Undergraduate modules

Year 1

MPHY1001: Introduction to Medical Imaging
Module Organiser: Prof Jem Hebden
This module forms a fundamental component of the UCL Medical Physics undergraduate degrees. It provides an introduction to all the major medical imaging techniques commonly encountered in hospital departments of radiology and nuclear medicine. The module will be a foundation for the further pursuit of knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of medical imaging which are dealt with in greater detail in the following years of the Medical Physics degree programmes.

Year 2

MPHY2001: Physics of the Human Body
Module Organiser: Dr Terence leung
This course describes some of the the physics and engineering principles needed to understand how the body works. It will include lectures on biofluid mechanics, biomechanics, the physics of the senses and homeostasis.

MPHY2002: Introduction to Biophysics
Module organiser: Dr. Adrien Desjardins
Biophysics is the physics of the molecules and cells which make up the body. The course will include the physics of energy transfer processes at the microscopic level and a description of cell membranes and electrophysiology.

Years 3 and 4

Most of these modules have both year 3 and year 4 options. The module code for the year 4 option can be found by changing "MPHY3" to "MPHYM". If you have any questions, please contact the module organiser.

MPHY3012/M012: Physiological Monitoring
Module Organiser: Dr Martin Fry
The course provides an in depth understanding of the theory and practice of transducers and monitoring techniques in physiology and medicine and covers most of the commonly used methods in medical practice with the exception of those derived from imaging and radionuclide methods. Topics include: blood pressure sensing, gait analysis, temperature measurement, respiratory monitoring, optical sensing methods in oximetry and blood flow, blood analysis.

MPHY3013/M013: Medical Electronics and Neural Engineering
Module Organiser: Prof. Nick Donaldson
This course examines the types of equipment which are directly connected to patients. Applications include biomedical amplifiers and signal recording (e.g. ECG), and electrical stimulators (e.g. cochlear implants for the deaf). Syllabus includes the acquisition of electrophysiological signals, properties of electrodes, and electrical hazards.

MPHY3886/M886: Optics in Medicine
Module Organiser: Prof Clare Elwell
Interaction of infrared, visible and ultraviolet radiation with biological material; spectroscopy and other optical techniques as physiological sensors; endoscopy; laser systems for diagnosis, therapy and surgery; visual optics and optometry.

MPHY3890/M890: Medical Imaging with Ionising Radiation
Module Organiser: Dr Sandro Olivo
The most frequently undertaken clinical investigation apart from the analysis of a blood sample is the use of ionising radiation to image or investigate the functioning of an organ. This course covers the theoretical background to the formation and analysis of such images and uses clinical examples to illustrate the application of the imaging systems. It covers both planar and cross sectional imaging using x-ray and gamma ray sources. The aim of the course is to provide an appropriate theoretical framework for understanding the formation and assessment of images using ionising radiation.

MPHY3891/M891: Medical Imaging with Nonionising Radiation
Module Organiser: Dr Ben Cox
Two major imaging methods are covered in this course, Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In Ultrasound, topics covered include the generation and propagation of ultrasound beams, resolution limits, artifacts, Doppler flow measurement and ultrasound system design and signal processing. In MRI, the basic theory of NMR is given, followed by a discussion of the MR signal characteristics in tissue, signal acquisition techniques and MRI instrumentation. Subsequently methods of image formation and image processing techniques are described.

MPHY3892/M892: Treatment using ionising radiation
Module Organiser: Dr Adam Gibson
Uses and application of treatment using ionising radiation including radiation dosimetry; radiobiological basis of treatment; dose distribution and radiotherapy treatment; radiation protection.

MPHY3893: Mathematical Methods in Medical Physics
Module Organiser: Prof. Jem Hebden
This introductory module is designed specifically for intercalated students in order that they gain a basic familiarity with various mathematical techniques and notation which form part of their other lecture courses. The lectures emphasise the need for an intuitive understanding of specific methods and their application rather than a rigorous training in mathematics.

MPHYMB21: Aspects of Bioengineering
Module Organiser: Prof Alan Cottenden
This module aims to provide an introduction to biomaterials (with a particular emphasis on their mechanical properties); biomechanics; engineering design (as it applies to biomedical systems); and tissue engineering. At the end of the module students should be able to understand the foundational principles pertinent to each lecture session and be able to apply them to real-life problems.

MPHYMB22: Applications of Bioengineering
Module Organiser: Dr Terence Leung
This module illustrates how the foundation knowledge of bioengineering is used in the provision of clinical services. Topics include EEG/ECG/EMG, respiratory measurement, rehabilitation engineering and aspects relating to medical devices.