Course overview

Description

This course provides physical scientists the relevant knowledge and appropriate problem-solving skills suitable for entry into an accredited medical physics training program in radiation oncology, nuclear medicine or diagnostic imaging. A research topic in medical physics examined by dissertation contains 25 per cent of the course. The remaining 75 per cent includes required units in anatomy and biology for medical physicists, radiation biology and protection, radiotherapy physics, radiation physics and dosimetry, medical imaging physics, and a combination of level 4/5 optional units and conversion units if required.

Course title
Master of Medical Physics (coursework and dissertation)
Award abbreviation
MSc
Course code
73660
Course type
Master's degree by coursework and dissertation
Status
Current / 2024
Administered by
Physics, Mathematics and Computing
CRICOS code
111847G

Course details

Intake periods
Beginning of year and mid-year
Attendance type
Full- or part-time (Student visa holders should read Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 for more information.)
Credit points required
96
A standard full-time load is 24 points per semester.
Standard course duration
2 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) comprising 72 points of taught units and 24 points of admission credit, as recognised and granted by the School
Maximum course duration
2 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) comprising up to 96 points of taught study (see Rule 5 for further information)
Time limit
5 years
Delivery mode
Multi-mode
Locations offered
UWA (Perth)
Domestic fee type
Postgraduate fee-paying/FEE-HELP
Available to international students
Yes. For information on international student fees see 'Student Procedures: Fees'. (Enquiries: https://www.uwa.edu.au/askuwa)
Course Coordinator(s)
Dr Pejman Rowshan Farzad
Fees
Visit the fees calculator.

Prospective students should see the Future Students website for details on admission requirements, intake periods, fees, availability to international students, careers information etc.

No study plans found for this course. See study plans for more information.

Course structure

Key to availability of units:
S1
Semester 1
S2
Semester 2
T2
Trimester 2
T3
Trimester 3

All units have a value of six points unless otherwise stated.

Take all units (54 points):

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1, S2ANHB5451Anatomy and Biology for Medical Physicists
Prerequisites
Enrolment in in the CM015 Bachelor of Science Frontier Physics and Master of Physics
or 73660 Master of Medical Physics
or
the 53560 Master of Physics and the SP-MEDPH Medical Physics specialisation
and
completion of the core units in the Physics major or equivalent
This unit is taught online
S1PHYS5401Medical Imaging Physics
Prerequisites
Enrolment in in the
CM015 Bachelor of Science [Frontier Physics] and Master of Physics
or the 53560 Master of Physics and Enrolment (other than course) in the SP-MEDPH Medical Physics specialisation
or 73660 Master of Medical Physics
or
the 62550 Master of Professional Engineering and Enrolment (other than course) in the SP-EBIOM Biomedical Engineering specialisation
and completion of the core units in the Physics major or equivalent
2 - 4 hours per week plus one hour of practicals per week
S2PHYS5402Radiation Biology and Protection
Prerequisites
Enrolment in in the
CM015 Bachelor of Science [Frontier Physics] and Master of Physics
or 73660 Master of Medical Physics
or 53560 Master of Physics
and Enrolment (other than course) in the SP-MEDPH Medical Physics specialisation and completion of the core units in the Physics major or equivalent
2 - 3 hours per week plus an extra hour of practicals in some weeks
S2PHYS5403Radiotherapy Physics
Prerequisites
Enrolment in in the
CM015 Bachelor of Science [Frontier Physics] and Master of Physics
or 73660 Master of Medical Physics
or the 53560 Master of Physics
and Enrolment (other than course) in the SP-MEDPH Medical Physics specialisation and completion of the core units in the Physics major or equivalent
2 - 3 hours per week plus an extra hour of practicals in some weeks.
S1PHYS5404Radiation Physics and Dosimetry
Prerequisites
Enrolment in in the
CM015 Bachelor of Science [Frontier Physics] and Master of Physics
or 73660 Master of Medical Physics
or the 53560 Master of Physics
and Enrolment (other than course) in the SP-MEDPH Medical Physics specialisation and completion of the core units in the Physics major or equivalent
2 - 3 hours per week plus an extra hour of practicals in some weeks
S1, S2PHYS5406Medical Physics Dissertation Part 1
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
73660 Master of Medical Physics
or 53560 Master of Physics (specialisation in Medical Physics)
2 hours per week for 12 weeks. Students regularly meet with project supervisors during the semester to discuss their progress, contents of their research proposal, and literature review. In addition, students attend weekly research group meetings to provide updates and discuss their research progress with academics and other students.
S1, S2PHYS5407Medical Physics Dissertation Part 2
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
73660 Master of Medical Physics
or 53560 Master of Physics (specialisation in Medical Physics)
2 hours per week for 12 weeks. Students regularly meet with project supervisors during the semester to discuss their research progress. In addition, students attend weekly research group meetings to give presentations, provide updates, and discuss their research progress with academics and other students.
S1, S2PHYS5408Medical Physics Dissertation Part 3
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
73660 Master of Medical Physics
or 53560 Master of Physics (specialisation in Medical Physics)
2 hours per week for 12 weeks. Students regularly meet with project supervisors during the semester to discuss their research progress. In addition, students attend weekly research group meetings to give presentations, provide updates, and discuss their research progress with academics and other students.
S1, S2PHYS5409Medical Physics Dissertation Part 4
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
73660 Master of Medical Physics
2 hours per week for 12 weeks. Students regularly meet with project supervisors during the semester to discuss their progress. In addition, students attend weekly research group meetings to provide updates and discuss their research progress with academics and other students.

Optional units: Take unit(s) to the value between 18 to 42 points:

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1CITS4402Computer Vision
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
HON-CMSSE Computer Science and Software Engineering
or 62530 Master of Data Science
or
62550 Master of Professional Engineering and SP-EBIOM Biomedical Engineering specialisation
or SP-EELEC Electrical and Electronic Engineering specialisation
or SP-ESOFT Software Engineering specialisation
or
53560 Master of Physics and SP-MEDPH Medical Physics
or 73660 Master of Medical Physics
or
BH008 Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science [Honours] and MJD-ARIDM Artificial Intelligence
or
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or an associated Combined Degree
and Successful completion of
96 points
and CITS2401 Computer Analysis and Visualisation
or CITS1401 Computational Thinking with Python
or CITX1401 Computational Thinking with Python
Incompatibility
CITS4240 Computer Vision
S2CITS4403Computational Modelling
Prerequisites
HON-CMSSE Computer Science and Software Engineering
or 62510 Master of Information Technology
or 62530 Master of Data Science
or
62550 Master of Professional Engineering and Software Engineering specialisation
or
BH008 Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science [Honours] and MJD-ICYDM International Cybersecurity
or MJD-ARIDM Artificial Intelligence
or
73660 Master of Medical Physics
S1CITS5508Machine Learning
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
HON-CMSSE Computer Science and Software Engineering
or 62510 Master of Information Technology
or 62530 Master of Data Science
or 42630 Master of Business Analytics
or 62550 Master of Professional Engineering
or 53560 Master of Physics
or BH008 Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science [Honours]
or 73660 Master of Medical Physics
or ( Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or an associated Combined Degree
and 96 points
)
and Successful completion of
CITS1401 Computational Thinking with Python
or CITX1401 Computational Thinking with Python
or BUSN5101 Programming for Business
or CITS2401 Computer Analysis and Visualisation
lectures: 2 hours per week; labs: 2 hours per week for 11 weeks from week 2
S2GENG4405Numerical Methods and Modelling
Prerequisites
73660 Master of Medical Physics
or 62550 Master of Professional Engineering
Biomedical Engineering specialisation, Civil Engineering specialisation, Electrical & Electronic Engineering specialisation, Environmental Engineering specialisation, Mechanical Engineering specialisation, Mining Engineering specialisation,
or Software Engineering specialisation
Incompatibility
GENG3405 Numerical Methods and Modelling
lectures: 3 hours per week; practical classes: 2 hours per week; computer class: 1 hour per week
S1, S2GENG5507Risk, Reliability and Safety
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
62550 Master of Professional Engineering
or 62510 Master of Information Technology
or 62520 Master of Low Emission Energy Technologies
or 62560 Master of Renewable and Future Energy
or 73660 Master of Medical Physics
or

Enrolment in
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or an associated Combined Degree
and Successful completion of
120 Points and ( MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus
or MATX1011 Multivariable Calculus
and MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
or MATX1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
)
lectures: 2 hour per week; practical classes: 1 hour per week; workshops: 3 hours per week
S1, S2, T2, T3PHYS5512Physics Reading Unit
Prerequisites
Enrolment in in the
CM015 Bachelor of Science [Frontier Physics] and Master of Physics
or the 53560 Master of Physics
or 73660 Master of Medical Physics
and completion of the core units in the Physics major or equivalent
Weekly discussion sessions
S2PHYS5513Computational Statistics for Physics
Prerequisites
Enrolment in in the
HON-PHYSC Physics [Honours]
or the CM015 Bachelor of Science [Frontier Physics ] and Master of Physics
or 73660 Master of Medical Physics
or the 53560 Master of Physics
and completion of the core units in the Physics major or equivalent
S1, S2PUBH4401Biostatistics I
Prerequisites
enrolment in
honours
or postgraduate courses
lectures: 2 hours per week; tutorials: 1.5 hours per week
S2PUBH5769Biostatistics II
Prerequisites
PUBH4401 Biostatistics I or equivalent training/experience
lectures: 2 hours per week; tutorials: 1.5 hours per week
S1, S2SCIE4403Ethical Conduct and Communication of Science
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
73660 Master of Medical Physics
Incompatibility
SCOM1101 Communicating Science (ID 1553)
or SCOX1101 Communicating Science
and SCOM2208 Science Writing (ID 1559)
Weekly face-to-face OR online workshops. This unit runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2, and can be taken in either semester.
S1SHPC4001Computational Methods for Physics
Prerequisites
Enrolment in in the
HON-GEOPH Geophysics [Honours]
or the HON-PHYSC Physics [Honours]
or the CM015 Bachelor of Science [Frontier Physics] and Master of Physics
or the 53560 Master of Physics
and
CITS1401 Computational Thinking with Python
or CITX1401 Computational Thinking with Python
and
completion of the core units in the Physics major or equivalent
or
Course Enrolment in the
65550 Master of Quantum Technology and Computing and ( CITS1401 Computational Thinking with Python
or CITX1401 Computational Thinking with Python
and
MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
or MATX1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
and PHYS2001 Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism
and PHYS3001 Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics )
or 73660 Master of Medical Physics
Lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; Practical Classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week

Students who have not completed a major in Physics from this University, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by the School, may be required to complete conversion units up to the value of 24 points from this group.

Note: Students who do not require 24 points of conversion may substitute conversion units with optional units up to the value of 24 points.

Conversion

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1, S2CITS1401Computational Thinking with Python
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
Mathematics Methods ATAR or equivalent
or MATH1721 Mathematics Foundations: Methods
or MATX1721 Mathematics Foundations
or
Enrolment in
62510 Master of Information Technology
or 62530 Master of Data Science
or BH011 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Incompatibility
CITS2401 Computer Analysis and Visualisation
Lectures: 2-hours per week; Labs: 2-hours per week; WorkshopS: 1-hour per week
S1, S2CITS2401Computer Analysis and Visualisation
Prerequisites
ATAR Subject(s) Mathematics Methods
or MATH1721 Mathematics Foundations: Methods or equivalent
or MATX1721 Mathematics Foundations
or Enrolment in
MJD-AGTDM Agricultural Science and Technology
or MJD-IEMDM Integrated Earth and Marine Sciences
or MJD-MARDM Marine Science MJD-AGTEC Agricultural Technology MJD-MARCP Marine and Coastal Processes
and SCIE1500 Analytical Methods for Scientists
Incompatibility
CITS1401 Computational Thinking with Python
or CITX1401 Computational Thinking with Python
lectures: 2 hours per week; labs: 3 hours per week; workshop: 1 hour per week
S2CITS2402Introduction to Data Science
Prerequisites
CITS1401 Computational Thinking with Python
or CITX1401 Computational Thinking with Python
or CITS2401 Computer Analysis and Visualisation
lectures: 2 x 1 hour per week; laboratory: 1 x 2 hours per week.
S1MATH2501Advanced Mathematical Methods
Prerequisites
MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus
or MATX1011 Multivariable Calculus
Co-requisites
MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
Or MATX1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
Incompatibility
MATH3023 Advanced Mathematics Applications
and GENG4407 Advanced Engineering Mathematics
lectures: 2 hours per week; practical classes: 1 hour per week
S2MATH3023Advanced Mathematics Applications
Prerequisites
MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus
or MATX1011 Multivariable Calculus
Co-requisites
MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
Or MATX1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods or Equivalent
Incompatibility
MATH2501 Advanced Mathematical Methods
and GENG4407 Advanced Engineering Mathematics
Lectures: 3-hours per week; Practical Classes: 2-hours per week
S1, S2PACM1100Professional and Academic Communications
Prerequisites
Permission / approval is required to enrol
Incompatibility
HUMA1901 English Language and Academic Communication I
S1PHYS2001Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism
Prerequisites
PHYS1001 Physics for Scientists and Engineers
or PHYX1001 Physics for Scientists and Engineers
or PHYS1100 Classical and Frontier Physics
and
PHYS1002 Modern Physics
or PHYS1200 Modern and Frontier Physics
and
MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus
or MATX1011 Multivariable Calculus
Co-requisites
MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
Or MATX1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
a Level 2 Mathematics major unit
labs: 6 x 3 hours; lectures: average 3 hours per week; practical classes: 1 hour per week
S2PHYS2002Many Particle Systems
Prerequisites
PHYS1001 Physics for Scientists and Engineers
or PHYX1001 Physics for Scientists and Engineers
or PHYS1100 Classical and Frontier Physics
and
PHYS1002 Modern Physics
or PHYS1200 Modern and Frontier Physics
and
MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus
or MATX1011 Multivariable Calculus
or MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
or MATX1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
Lectures: average 3 hours per week; Practical Classes: 1 hour per week; Project/Laboratory Work: 18 hours per semester (6 x 3 hours)
S1PHYS2003Physics for Electrical Engineers
Prerequisites
MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus
or MATX1011 Multivariable Calculus
and
MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
or MATX1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
and
PHYS1001 Physics for Scientists and Engineers
or PHYX1001 Physics for Scientists and Engineers
and Enrolment in
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or an associated Combined Degree
Incompatibility
PHYS2001 Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism
Lectures: 3-hours per week; Laboratory: 6 x 3 hours; Practical Classes: 1-hour per week
S1PHYS3001Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics
Prerequisites
PHYS2001 Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism and
MATH2501 Advanced Mathematical Methods
or or MATH3023 Advanced Mathematics Applications
Lectures: average 3-hours per week; Practical Classes: 1-hour per week; Project/Lab Work: 24-hours per semester
S2PHYS3002Electrodynamics and Relativity
Prerequisites
PHYS2001 Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism
and PHYS2002 Many Particle Systems and
MATH2501 Advanced Mathematical Methods
or MATH3023 Advanced Mathematics Applications or equivalent
Incompatibility
PHYS3100 Electrodynamics, Special and General Relativity
Lectures: average 3-hours per week; Workshops: 12-hours per semester; Project/Laboratory Work: 24-hours per semester
S1PHYS3003Astrophysics and Space Science
Prerequisites
PHYS2001 Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism
and PHYS2002 Many Particle Systems and
MATH2501 Advanced Mathematical Methods
or MATH3023 Advanced Mathematics Applications or equivalent
Incompatibility
PHYS2100 Stellar Astrophysics and Frontier Astronomy
Practical Classes: 2-hours per week; Project/Lab Work: 3-hours per week
S1PHYS3005Quantum Computation
Prerequisites
MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods and
PHYS2001 Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism
or PHYS2004 Quantum and Relativity
Incompatibility
PHYS4021 Frontiers in Quantum Computation
S2PHYS3011Mathematical Physics
Prerequisites
PHYS2001 Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism and
MATH2501 Advanced Mathematical Methods
or MATH3023 Advanced Mathematics Applications or equivalent
Co-requisites
PHYS2002 The Physics of Particles
Lectures: average 3-hours per week; Practical Classes: 1-hour per week; Project/Lab Work: 24-hours per semester
S2PHYS3012Topics in Contemporary Physics
Prerequisites
PHYS2001 Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism
and PHYS2002 The Physics of Particles
and
MATH2501 Advanced Mathematical Methods
or MATH3023 Advanced Mathematics Applications
Lectures: average 3-hours per week; Practical Classes: 1-hour per week; Project/Lab work: 24-hours per semester
S2PHYS3101Quantum Fields and Quantum Optics
Prerequisites
Enrolment in in the 53560 Master of Physics
or the
CM015 Bachelor of Science [Frontier Physics] and Master of Physics and the MJD-FRODM Frontier Physics major
and PHYS2001 Quantum Physics and Electromagnetis
and PHYS2002 The Physics of Particle
and PHYS3001 Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics
and PHYS3011 Mathematical Physics
Incompatibility
PHYS3004 Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Lectures: average 3-hours per week; Practical Classes: 1-hour per week
S1, S2STAT1400Statistics for Science
Prerequisites
Mathematics Applications ATAR
or MATH1720 Mathematics Fundamentals
or MATX1720 Mathematics Fundamentals or equivalent
Incompatibility
STAT1520 Economic and Business Statistics
Lectures: 3-hours per week; Laboratories: 2-hours per week

See also the rules for the course and the Student Rules.

Rules

Applicability of the Student Rules, policies and procedures

1.(1) The Student Rules apply to students in this course.

(2) The policy, policy statements and guidance documents and student procedures apply, except as otherwise indicated in the rules for this course.

Academic Conduct Essentials and Communication and Research Skills modules

2.(1) A student who enrols in this course for the first time irrespective of whether they have previously been enrolled in another course of the University, must undertake the Academic Conduct Essentials module (the ACE module) and the Communication and Research Skills module (the CARS module).

(2) A student must successfully complete the ACE module within the first teaching period of their enrolment. Failure to complete the module within this timeframe will result in the student's unit results from this teaching period being withheld. These results will continue to be withheld until students avail themselves of a subsequent opportunity to achieve a passing grade in the ACE module. In the event that students complete units in subsequent teaching periods without completing the ACE module, these results will similarly be withheld. Students will not be permitted to submit late review or appeal applications regarding results which have been withheld for this reason and which they were unable to access in the normally permitted review period.

English Language competency requirements

3. To be considered eligible for consideration for admission to this course an applicant must satisfy the University's English language competence requirement as set out in the University Policy on Admission: Coursework.

Admission requirements

4. To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—A relevant bachelor's degree with a major in physics, mathematics or engineering and with an average Maths and Physics mark of at least 65 per cent, or equivalent as recognised by the School.

Admission ranking and selection

5. Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.

Articulations and exit awards

6. This course does not form part of an articulated sequence.

Course structure

7.(1) The course consists of units to a total value of 96 points (maximum value) which include conversion units to a value of 24 points.

(2) Units must be selected in accordance with the course structure, as set out in these rules.

(3) Students who have completed a major in Physics from this University, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by the School are granted credit for conversion units up to a value of 24 points.

Satisfactory progress

8. To make satisfactory progress a student must pass units to a point value greater than half the total value of units in which they remain enrolled after the final date for withdrawal without academic penalty.

9. A student who has not achieved a result of Ungraded Pass (UP) for the Communication and Research Skills module (the CARS module) when their progress status is assessed will not have made satisfactory progress even if they have met the other requirements for satisfactory progress in Rule 8.

Progress status

10. To make satisfactory progress a student must pass units to a point value greater than half the total value of units in which they remain enrolled after the final date for withdrawal without academic penalty.

A student who has not achieved a result of Ungraded Pass (UP) for the Communication and Research Skills module (the CARS module) when their progress status is assessed will not have made satisfactory progress even if they have met the other requirements for satisfactory progress in Rule 8.

11. A student who does not make satisfactory progress in terms of Rule 9 is assigned the progress status of 'On Probation', unless they have been assigned a progress status of 'Suspended' or 'Excluded' for failure to meet other satisfactory progress requirements in Rule 8.

Award with distinction

12. To be awarded the degree with distinction a student must achieve a course weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 80 per cent which is calculated based on—

(a) all units above Level 3 attempted as part of the course that are awarded a final percentage mark;

(b) all relevant units above Level 3 undertaken in articulating courses of this University that are awarded a final percentage mark;

and

(c) all units above Level 3 completed at this University that are credited to the master's degree course.

Deferrals

13. Applicants awarded admission to the course are entitled to a deferral of up to 12 months, as per the University Policy on: Admissions (Coursework).

Additional rules
Substitution

14. The School, on the recommendation of the course coordinator, may permit a student to substitute for unit(s) of equivalent value at Level 4 or higher offered in this University or in any comparable course in another recognised institution.

Research extenssion

15. With course coordinator's special approval, students may be allowed to extend their research units from 24 points to 36 points.