Curriculum and Completion Requirements

In line with evolving educational philosophies, the program emphasizes diverse backgrounds while focusing on standardized competencies necessary for effective clinical practice. The curriculum incorporates experiential learning to reinforce didactic concepts, moving beyond traditional lecture-based instruction toward active, student-centered engagement. This approach responds to the broader pedagogical shift favoring techniques like flipped classrooms and interactive case studies, which better support student engagement and deeper understanding of medical physics principles.

The certificate program reflects a modernized teaching philosophy, prioritizing methods that encourage students to actively learn rather than passively absorb information. This approach promotes critical thinking, problem-solving and a lifelong learning mindset essential for sustained success in medical physics.

The core medical physics curriculum specified by CAMPEP is covered in six didactic course offerings administered within the Department of Radiation Oncology. The six courses are indicated below, along with individual course directors and primary textbooks. Currently, transfer credits are not accepted toward completion of the offered certificate program.

The certificate program’s curriculum includes six core courses designed in alignment with CAMPEP guidelines, each further refined to meet current educational standards in the field:

• Radiological Physics and Dosimetry: Establishes a foundational understanding of radiation interactions, measurement techniques, and dosimetry essential to both imaging and therapy.
  Course director: Richard Qiu, PhD
• Radiation Therapy Physics: Covers the principles, technology, and clinical applications of radiation therapy, supporting a comprehensive understanding of treatment planning and patient safety.
  Course director: Paul Yoon, PhD
• Radiation Protection and Safety: Focuses on regulatory standards, biological effects, and practical techniques to maintain a safety culture across various clinical settings.
  Course director: Katja Langen, PhD
• Fundamentals of Imaging in Medicine: Examines key imaging modalities and their underlying physics, preparing students for roles in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
  Course co-directors: Edgar Gelover, PhD, Mingyao Zhu, PhD
• Radiobiology: Explores cellular and molecular responses to radiation, connecting theoretical knowledge with clinical implications in therapy and diagnostics.
  Course liaison – Beth Ghavidel, MS
• Anatomy and Physiology: Provides medical context to support physics applications, enabling students to tailor treatment planning and imaging approaches to individual patient needs.
  Course co-directors: Sheela Hanasoge, MBBS, PhD, Oluwatosin “Tosin” Kayode, M.S., R.T.(R)(T), CMD