Physics with Medical Physics & Bioengineering / Fisic le Fisic Leighis & Bithinnealtóireacht
DT235
What is... Physics with Medical Physics & Bioengineering?
This is a Physics degree which has been developed in partnership with both the Medical Device Industry and the Medical Physics and Bioengineering community in Ireland and is accredited by the Institute of Physics. Many important aspects of medical diagnostics, technology and treatment are underpinned by physics. Think of x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, CT scans and treatment of tumours with radiation. Physics is crucial to all of these. Medical physicists and bioengineers play a vital and often leading role on the medical research team in terms of the development or application of new medical technology in a hospital or industry environment.
What are my... Career Opportunities?
A wide range of careers exist for physics graduates, many of them using the methodology of physics: technical know-how, the logical approach, problem solving skills. Physic graduates work in well-paid physics-based industries such as the critical and growing areas of medical physics, bioengineering and medical devices, and also the electronics industry, alternative energy development and telecommunications. Their analytical skills also place physicists in demand in a range of financial, fund management and research roles, in the law, in management consultancy, as weather forecasters, computer programmers and as physics and science teachers. Typical career opportunities of past graduates are in such hospitals and companies as;
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
- University Hospital Galway
- The University of Dundee, Scotland
- The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
- Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
- Boston Scientific
- Hermitage Medical Clinic
- bitSmith Games
- St. James's Hospital
- Medtronic Vascular
- Hull & East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
What other options do I have after completion?
Students who have reached the appropriate honours standard may have access to a wide range of taught Masters degrees or MPhil or PhD research degrees in DIT and elsewhere in Higher Education including opportunities in taught Masters degrees of MPhil or PhD reasearch degrees in medical physics.
Learning Outcomes: What will I Study?
This Physics degree is in the area in one of the country's most vibrant technological sectors highly practical and has been developed in partnership with both the Medical Device Industry and the Medical Physics and Bioengineering community in Ireland.
A range of specialist modules are delivered by experts in the areas of Medical Devices, Bioengineering and Rehabilitation Engineering, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy to ensure a strong focus and relevance to the programme. In the module “Physics of Medical Devices” you will gain an insight into the Medical Device Industry from the initial concept of a medical device to the manufacture of the device. In the module Diagnostic Imaging, the learner will gain an understanding of the principles of how an image is formed using x-rays or sound waves and be able to critically assess the important design features in such imaging devices for optimum image quality. In the “Bioengineering” module you will learn about the design and engineering of artificial limbs and implants as well as advanced biocompatible materials.
Furthermore, there is a seven month Work Placement as part of year 3 in either a Medical Physics & Bioengineering department in a hospital, research laboratory or in a Medical Device industry. This work placement will give you day-to-day experience as a physicist in Medical Physics and Bioengineering as well as helping you to develop important links for your future career.
Module Listing
Concentration on a single subject is not enough for any scientist, especially in as wide-ranging a subject area as this. This degree programme also covers relevant Biology, Engineering, Problem Solving Skills, Computer Studies, Chemistry, Maths (in Years 1 and 2) and Professional Skills.
Year One
- Physics (with Medical Physics flavour)
- Biology
- Microbiology and Medical Device Decontamination
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Computational Studies
- Science
- Technology and Society studies
Year Two
- Physics
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Medical Devices and Feedback Control
- Computational Studies
- Entrepreneurial Studies
Year Three
- Physics
- Medical Physics and Bioengineering
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Tissue Engineering
- Biomaterials
- Implants and Biosensors
- Industrial Work Placement
Year Four
- Physics
- Medical Physics and Bioengineering
- Diagnostic Imaging
- General Radiotherapy
- Bioelectromagnetism
- Invention
- Innovation and Commercialisation
- Studies and Research Project
Are there study abroad options?
Six to twelve months (subject to scrutiny of modules by Programme Committee) to be taken abroad.
Further Information
School of Physics and Clinical & Optometric Sciences
T: 01 402 4927 (Dr Siobhan Daly)