The study of physics allows us to understand how the universe works—from the fundamental forces of nature to their effects on matter and the environment around us.
This knowledge enables the development of future technologies and provides a deeper insight into nature. The reasoning, mathematical, experimental and computer skills acquired while earning a physics degree empower our graduates to pursue careers far outside the traditional boundaries of physics—or even science—including medicine, dentistry, business and law. Typically, physics students enjoy scientific experiments, computation and mathematics, as well as solving complex problems and developing new, innovative ideas.
All physics streams are flexible enough to cover the requirements for admission into professional schools in Canada and the United States.
Program Description
While the study of physics allows us to understand how the universe works, medical physics emphasizes the application of physics ideas and technology to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the human body, particularly cancer.
Medical physics students are thoroughly prepared with the same courses and skills in scientific experiments, computation, and mathematics as other physics students, but, in addition, they specialize in the core areas of medical imaging (MRI, ultrasound, CT, nuclear medicine) and radiotherapy (the treatment of cancer with external beam radiation or implanted, radioactive sources). Laboratory classes are taught in part at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre and in the Baker Laboratory for Medical Physics Education.
Our Honours Medical Physics program is designed to prepare you for graduate studies in medical physics, which will eventually lead to a career as a certified medical physicist. Graduates of the program have also gone on to medical school and other careers in physics.
The Honours Medical Physics stream fits naturally into our internationally renowned physics department. We collaborate closely with such local health-care institutions as the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, the Henry Ford Hospital, and the University of Windsor Institute for Diagnostic Imaging Research to deliver a practical, highly up-to-date, and relevant curriculum.
The program of study is carefully crafted to retain all of the physics and mathematics contained in a traditional physics degree (allowing maximum career flexibility), while, at the same time, introducing new content in biology, biochemistry, and specialized areas of medical physics, including radiological physics, medical imaging, and radiobiology. Both thesis and co-op options are offered.
Experiential Learning
Our undergraduates gain valuable research/work experience by getting involved in Physics research as early as their first year. Students have experiential learning opportunities through co-op placements in Windsor and across Canada and US, the university’s Outstanding
Scholars program, thesis courses for credit, summer placements and volunteer activities.
Our students work with experts in such diverse fields as: acoustic microscopy and materials characterization; nanoscale electronics; quantum control and quantum computing; atomic, molecular and optical physics; biophysics and medical physics, including magnetic resonance imaging.
Student Support
Our close-knit, collegial student body organizes and leads our Physics Club, where students get together to promote interest in physics, help each other through their studies and socialize outside of the classroom setting. Our Science Resource Centre provides free tutoring for first-year courses.
Career Paths
Career opportunities are available immediately upon graduation. However, students may wish to acquire full professional certification as a medical physicist by completing a CAMPEP-accredited graduate program available at several universities across Canada. The final step in the qualification process is the completion of a CAMPEP-accredited residency to be eligible for Board certification with either the Canadian College of Medical Physicists (CCPM) or the American Board of Radiology (ABR).
Our graduates have been accepted to accredited programs at Wayne State University, McGill University, the University of Calgary, Western University, as well as the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa. This preparation may lead to a career as a licensed medical physicist (hospital or clinic).
Other careers include:
- Industrial/research medical physicist (medical technology company)
- Government and clinical laboratories
- Graduate studies (MSc or PhD) in physics/astronomy
- Professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and medical physics
- Computer programming/software development
- Financial services
- Entrepreneur, business
- Education (with additional studies)
- Law (with additional studies)
Admission Requirements
All physics programs have a mean admission average of 89% and a minimum admission average of 75% + 70% second science/math. ENG4U, MHF4U and SPH4U are required. MCV4U is strongly recommended and SCH4U is recommended.
