The Department of Physics

Master of Science in Biomedical Physics (ACTT approved)

with specialization in Medical Physics

MSc Biomedical Physics

Biomedical Physics (BIPH) focuses on the application of Physics to the solution of problems in Biology and Medicine. This master’s degree is a unique interdisciplinary program which was developed to train graduates in the field of Medical Physics. Our graduates will therefore contribute to clinical and medical physics teams, and work at the forefront of science and technology to manage and cure diseases using medical physics technology. This cutting edge field utilises medical radiation science as well as medical physics equipment to diagnose and treat diseases. Our MSC programme trains you to work as a medical physicist in radiology and radiotherapy departments in public and private healthcare institutions. You will develop competencies in the use of analytical and computer aided techniques to assist clinical staff in the diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases.

Programme Summary

Biomedical Physics is an applied branch of Physics concerned with the application of concepts and methods in Physics to the solution of problems in Biology and Medicine. The master’s degree in Biomedical Physics is a unique interdisciplinary program which was developed in recognition of the blurring of boundaries between the physical sciences which has led to explosive advancements in diagnostic processes, medical devices and technologies as well as improvements in available treatment modalities. It is an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their education in Physics, Biology, Electronics and Bioengineering while developing their analytical and problem-solving skills. The wide spectrum of knowledge required of the Biomedical Physicists makes this profession both challenging and rewarding as they improve their understanding of the study of the human body and attempt to solve current medical problems. Future careers in the allied health areas are expected to be a major area of growth in the 21st century and as such the education of Biomedical Physicists, Medical Physicists and Bioengineers must keep abreast of the changes is such a way as to prepare the future professional to make the best possible contribution to the health and standard of living of both patients and staff in the various environment in which they may find themselves. Many Biomedical Physicists will head into traditional fields e.g. clinical service and consultation, education, research and development while others will enter varied fields e.g. quality control and the enforcement of government regulations.

The graduate degree has become a necessary requirement for advancement into research and development or senior supervisory and management positions. The field of Biomedical Physics is yet new and is constantly being redefined. As such the career potential for the qualified, self-directed, creative graduate is especially great.

Entry Requirements

Admission requirements for this programme are as follows:

• First degree from a recognized University in Physics / Applied Physics / Biomedical Technology, Mechanical / Biomedical / Electrical Engineering with a minimum of lower second class honours (Weighted GPA: 2.50 – 2.99).

For further information, contact the MSc Coordinator, Dr. Roger Andrews (roger.andrews@sta.uwi.edu ),  or the Administrative Assistant (Acting), Mrs. Virginia Briggs (virginia.briggs@sta.uwi.edu )

Academic Aims and Objectives

This is a new programme at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. It aims to specially train and augment the education of qualified scientists and engineers so as to ensure that

1. Graduating students have sufficient competence in either of two specializations in the field of Biomedical Physics in order to start a career.
2. The requirements of international societies are incorporated to a sufficient level so as to obtain accreditation. 
3. Postgraduate students from other countries are attracted to the programme so as to foster the dissemination of these areas of biomedical specialization over a wider geographical area and hence regionally improve health care.

Entrants to the course will be:

• Recent graduates and suitably qualified working professionals seeking to upgrade their qualifications for work or advancement in regional health authorities or private institutions.

This programme advances the Departmental, Faculty, Campus and/or the University Strategic Plan in the following ways:

• Produces qualified Medical Physicists and specialists in Human Movement who can provide service in various areas of the allied health sector;
• Produces graduates who could enroll in higher academic research e.g. Ph.D. studies or work as research assistants to address the medical and scientific needs of the national community or move into scientific posts in other professions e.g. radiation protection in governmental or commercial organisations;
• Develop a cadre of professionals with the ability to impact and direct policy-making;
• To build national and regional technological and infrastructural capacities for imparting postgraduate education, training and research in biomedical physics;
• To strategically develop and foster collaborations with international societies, institutes and universities of excellence in order to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and the development of research cooperation;
• To tap the potential of existing teaching and research facilities UWI-StA and UWI-Mona and to upgrade them towards efficient use for delivering an advanced educational programmes;
• To integrate resources and to develop strong working relationships and research initiatives within and across the UWI campuses in keeping with the ideals of the strategic plan of the UWI.

In the near future it is expected that the demand for not only Medical Physicists but also specialists in Human Movement will increase. Graduates of this specialization will achieve insight into the clinical practice of Medical Physics, Medical Imaging and related subjects via visits and attachments to staff in their hospital role. Such training is important as oncology centers open nationally and regionally. Trinidad and Tobago’s National Oncology Centre, set to be built at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC), Mt Hope, will be completed by April 2015 and ready for use by October 2015. Within the Caribbean one can also expect the Cancer Centre for the Eastern Caribbean (CCEC) in Antigua to be completed in the near future. In the meantime Radiation Oncology Centre of Jamaica and the Cancer Centre Bahamas offer good prospects to graduates in Medical Physics. Additionally with the growth in occupational, environmental safety and health, sports science and the management of the professional athlete. Professionals will be required who can understand and apply the laws and principles governing human motion to daily living, materials handling, the clinical setting as well as to elite sport skill performance.

Course of Study