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Medical Physics (MSc)
Course Overview
This MSc programme is designed to meet the demand for qualified medical physicists. It is primarily geared toward training for physicists in the application of radiation physics in medicine but maintains a reasonable exposure to key aspects of clinical engineering so that students receive a comprehensive knowledge of the application of the physical sciences and engineering to medicine.
The course is unique in that it is closely integrated with the University Hospital Galway.
The majority of lectures and course materials are delivered by hospital staff.
The course provides a unique opportunity to see the operation of a busy academic hospital.
September 2015: University of Galway’s MSc in Medical Physics is the first European MSc programme to be awarded accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programmes (CAMPEP) and the second programme worldwide. Read more here.
Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.
L–R: Dr Christoph Kleefeld (Clinical director MSc in Medical Physics), Ryan Muddiman, Morgan Healy, Kevin Byrne, Sthuthi Medepalli, Michael Moran, David Connolly & Dr Mark Foley (Academic director MSc in Medical Physics).
2019 Medical Physics postgraduate scholars
L–R: Dr Christoph Kleefeld (Clinical Director, MSc in Medical Physics), Ryan Muddiman, Morgan Healy, Kevin Byrne, Sthuthi Medepalli, Michael Moran, David Connolly & Dr Mark Foley (Academic Director, MSc in Medical Physics).
- 2019 Walton scholarship award—Kevin Byrne
- 2019 van der Putten scholarship award—David Connolly
- 2019 George Johnstone Stoney scholarship award—Michael Moran
- 2019 Postgraduate International Merit scholarship award—Sthuthi Medepalli
- 2019 Postgraduate scholarship—Morgan Healy & Ryan Muddiman
Absent from the picture were international student scholarship holders Anwar Beleehan & Rawan Tawatti.
Applications and Selections
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. Selection is based on the candidate's academic record at under-graduate level and their aptitude for the course. Candidates may be interviewed to determine suitability.
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Assssments take the form of assignments, essays, presentations and conventional exams. There is an increasing emphasis on self-directed learning. A small research project counts for about 30% of the overall marks.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Graduates must hold at least a Second Class Honours, Level 8 degree (or equivalent international qualification) in physics or experimental physics, electronic engineering, or another relevant discipline as determined by the College of Science. Candidates with a primary degree without honours and with three years’ relevant and appropriate practical experience may be also considered.
Additional Requirements
Duration
1 year, full-time
Next start date
September 2023
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
Up to 20
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
7 July 2023
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
90
Award
CAO
Course code
MSC-PY
Course Outline
The MSc consists of a fairly intense programme of lectures, workshops, laboratory sessions, tutorials and self-directed learning, followed by a four to five-month research project. The syllabus contains modules covering traditional Medical Physics topics, such as Radiation Fundamentals, and Hospital and Radiation Safety, but also provides an introduction to other areas like Clinical Instrumentation, Modules in Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Informatics and Safety and Risk Management.
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Year 1 (90 Credits)
Required SI317: Human Body Function
SI317: Human Body Function
Semester 1 | Credits: 10
The ‘Human Body Function’ module teaches students the complex nature of how the mammalian body functions through the study of its component organ systems. Specifically, the following areas are covered: Body fluids and fluid compartments, haematology, nerve and muscle physiology, cardiovascular physiology, respiratory physiology, immunology and endocrinology.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Know the distribution of water between the body fluid compartements and understand the role of body water in cell and system function.
- Know the components of blood, understand the process of blood clotting and understand the principles of the ABO and rhesus blood groups.
- Know the structure and function of nerve and muscle cells.
- Understand how a nerve impulse is generated and propagated.
- Understand the process of muscle contraction, and how nerves can stimulate muscle cells.
- Understand the autonomic nervous system.
- Know the structure and function of the heart and its electrophysiology, focusing on the electrical and mechanical events at each stage of the cardiac cycle.
- Know the importance of blood pressure, and understand the basic principles of regulation.
- Understand how breathing is performed and know the volumes and capacities associated with respiration.
- Understand how oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported, and how oxygen delivery is regulated and controlled.
- Understand the basics of hormone function, with a focus on glucose metabolism and the functions of growth hormone.
- Understand the basics of immune defense.
- Know the divisions of the central nervous system and have a basic knowledge of how the different areas function.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Module Director
- Fiona Byrne: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- KAREN DOYLE: Research Profile
- LOUISE ANN HORRIGAN: Research Profile
- AILISH HYNES: Research Profile
- LEO QUINLAN: Research Profile
- MICHELLE ROCHE: Research Profile
- AMIR SHAFAT: Research Profile
- NICOLE BURNS: Research Profile
- KARL MCCULLAGH: Research Profile
- ANANYA GUPTA: Research Profile
- BRENDAN HIGGINS: Research Profile
- ANTONY WHEATLEY: Research Profile
- Fiona Byrne: Research Profile
- BRIAN MCDONAGH: Research Profile
- Claudia Flaus: Research Profile
- Adam McIlwaine: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Human Physiology" by Stuart Ira Fox
- "Introduction to the Human Body" by Tortora & Derrickson
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PH5110: Research Project
PH5110: Research Project
12 months long | Credits: 30
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- Akari Akari: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- MARK FOLEY: Research Profile
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile
- Christoph Kleefeld: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PH5104: Medical Imaging
PH5104: Medical Imaging
Semester 1 | Credits: 10
An overview and introduction of the physical basis and clinical utility of the major imaging modalities which can be found in modern health care.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand general role of imaging in healthcare
- Understand the theoretical basis of image formation including Fourier Transforms and reconstruction from Projections.
- Understand the basic theory of general projection radiography. Understand physics and engineering principles of x-ray equipment.
- Understand the basic theory of Computed Tomography Scanning. Understand physics and engineering principles of CT scanners. Understand Image reconstruction.
- Understand the basic theory of ultrasound. Understand physics and engineering principles of ulrasound equipment.
- Understand the basic theory of nuclear medicine. Understand physics and engineering principles of gamma ray detection, SPECT and PET scanning equipment.
- Understand the basic theory of Magnetic resonance Imaging. Understand physics and engineering principles of MRI equipment.
- Understand the basics of image processing
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- MARK FOLEY: Research Profile
- NIALL COLGAN: Research Profile
- Christoph Kleefeld: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Physical principles of medical imaging." by Perry Sprawls Madison
Publisher: Medical Physics Pub. - "The essential physics of medical imaging." by Jerrold T Bushberg Philadelphia
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins - "Physics of radiology" by Anthony B. Wolbarst,
Publisher: Medical Physics Pub
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PH5103: Radiation Fundamentals
PH5103: Radiation Fundamentals
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
An overview and introduction of the physics of the interaction of ionising radiation with matter and the theory and practice of measuring radiation. Calibration of medical irradiators
Learning Outcomes
- Understand basics of Atomic and Nuclear Physics. Radiation from charged particles.
- Understand production of X-ray generation. Concept of X-Ray quality. Attenuation of Photon Beams in Matter.
- Understand interaction of Photons with Matter. Interaction of Charged Particles with matter. Introduction to Monte Carlo techniques.
- Understand basic concepts of Dosimetry. Including Cavity Theory.
- Understand design and operation of Radiation Detectors. Practical aspects and operation of Ionization chambers, electrometers and other detectors.
- Calibration of radiotherapy machines
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile
- CAIT FAHY: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Radiation dosimetry." by Frank H Attix; William C Roesch; Eugene Tochilin
Publisher: Academic Press 1966-69 - "The physics of radiology." by Harold Elford Johns John Robert Cunningham
Publisher: Charles C. Thomas
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PH5102: Clinical Instrumentation
PH5102: Clinical Instrumentation
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
An overview of the role of physical phenomena and the way these are measured in the hospital.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the physiological processes which give rise to physical signals which can be measured.
- Understand the basic theory of electrical measurement of biophysical signals. Describe the basic design of electrophysiological instrumentation
- Understand the basics of bio-fluid mechanics and the measurement of flow
- Understand the physics of the senses such as cutaneous and chemical sensors, auditory and vision sensing. Describe concepts of psychophysics.
- Understand electrical safety within the context of electromedical equipment
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile
- CAIT FAHY: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Medical physics and biomedical engineering" by B. H Brown (Brian H.);
Publisher: Institute of Physics Pub. C1999 - "Biomedical engineering fundamentals" by Joseph D. Bronzino
Publisher: 1937-Boca Raton : CRC/Taylor & Francis
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required AN230: Human Body Structure
AN230: Human Body Structure
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
Human Body Structure is delivered by the anatomy department to students at the first, second and masters level in university for whom anatomy is not a core degree element who require a sound basic knowledge of the structure of the human body. The content will cover topics including the following: * Organisation of human body, anatomical terminology, the principles of support and movement, the control systems of the human body, maintenance and continuity of the body and finally, biomechanics and functional anatomy of the limbs.
The module will be comprised of lectures delivered in person or online as appropriate.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Established a sound basic knowledge of the organization and structure of the human body including the location and anatomical relations of the major organ systems
- Developed a basic understanding of the principles of support and movement, the control systems of the body, maintenance and continuity of the human body.
- Understand and describe the biomechanics and functional anatomy of the human limbs and musculoskeletal system
- Explain how specific aspects of human anatomy relate to your field of study
- Begun to develop your ability to look up and synthesize anatomical subject matter in a self-directed manner
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Module Director
- FIDELMA GALLEN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- ALEXANDER BLACK: Research Profile
- PETER DOCKERY: Research Profile
- MARK FOLEY: Research Profile
- LINDA HOWARD: Research Profile
- FIONA LOWRY: Research Profile
- PATRICK MCGARRY: Research Profile
- CAROLINE DAWN MCINTOSH: Research Profile
- NIGEL ROBERTS: Research Profile
- AMANDA WALSH: Research Profile
- MARY NÍ FHLATHARTAIGH: Research Profile
- DARA CANNON: Research Profile
- FIDELMA GALLEN: Research Profile
- GERALDINE TALTY: Research Profile
- Christoph Kleefeld: Research Profile
- Adam McIlwaine: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Introduction to the human body" by Gerard J. Tortora, Bryan Derrickson.
ISBN: 9781118583180.
Publisher: New York; Wiley - "Human Anatomy" by Michael McKinley,Valerie O'Loughlin,Ronald Harris,Elizabeth Pennefather-O'Brien
ISBN: 9780073525730.
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math
Chapters: 2022-08-12T00:00:00
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required ST314: Introduction to Biostatistics
ST314: Introduction to Biostatistics
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This course will introduce students to statistical concepts and thinking by providing a practical introduction to data analysis. The importance and practical usefulness of statistics in biomedical and clinical environments will be demonstrated through a large array of case studies. Students attending this course will be encouraged and equipped to apply simple statistical techniques to design, analyse and interpret studies in a wide range of disciplines.
Learning Outcomes
- understand the key concept of variability;
- understand the ideas of population, sample, parameter, statistic and probability;
- understand simple ideas of point estimation;
- recognise the additional benefits of calculating interval estimates for unknown parameters and be able to interpret interval estimates correctly;
- carry out a variety of commonly used hypothesis tests
- understand the difference between paired and independent data and be able to recognise both in practice;
- understand the aims and desirable features of a designed experiment;
- calculate the sample size needed for one and two sample problems.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Module Director
- JOHN NEWELL: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- NOELLE GANNON: Research Profile
- COLLETTE MCLOUGHLIN: Research Profile
- JOHN NEWELL: Research Profile
- ANDREW SIMPKIN: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PH5107: Monitoring for Health Hazards at Work
PH5107: Monitoring for Health Hazards at Work
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This module aims to provide students with an introduction to skills required to anticipate, evaluate and control workplace hazards
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the importance of the role of exposure measurment within the Health and Safety Function
- Identify, locate and interpret health and safety legislation, guidance and standards relevent to the measurement and control of workplace hazards
- Describe techniques used to evaluate exposure risk from physical, chemical and biological hazards in the work environment
- Interpret and communicate occupational exposure data
- Appreciate the need for suitable workplace exposure control
- Appreciate the need for continuous professional development and the role of professional ethics in this area
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Module Director
- MARIE COGGINS: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- MARIE COGGINS: Research Profile
- MARK FOLEY: Research Profile
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile
- BERNIE DALY: Research Profile
- Leanne Cox: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Monitoring for health hazards at work." by J.W. Cherrie, R.M. Howie and S. Semple.
Publisher: Blackwell Science. - "Occupational Hygiene" by K. Gardiner and J.M. Harrington (Ed’s)
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PH5106: Hospital and Radiation Safety
PH5106: Hospital and Radiation Safety
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
An overview of the Science of Risk and Safety. Basic concepts of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation safety. Quality Assurance
Learning Outcomes
- Understand basic concepts of Risk and Safety management and assessment.
- Understand basic concepts of root Cause and Fault Tree analysis and is able to interpret findings of RCA and FTA assessments.
- Understand concepts of radiation safety in the workplace.
- Understand concepts of radiation shielding.
- Understand patient dose calculation in diagnostic radiology and has ability to use dedicated software for this.
- Understand quality assurance principles and quality control in diagnostic radiology.
- Understand basic concepts of safety with artificial optical radiation (lasers UV).
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- Leanne Cox: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- Christoph Kleefeld: Research Profile
- CAIT FAHY: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PH5105: Physics of Radiotherapy
PH5105: Physics of Radiotherapy
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
An overview of the basics of the physics of radiotherapy.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand interaction of a single beam of radiation in a scattering medium
- Understand basic concepts of treatment planning for combinations of photon beams.
- Be able to operate a Treatment Planning computer, prepare a treatment plan and interpret the results.
- Understand the interaction of particle beams with matter including electrons and heavy charged particles.
- Understand the physics and engineering principles of radiation treatment machines with an emphasis on linear accelerators
- Understand the concept of relative dosimetry
- Understand the basic principles of dose calculation algorithms
- Understand the concept of brachytherapy
- Understand concepts of dosimetry with unsealed source isotopes.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile
Reading List
- "The physics of radiation therapy," by Faiz M. Khan Baltimore, MD
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins - "adiation oncology physics : a handbook for teachers and students." by Ervin D Podgorsak; International Atomic Energy Agency.
Publisher: International Atomic Energy Agency. - "The physics of radiology." by Harold Elford Johns John Robert Cunningham.
Publisher: Charles C. Thomas
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional PH333: Quantum Physics
PH333: Quantum Physics
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module provides an introduction to quantum physics. It describes the origin of quantum physics using the theories of Planck for blackbody radiation and Einstein for specific heat. The course then progresses to describe matter using wave functions. The Schrodinger equation is introduced and solved for a number of model problems. The development of operators to extract information from matter waves is considered next. The formal structure of quantum mechanics is then introduced. The course finally considers a two identical particle problem and introduces the concept of the Pauli Exclusion Principle.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Define terms and explain concepts relating to the physical principles covered by this module’s syllabus
- Describe the physical laws that connect terms and concepts covered by this module’s syllabus and, where appropriate, derive the mathematical relationships between those terms and concepts.
- Outline applications to real-world situations of the physical principles covered by this module’s syllabus.
- Analyze physical situations using concepts, laws and techniques learned in this module.
- Identify and apply pertinent physics concepts, and appropriate mathematical techniques, to solve physics problems related to the content of this module’s syllabus.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (80%)
- Continuous Assessment (20%)
Module Director
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- MATTHEW PETER REDMAN: Research Profile
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional BES5102: Cell & Molecular Biology: Advanced Technologies
BES5102: Cell & Molecular Biology: Advanced Technologies
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module it is designed to bring students to a common point where all will share the appropriate biological knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals in cellular and molecular biology. The module explores the following: cell composition; sub-cellular organelles; structure of DNA and RNA; transcription, protein synthesis; cell signalling, cell cycle; PubMed, DNA recombination, PCR; transformation, transfection; advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Illustrate the structure of DNA, explaining how DNA is replicated during the polymerase chain reaction technique.
- Explain what is meant by the 'genetic code' and how it relates to protein synthesis.
- Carry out a Pubmed search in order to identify molecules implicated in a human disease chosen by you.
- Use the National cancer and Biological Institute (NCBI) nucleotide database to discover the DNA sequence encoding a protein of your choice and determine the length of the coding sequence and the number of amino acids contained in the protein encoded.
- Describe how mammalian cell culture, PCR, DNA recombination, DNA plasmids, bacterial transformation and cellular transfection can be used to understand protein function, localisation and possible relevance to disease.
- Name the major structural components a mammalian cell and its constituent organelles.
- List cytoskeletal, extracellular matrix, membrane and signalling proteins involved in mammalian cell interactions with each other and with the extracellular environment.
- Explain how the mitochondria meet the energy requirements of the cell.
- Recognise cellular organelles involved in trafficking newly-synthesised proteins through and out of the cell.
- Summarise the main steps and in the cell cycle and proteins involved in regulation of each stage.
- Study and present on advanced technologies in cell and molecular biology
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- MARY NÍ FHLATHARTAIGH: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- UNA FITZGERALD: Research Profile
- TERRY SMITH: Research Profile
- MARY NÍ FHLATHARTAIGH: Research Profile
Reading List
- "The Cell: A Molecular Approach" by Geoffrey M. Cooper, Robert E. Hausman
Publisher: ASM press
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional PH338: Properties of Materials
PH338: Properties of Materials
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the physics of materials. The mechanical, thermal, electronic, and optical properties of “hard” and “soft” condensed matter are introduced using concepts primarily based on classical physics with some quantum concepts where appropriate.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Define terms and explain concepts relating to the physical principles covered by this module’s syllabus.
- Describe the physical laws that connect terms and concepts covered by this module’s syllabus and, where appropriate, derive the mathematical relationships between those terms and concepts.
- Outline applications to real-world situations of the physical principles covered by this module’s syllabus.
- Analyze physical situations using concepts, laws and techniques learned in this module.
- Identify and apply pertinent physics concepts, and appropriate mathematical techniques, to solve physics problems related to the content of this module’s syllabus.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (80%)
- Continuous Assessment (20%)
Module Director
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- GERARD O'CONNOR: Research Profile
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional PH339: Radiation and Medical Physics
PH339: Radiation and Medical Physics
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module provides an introduction to the medical imaging and instrumentation aspects of real imaging environments, ranging from obsolete modalities to the modern tomographic imaging modalities (such as PET and SPECT). This module also covers the fundamental processes involved in forming images using ionising radiation, safety issues associated with ionising radiation and methods of radiation detection.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- define terms and explain concepts relating to the physical principles covered by this module’s syllabus.
- describe the physical laws that connect terms and concepts covered by this module’s syllabus and, where appropriate, derive the mathematical relationships between those terms and concepts.
- outline applications to real-world situations of the physical principles covered by this module’s syllabus.
- analyze physical situations using concepts, laws and techniques learned in this module.
- identify and apply pertinent physics concepts, and appropriate mathematical techniques, to solve physics problems related to the content of this module’s syllabus.
- analyze data, interpret results and draw appropriate conclusions.
- prepare scientific reports.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (80%)
- Continuous Assessment (20%)
Module Director
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- MARK FOLEY: Research Profile
- BRIAN WARD: Research Profile
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional PH335: Nuclear & Particle Physics
PH335: Nuclear & Particle Physics
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
In this module students learn how subatomic particles form nuclei, study nuclear properties, and radioactive decay, and see how nuclear energy may be released in fission and fusion processes. Students also study fundamental particles, which are the building blocks of nature, and consider the ways in which these particles interact with each other. Prior knowledge is assumed to the level of material covered in PH2103Thermodynamics and Atomic Physics and PH333 Quantum Physics.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Define terms and explain concepts relating to the physical principles covered by this module’s syllabus.
- Describe the physical laws that connect terms and concepts covered by this module’s syllabus and, where appropriate, derive the mathematical relationships between those terms and concepts.
- Outline applications to real-world situations of the physical principles covered by this module’s syllabus.
- Analyze physical situations using concepts, laws and techniques learned in this module.
- Identify and apply pertinent physics concepts, and appropriate mathematical techniques, to solve physics problems related to the content of this module’s syllabus.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (80%)
- Continuous Assessment (20%)
Module Director
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- GARY GILLANDERS: Research Profile
- REBECCA NOLAN: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
The course has been successful in its aims in providing individuals with a good grounding in Medical Physics.
A recent survey of graduates showed that around 75% of them had found employment in a Medical Physics-based career. This includes several individuals who have pursued or are pursuing a PhD. About 20% are employed abroad, in countries like the UK , the US, Australia and New Zealand.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2023/24). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. An F5 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.
Postgraduate fee breakdown = Tuition (EU or NON EU) + Student levy as outlined above.
Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here.
Find out More
Programme Director
Dr Christoph Kleefeld
T: +353 91 542 870
E: christoph.kleefeld@universityofgalway.ie