The Master¿s thesis must be submitted within a deadline at the end of the fourth semester, 20 November or 1 June.

Recommended
1. semester: PHYS213 - elective course - elective course

2. semester: PHYS212* valg (PHYS231*)- Masteroppgave

3 semester: masteroppgave - masteroppgave - elective course

4. semester: masteroppgave

*PHYS212 and/or PHYS231 could be taken as part of the bachelor degree.

Recommended electives

The course PHYS231 Physics of radiation should be a part of the bachelor or master¿s degree. Other courses in the master¿s degree are chosen in agreement with the supervisor.

Sequential Requirements, courses

The recommended sequence of the courses in the programme can be found under the heading ¿Compulsory units¿.

Study period abroad

You can plan study periods abroad in consultation with your supervisor as a part of the master agreement.

Teaching and learning methods

The Master¿s thesis is an independently scientific work, under supervision of an academic supervisor. A combination of teaching methods is used in the various courses, mainly lectures, hands-on laboratory, workshops and self-study. You may find more information in the course description.

Assessment methods

Then final step in the programme is an oral presentation and examination. The examination is held when the master¿s thesis is submitted, evaluated and approved. The most common assessment methods in the courses are written and oral examination. The assessment methods for each course are described in the course description.

Grading scale

At UiB the grades are given in one of two possible grading scales: passed/failed and A to F. The master¿s thesis will be graded A to F. The grading scale for each course is given in the course description.

Diploma and Diploma supplement

The Diploma, in Norwegian, and the Diploma Supplement, in English, will be issued when the degree is completed.

Access to further studies

To be eligible for admission to the Doctoral education (PhD) the candidate must have completed a master¿s degree. To qualify for the Doctoral education (PhD) at UiB the average grade for the master's thesis, the Master's degree and the bachelor's degree should be at least C. In order to get enrolled you have to be granted a fellowship for doctoral training.

Employability

The development in medical technology over the past decades has increased the need for competence in technology and natural sciences in the health/medicine-sector. Graduated candidates from the Master¿s programme will have thorough knowledge needed to meet the translational competence need at hospitals, e.g. within deparments of radiology (imaging) or radiotherapy/cancer treatment. Candidates will be qualified for positions within e.g. quality assurance of medical technology as well as positions more directly linked to treatment or diagnostics in the hospitals. Candidates are also eligible for work in industry for medical technology as well as other industry applying the same fundamental physics as frequently used in medical technology (e.g ultrasound, radiation for imaging etc.).

The Master¿s programme will also give a good foundation for working as a teacher at the high school level in Norway, and the programme also provides a good basis for continuation with research in the field of medical physics (or related topics) through PhD-studies.

Evaluation

The programme will be evaluated according to the quality assurance system of the University of Bergen.

Programme committee

The programme committee is responsible for the academic content, the structure and the quality of the program.

Administrative responsibility

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences by the Department of Physics and Technology, holds the administrative responsibility for the programme.

Contact information

Please contact the academic adviser for the program if you have any questions:

Studie.fysikk@uib.no

Phone: + 47 55 58 27 66