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School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
Academic school or department
Medical Physics
31 October 2023
Medical Physics applies the concepts and methods of physics to the diagnosis and therapy of human disease. Modern medicine relies heavily on the physical tools, techniques, and principles developed in the physical sciences. Find out how to study Medical Physics at UC.
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The complexity and precision required in the operation of the related diagnostic and therapeutic equipment and the quest to improve them has led to the subspecialty of Medical Physics.
A medical physicist applies scientific knowledge and technological skills to help prevent, diagnose and treat many kinds of diseases and health conditions.
They are a mix of research and clinical scientists who play a pivotal role in providing physics support to various areas of the health sector to provide better outcomes for patients. They also ensure the safety of staff and patients exposed to radiation.
A medical physicist is typically a member of multidisciplinary team and may be involved in several activities relating to diagnosis and/or treatment in radiology, nuclear medicine or radiation therapy.
This programme is the only one of its kind in New Zealand.
Our Research on Medical Physics
UC has a long history of research in in medical imaging, biomedical engineering and in radiation therapy.
We have a number of collaborations with industry and work closely with the University of Washington, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, Waitaha Canterbury, The New Zealand Brain Research Institute, the University of Otago's Christchurch Medical School and Monash University, Australian Synchrotron, Sydney University, Inserm, and CSIRO.
Research projects
Advance radiotherapy techniques
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plan optimisation strategies
- Lung tumour tracking, modelling and adaptation
- Proton mini-beam treatment development
- Interferometry-based dosimetry systems
X-ray detection and imaging
- Development of a Medipix All Resolution Scanner (MARS) for spectroscopic CT imaging
- Phase-contrast imaging and tomography
- Coherent diffractive/diffraction imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging
- MRI studies of patients with Parkinson's disease
- Quantitive susceptibility mapping and cognitive impairment in Parkinson's
Within the University we work closely with HIT Lab NZ, Electrical Engineering, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Biological Sciences and Chemistry.
