Biomedical Physics Major (Research Focus)
Biomedical Physics Major (Research Focus)
Program Description
What is Biophysics?
Biophysics is a vibrant, growing research field that applies the theories and methods of physics to understand how biological systems work. Biophysics is critical to understanding the mechanics of how the molecules of life are made, how different parts of a cell move and function, and how complex systems in our bodies—the brain, circulation, immune system, and others— work.
What is Medical Physics?
Medical Physics is an applied branch of graduate physics focused on the application of the concepts and methods of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. It is allied with medical electronics, bioengineering, and health physics. Medical physicists contribute to the effectiveness of radiological imaging procedures by assuring radiation safety and helping to develop improved imaging techniques (e.g., mammography, CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear imaging). They contribute to the development of radiation therapeutic techniques (e.g., radioactive implants, stereotactic radiosurgery, Proton Therapy), collaborate with radiation oncologists to design treatment plans, and monitor equipment and procedures to ensure that cancer patients receive the prescribed dose of radiation to the correct location. A career in Medical Physics involves three areas of activity: research and development, clinical service and consultation, and Medical Physics education.
Preparing for Med School
For students interested in attending Medical School: Biomedical Physics provides them with the ability to fulfill their pre-medical requirements within a strong science major that presents multiple research opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
- Biomedical physics students will demonstrate proficiency in understanding and learning key concepts of physics related to biology and the medical field.
- Biomedical physics students will demonstrate the ability to analyze a broad range of physical phenomena using their understanding of selected topics from medical physics and bioengineering.
- Biomedical physics students will demonstrate proficiency in oral and written scientific communication, and will demonstrate that they can think critically and work independently.
Course Map
Experiences
- Students pursuing a biomedical physics degree at Rockhurst may have the opportunity to join the Society of Physics Students
- Majors may also become involved in Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honor society
- Learn from esteemed faculty that earned the 2019 "Award for Improving Undergraduate Physics Education" from the American Physical Society
Outcomes
- Students with a Rockhurst biomedical physics degree go on to medical school and/or research graduate programs in biophysics, medical physics, and biomedical engineering.
