Medical Physicist Programme

The Medical Physicist Programme leads to an academic professional degree as a medical physicist, which forms the basis for professional certification as a medical physicist. This certification is a prerequisite for employment as a medical physicist. The programme also qualifies students for postgraduate studies.

Degree of Master of Science in Medical Physics.

Degree of Master of Medical Science (120 credits) with a major in Medical radiation science with specialization in medical radiation physics.

The programme begins with courses in physics and mathematics totalling 120 credits, jointly with the Bachelor's programme in Physics. At an early stage of the programme, students are given the opportunity to problematise the UN's 17 global goals for sustainable development in relation to becoming physicists. During semesters 5 and 6, courses in basic radiation physics are offered, which aim to provide a foundation for future studies of the medical applications of radiation, as well as to provide basic knowledge and skills in medical radiation physics and radiation protection. These courses build on the knowledge and understanding gained during the first two years. The courses largely follow the sequence of events from radiation source to effects on biological materials and radiation protection. In all courses, great importance is attached to laboratory work and the presentation of experimental results. During semesters 7 and 8, applications of ionising and non-ionising radiation in healthcare are studied. These courses provide a basis for professional work as a hospital physicist and build on the knowledge and skills acquired during previous semesters of the programme. The courses during semesters 9 and 10 consist of theoretical and practical elements, profession-based practice (VFU) and a degree project (30 credits). The courses during these semesters aim to prepare students for professional work in healthcare through studies of hospital organisation, ethics, patient contact, record keeping and leadership. The practical work and clinical training are carried out in a hospital ward under the supervision of a licensed hospital physicist.

General objectives for the hospital physicist degree

Knowledge and understanding

For the medical physicist degree, the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge of the scientific basis of the field and insight into current research and development work, as well as knowledge of the connection between science and proven experience and the significance of this connection for professional practice
• demonstrate both broad and in-depth knowledge of the physical, biological and technical aspects of radiation therapy, imaging and functional diagnostics, and the application of this knowledge in healthcare work
• demonstrate knowledge of planning, management and coordination within the professional field, and
• demonstrate knowledge of relevant legislation, particularly in the field of radiation protection.

Skills and abilities

For the medical physicist degree, the student shall

• demonstrate an in-depth ability to independently apply mathematical and scientific methods in all activities involving radiation in healthcare,
• demonstrate the ability to take responsibility for and perform necessary quality assurance work on both equipment and working methods in activities involving radiation,
• demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge from relevant areas and to independently and critically analyse, assess and handle complex phenomena, issues and situations,
• demonstrate the ability to develop, use, evaluate and optimise new methods in the field,
• demonstrate the ability to initiate, plan, lead, coordinate and evaluate radiation protection work in healthcare for both staff and patients,
• demonstrate the ability to work in teams and collaborate with other professional groups, as well as the ability to inform and educate staff in radiation protection work, and
• demonstrate the ability to inform and discuss new facts, phenomena and issues with different groups, both orally and in writing, in national and international contexts, thereby contributing to the development of the profession and the field.

Judgement and approach

For a degree in medical physics, students must

• demonstrate self-awareness and empathy,
• demonstrate the ability to take a holistic view of human beings and make assessments based on relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects, with particular regard to human rights,
• demonstrate the ability to adopt a professional approach towards patients and their relatives,
• demonstrate the ability to identify ethical aspects of their own research and development work, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify their need for further knowledge and continuously develop their competence.

Local objectives

Knowledge and understanding

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

• explain the concepts and terminology used in physics and radiophysics and be able to use these to present, explain and discuss scientific issues
• describe the interaction of ionising and non-ionising radiation with matter, as well as detectors and measurement methods for ionising and non-ionising radiation
• describe concepts in radiation biology and radiation protection
• describe the use of radiation in society and the occurrence and turnover of radioactive substances in the environment
• describe how countermeasures in connection with radioactive emissions contribute to the conservation of natural resources, and describe practical methods for protecting and maintaining viable ecosystems in connection with radioactive substances in the environment
• describe society's preparedness for accidents involving radioactive substances that may pose a danger to the public
• describe the various stages of the research process, from research plan to publication
• describe the work of various global and local actors with, and follow-up of, environmental performance and social and economic responsibility regarding the use of radioactive substances and radiation-generating equipment

Skills and abilities

Upon completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• handle the methods, techniques and instruments used in hospital physics
• perform mathematical, numerical and statistical processing of collected data sets
• communicate their conclusions and underlying considerations to the rest of society, both orally and in writing

Judgement and approach

Upon completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• critically review scientific models and experimental results

Credits for courses intended to be included in the degree from other universities and colleges (national and international) are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Profession-based practice may take place outside Gothenburg, which may entail increased costs for the student. Requirements regarding clothing and hygiene follow healthcare directives. Follow-up and evaluation of the programme is carried out in accordance with the current Policy for Quality Assurance and Quality Development in Education at the University of Gothenburg.

Students who follow the programme at the prescribed pace (and thereby meet the eligibility requirements for future courses) are guaranteed a place. Eligibility for admission to courses within the programme is specified in the respective course syllabus. Admission to courses, with the exception of the introductory courses in physics and mathematics, is through local admission to each course.