Medical Physics course catalog

All 39 recorded UW–Madison courses in this department, including courses not offered this term. Open a course for prerequisites, historical grades and instructors.

  • BME/CHEM/MEDPHYS 750: Biological Optical Microscopy

    Credits unavailable

    Covers several aspects of state-of-the-art biological and biophysical imaging with an emphasis on instrumentation, beginning with an overview of geometrical optics and optical and fluorescence microscopy. The bulk of the course will focus on advanced imaging techniques including nonlinear optical processes (multi-photon excitation, second harmonic generation, and stimulated Raman processes) and emerging super-resolution methods. Special emphasis will be given to current imaging literature and experimental design. Knowledge of physics-based optics [such asPHYSICS 202] strongly recommended.

  • BME/ECE/MEDPHYS 778: Machine Learning in Ultrasound Imaging

    3 credits

    Concepts and machine learning techniques for ultrasound beamforming for image formation and reconstruction to image analysis and interpretation will be presented. Key machine learning and deep learning concepts applied to beamforming, compressed sampling, speckle reduction, segmentation, photoacoustics, and elasticity imaging will be evaluated utilizing current peer-reviewed publications.

  • BME/HONCOL/MEDPHYS/PHYSICS 501: Radiation Physics and Dosimetry

    3 credits

    Interactions and energy deposition by ionizing radiation in matter; concepts, quantities and units in radiological physics; principles and methods of radiation dosimetry.

  • BME/MEDPHYS 535: Introduction to Energy-tissue Interactions

    Credits unavailable

    Explore physical interactions between thermal, electromagnetic and acoustic energies and biological tissues with emphasis on therapeutic medical applications.

  • BME/MEDPHYS 566: Physics of Radiotherapy

    Credits unavailable

    Ionizing radiation use in radiation therapy to cause controlled biological effects in cancer patients. Physics of the interaction of the various radiation modalities with body-equivalent materials, and physical aspects of clinical applications.

  • BME/MEDPHYS 568: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mri)

    Credits unavailable

    Core course covering the physics associated with magnetic resonance imaging emphasizing techniques employed in medical diagnostic imaging. Major MRI topics include: physics of MR, pulse sequences, hardware, imaging techniques, artifacts, and clinical applications. At the completion of this course, students should have an understanding of the technical and scientific details of modern magnetic resonance imaging and its use in diagnosing disease. Graduate students who have not takenMATH 222andPHYSICS 202at UW-Madison must have the equivalent coursework in order to be successful in this course.

  • BME/MEDPHYS 573: Mathematical Methods in Medical Physics

    3 credits

    Mathematical fundamentals required for medical physics and biomedical applications, including signal analysis and mathematical optimization.

  • BME/MEDPHYS 578: Non-ionizing Diagnostic Imaging

    Credits unavailable

    Covers the physics associated with magnetic resonance imaging and diagnostic ultrasound emphasizing techniques employed in medical diagnostic imaging. Major MRI topics include: physics of MR, pulse sequences, hardware, imaging techniques, artifacts, and spectroscopic localization. Ultrasound based topics covered include: propagation of ultrasonic waves in biological tissues, principles of ultrasonic measuring and imaging instrumentation, design and use of currently available tools for performance evaluation of diagnostic instrumentation, and biological effects of ultrasound. Gain an understanding of the technical and scientific details of modern non-ionizing medical magnetic resonance and ultrasound devices and their use in diagnosing disease.

  • BME/MEDPHYS 580: The Physics of Medical Imaging with Ionizing Radiation

    Credits unavailable

    Concepts and principles on the physics of medical imaging systems that form images using high energy photons are presented. Such systems are divided into two categories: (1) those based on the transmission of x-rays through the human body, including radiography, mammography, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography (CT), and (2) those based on the emission of gamma rays or annihilation radiation following radioactive decay of an internal radiolabeled molecule, including the gamma camera, single photon emission tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET) and PET hybrid imaging systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding how physics, system design, and imaging technique determine image performance metrics such as contrast, signal-to-noise ratio, and spatial resolution. Clinical applications and radiation safety concepts are detailed for the different types of imaging systems.

  • BME/MEDPHYS 710: Advances in Medical Magnetic Resonance

    3 credits

    Addresses the theory and applications of magnetic resonance (MR) in medicine, by providing the necessary theoretical background to understand advanced MR techniques including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

  • BME/MEDPHYS/PHMCOL-M/PHYSICS/RADIOL 619: Microscopy of Life

    3 credits

    Survey of state of the art microscopic, cellular and molecular imaging techniques, beginning with subcellular microscopy and finishing with whole animal imaging.

  • BMI/COMPSCI/ECE/MEDPHYS 722: Computational Optics and Imaging

    Credits unavailable

    Computational imaging includes all imaging methods that produce images as a result of computation on collected signals. Learn the tools to design new computational imaging methods to solve specific imaging problems. Provides an understanding of the physics of light propagation and measurement, and the computational tools to model it, including wave propagation, ray tracing, the radon transform, and linear algebra using matrix and integral operators and the computational tools to reconstruct an image, including linear inverse problems, neural networks, convex optimization, and filtered back-projection. Covers a variety of example computational imaging techniques and their applications including coded apertures, structured illumination, digital holography, computed tomography, imaging through scattering media, compressed sensing, and non-line-of-sight imaging.

  • HONCOL/MEDPHYS 410: Radiobiology

    Credits unavailable

    Effects of ionizing radiations of living cells and organisms, including physical, chemical, and physiological bases of radiation cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenesis; lecture and lab.

  • MEDPHYS 510: Fundamentals of Cellular, Molecular, and Radiation Biology

    3 credits

    Cellular, molecular, and radiation biology principles and their common application in medical physics.

  • MEDPHYS 537: Anatomy and Physiology in Medical Physics

    2 credits

    An introduction to human anatomy and physiology tailored for medical physics applications. Surveys major organ systems and emphasizes quantitative physiological concepts relevant to biomedical imaging and measurement. Identify anatomical structures and interpret them in common medical imaging modalities while developing foundational physiological reasoning needed for study and research in medical physics.

  • MEDPHYS 581: Laboratory for Medical Imaging with Ionizing Radiation

    1 credits

    Presents concepts and principles on the physics of medical radiographic imaging systems, based on the transmission of x-rays. Emphasis is placed on understanding the operation of imaging equipment and how it is used in clinical applications. Evaluation of imaging systems, optimization of their use and design and the solution of image quality problems is investigated.

  • MEDPHYS 651: Methods for Neuroimaging Research

    3 credits

    Provides a practical foundation for neuroimaging research studies with statistical image analysis. Specific imaging methods include functional BOLD MRI, structural MRI morphometry, and diffusion tensor imaging. Lectures and associated in-class computer exercises will cover the physics and methods of image acquisition, steps and tools for image analyses, the basis for statistical image analyses and interpretation of the results.

  • MEDPHYS 662: Rad Lab - Diagnostic Radiological Physics

    Credits unavailable

    Provides hands on experience using and testing radiographic, fluoroscopic and mammographic x-ray systems. Imaging requirements, image quality, and radiation dose aspects of each modality are covered, along with practical methods for evaluating the performance of clinical units.

  • MEDPHYS 663: Rad Lab - Nuclear Medicine Physics

    Credits unavailable

    Provides an introduction to the technical skills required in nuclear medicine physics. This includes laboratory rotations in basic radiopharmaceutical production and quality control, basic operation and quality control testing on PET and SPECT scanners, time series image analysis of radiotracer studies and nuclear medicine dosimetry and radiation safety training. Gain a firsthand understanding of the professional duties performed by a nuclear medicine medical physicist.

  • MEDPHYS 664: Rad Lab - Health Physics

    1 credits

    Uses project-based learning (PBL) as a powerful teaching method to address common challenges and solutions addressed by medical health physicists. Each semester, students work on a different project that addresses concepts that are important in the current health physics environment.

  • MEDPHYS 665: Rad Lab - Ct, Mri, and Dsa Physics

    1 credits

    Provides hands on experience using and testing computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) systems. Image quality, MRI and radiation safety, accreditation, and regulatory compliance issues with these modalities are also covered.

  • MEDPHYS 666: Rad Lab - Medical Ultrasound Physics

    1 credits

    Introduces concepts and methodology for measuring acoustic properties of materials and for operating and performing physics tests of state of the art clinical ultrasound scanners. Set up and operate a laboratory apparatus employing single element ultrasound transducers. This is followed by hands on experiments that challenge students to explain physical and engineering characteristics of clinical scanners, details of operator controls, features of Doppler and color flow modes, and resolution limitations. Practical scanning exercises provide familiarity with selected applications of clinical ultrasound equipment, both for diagnosis and for guiding interventions. Routine quality assurance tests done by medical physicists are also performed.

  • MEDPHYS 671: Selected Topics in Medical Physics

    1–4 credits

    In-depth examination of current and newly discovered modalities and/or phenomenons in medical physics. Critical reading of literature, hands-on lab work and exploration of medical issues related to discoveries will be included.

  • MEDPHYS 674: Data Science in Medical Physics

    Credits unavailable

    Concepts and principles of statistics and machine learning for medical physics-related research problems. Topics covered include probability and independence, discrete and continuous random variables and statistical distributions, random sampling and central limit theorem, inference for means, variances, proportions, moment generating functions, maximum likelihood, hypothesis testing, ANOVA, linear regression, correlation and basic design of experiments with application to quality assurance, reliability, and reproducibility.

  • MEDPHYS 679: Radiation Physics Metrology

    3 credits

    Metrology, the science of measurement, is a critical component of medical physics. Topics covered: measurement statistics, determination of uncertainty, characteristics of ionization chambers, electrometers and other ionizing radiation measurement devices. Effects of instrumentation on clinical measurements.

  • MEDPHYS 699: Independent Reading or Research

    1–3 credits

    Provides opportunities for graduate students to gain experience using the scientific method to address specific scientific problems. This includes selection of a research topic, performing literature reviews to evaluate peer-reviewed and other publications, developing a research design, identifying possible pitfalls, and performing and reporting on experiments performed. Communication of the research findings within and outside the university is encouraged.

  • MEDPHYS 701: Ethics and the Responsible Conduct of Research and Practice of Medical Physics

    1 credits

    Addresses the concepts of ethics in the daily practice of medical physics and other scientific disciplines and provide tools for identifying resources. Special emphasis will be placed in how these principles have to be applied to ensure the confidentiality of the patients, the safety of the research subjects (human and animals), differentiation between ethical and legal issues, as well as the understanding of the principles that deal with authorships, intellectual property in the academic- and industry- based environment.

  • MEDPHYS 770: Advanced Brachytherapy Physics

    Credits unavailable

    The use of radioactive sources for radiotherapy including: materials used, source construction dosimetry theory and practical application, dosimetric systems, localization and reconstruction. Covers low dose rate, high dose rate and permanently placed applications.

  • MEDPHYS 772: Advanced Radiation Treatment Planning

    3 credits

    Physics of clinical, computer-based radiotherapy planning is taught. Topics include dose algorithms, measurement data, commissioning, contouring and volume definition, beam placement, modifiers and apertures and plan evaluation. Forward based and inverse planning (including IMRT optimization) are taught.

  • MEDPHYS 775: Advanced Ultrasound Physics

    3 credits

    Mathematical and physical foundations of the application of acoustics in diagnostic ultrasound. Derivation of wave equations for mechanical waves in fluids and solids from a continuum mechanics perspective. Diffraction theory and methods for acoustic field calculation (analytic, angular spectrum, simulations). Review of interactions of acoustic waves with biological tissue and methods to measure their acoustic properties. In-depth discussion of methods for structural image formation including ray-line scanning, plane wave compounding, synthetic aperture, coded excitation, and spatial coherent imaging. Introduction to novel functional imaging approach, including ultrafast Doppler, molecular ultrasound, functional ultrasound, and super-resolution imaging. Application of the acquired knowledge to perform a systematic literature review of the state-of-the-art of the field for the solution of a relevant clinical problem.

  • MEDPHYS 777: Principles of X-ray Computed Tomography

    Credits unavailable

    Understand the basic principles of x-ray computed tomography (CT), and how to think when a technical problem arises in CT. Accomplished through a review of the history of CT developments and key components of CT systems, lectures on various CT reconstruction algorithms, image quality, and radiation dose, origin and correction methods of various CT artifacts.

  • MEDPHYS 780: Pharmacokinetic Modeling in Biomedical Imaging

    Credits unavailable

    Concepts and techniques of pharmacokinetic modeling will be presented in the context of biomedical imaging. Examine applications in various specialties, e.g. neurology and oncology, using different imaging tools, e.g. positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

  • MEDPHYS 900: Journal Club and Seminar

    1 credits

    Provides medical physics graduate students with the opportunity to critically evaluate and report on published research and/or research seminar presentations by speakers, from both within the university and from the larger scientific community.

  • MEDPHYS 990: Research

    1–12 credits

    Provides graduate students with mentorship to support their development of independent research goals and methods needed to address specific scientific problems that will result in a comprehensive dissertation.

  • MEDPHYS/NE 506: Monte Carlo Radiation Transport

    Credits unavailable

    Use of Monte Carlo technique for applications in nuclear engineering and medical physics. Major theory of Monte Carlo neutral particle transport is discussed. Standard Monte Carlo transport software is used for exercises and projects. Major emphasis is on analysis of real-world problems.

  • MEDPHYS/NE 569: Health Physics and Biological Effects

    3–4 credits

    Physical and biological aspects of the use of ionizing radiation in industrial and academic institutions; physical principles underlying shielding instrumentation, waste disposal; biological effects of low levels of ionizing radiation.

  • MEDPHYS/PEDIAT 705: Women and Leadership: Science, Health and Engineering

    2 credits

    Multiple professional and scientific groups have identified the underrepresentation and lack of advancement of women in academia as a national workforce problem. Review evolving perspectives of leadership and how unconscious assumptions about the behaviors and traits of men, women, and leaders impede women's advancement. Emphasizes the implications for women in the fields of science, health and engineering and explore the potential impact on the advancement of knowledge and improvements in health. Provides the opportunity to apply evidence-based perspectives using experiential methods.

  • MEDPHYS/PHYSICS 265: Introduction to Medical Physics

    Credits unavailable

    A general interest survey that introduces the principles and applications of medical physics. Topics include biomechanics, energy usage and temperature regulation, pressure, sound and hearing, ultrasound, electricity in the body, optics and the eye, ionizing radiation in diagnosis and therapy, radiobiology, and nuclear medicine.

  • MEDPHYS/PHYSICS 688: Radiation Production and Detection

    Credits unavailable

    Physics of ionizing radiation production and detection in medical science; ionization chambers, solid-state detectors, charged and neutral particles for external beam radiotherapy, radionuclides activated with accelerators for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, radiochemistry, and X-ray tube physics.