UCCOM

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Description of the Program
Core Classes

• Autumn Quarter - 1st Year
• Winter Quarter - 1st Year
• Spring Quarter - 1st year
• Autumn Quarter - 2nd year
• Winter Quarter - 2nd year
• Spring Quarter - 2nd year

The Master of Science in Radiological Physics emphasizes the physical problems related to applications of ionizing radiation in clinical medicine, and, in particular, in radiology. This graduate program will prepare the student for a career in Radiological/Medical Physics, particularly in the following areas:

Clinical Practice of Medical Physics

• Radiation Oncology
• Diagnostic Radiology

Active member of research team investigating problems in:

• Radiation Oncology
• Diagnostic Radiology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiation Biology

The University of Cincinnati requires one academic year of full-time graduate study in the department, and satisfactory completion of not less than 45 graduate credit hours, the latter half of which must be earned while in residence at the University of Cincinnati.

The core courses required of all Radiological Physics graduate students are as follows:

Autumn Quarter - 1st year

20-252-640 OR 26-971-947	Health Physics and Radiation Protection I Radiation Health I	3 2
26-904-785	Introduction to Physiology	3
26-904-787	Introduction to Biostatistics	4
26-971-941	Radiation Biology I	2
26-971-944	Radiation Dosimetry I	2
26-971-953	Physics of Nuclear Medicine I	2
26-971-992	Seminar: Current Research Topics in Radiological Sciences	1

Winter Quarter - 1st year

20-252-660 26-971-948	Health Physics and Radiation protection II OR Radiation Health II	3 2
26-904-788	Regression Analysis	4
26-971-942	Radiation Biology II	2
26-971-945	Radiation Dosimetry II	2
26-971-950	Radiologic Instrumentation & Engineering I	2
26-971-954	Physics of Nuclear Medicine II	2
26-971-972	Radiological Sciences Lab I	2
26-971-992	Seminar: Current Research Topics in Radiological Sciences	1

Spring Quarter - 1st year

26-904-789	Experimental Design	4
26-971-943	Radiation Biology III	2
26-971-946	Radiation Dosimetry III	2
26-971-951	Radiologic Instrumentation & Engineering II	2
26-971-973	Radiological Sciences Lab II	2
26-971-992	Seminar: Current Research Topics in Radiological Physics	1

Autumn Quarter - 2nd year

26-971-991	Research Radiological Sciences	1-15
26-971-993	Clinical Medical Physics	2-15
		at least 12*

Winter Quarter - 2nd year

26-971-991	Research Radiological Sciences	1-15
26-971-993	Clinical Medical Physics	2-15
		at least 12*

Spring Quarter - 2nd year

26-971-991	Research Radiological Sciences	1-15
26-971-993	Clinical Medical Physics	2-15
		at least 12*

Clinical Training: A student will receive clinical training in the areas of therapeutic radiology, diagnostic radiology, and nuclear medicine. At present, the emphasis of the on-site training is in therapeutic radiology. This training will encompass all areas listed in the Expected Areas of Competence for a Clinical Physicist in Radiation Oncology (enclosed). These goals and objectives follow the guidelines required by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM).

Clinical Notebook: All students in the program are required to keep a written record of all clinical work and participation during their two years in residence. This Clinical Notebook will contain a written record of these three areas:

• Fullfilment of AAPM requirements as defined in Expected Areas of Competence for a Clinical Physicist in Radiation Oncology (enclosed)
• Clinical involvement with patient treatment
• Attendance at clinical conferences.

Thesis: Thesis research for this Master of Science degree will consist of an approved project related to radiological physics (i.e., radiation biology, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, diagnostic radiology). A written thesis proposal will be presented to, and signed by, three members of the student's thesis committee prior to in-depth work on the topic.

APPLICATION AND ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF SCIENCE

IN RADIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (PHYSICS)

Application

Students are usually admitted for the beginning of the Autumn Quarter. Application should be made to the University Dean of Advanced Studies. Application deadline is February 1. However, if positions are available, applications may be processed throughout the summer for the Autumn Quarter. In exceptional circumstances, admission for winter, spring or summer quarter will be considered.

Admission to the Graduate Program will require a baccalaureate degree in the Physical Sciences, preferably with a major in physics. In some cases applicants with a baccalaureate degree in other fields (such as Chemistry, Biological Sciences, or Computer Science) may be considered. Applicants are expected to have a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 and a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score appropriate to indicate the potential to complete a graduate education. However, flexibility in the admissions criteria will be maintained, and students will be treated individually. In some cases, the Admissions Committee may decide that a student lacking the minimal requirements appears to be capable of completing the graduate education program and may grant admission on a provisional basis.

Application Checklist:

1. Official Transcripts of grades/credits from all universities or colleges attended. Overall Grade Point Average (GPA); Junior/Senior GPA; Major GPA are reviewed. A value in excess of 3.0 is expected in at least one of these three categories. (Please calculate, and indicate, your GPA for each of your transcripts. Thank you.)
2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Verbal-Quantitative-Analytical. The Subject/Advanced Test in Physics is optional.
3. Three Letters of Recommendation, preferably from academic references. These letters can be submitted on letterhead stationery by the person writing the letter. Evaluator should address academic ability, character, work ethic, and evidence of interest in Radiological/Medical Physics.
4. Statement of Academic Goals and Objectives of the applicant, submitted in writing.
5. University of Cincinnati Graduate Application Form and the $30.00 Application Fee, submitted directly to the University Graduate Dean's Office, 305 Braunstein Hall, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0627.
6. International students: Students from non-English speaking countries are required to demonstrate proficiency in English via the TOEFL exam. Minimum acceptable score for admission is 575. International students must also pass the Oral English Proficiency Test (OEPT) during their first quarter of enrollment at the University of Cincinnati.

All application materials, with the exception of the Graduate Application Form and Fee, should be submitted directly to:

Howard R. Elson, Ph.D.
Director, Radiological/Medical Physics
The Barrett Cancer Center
234 Goodman Street
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0757

Telephone: (513) 584-9092
Fax: (513) 584-4007