Research

Doctoral Program

Please note: the following information pertains only to the doctoral program in applied physics. Students who want to pursue doctoral research in medical physics must apply for admission to the doctoral program in applied physics (option in medical physics), which requires course work beyond the 35-point medical physics master's program, and they must pass the applied physics doctoral qualifying examination.

Graduate Program in Applied Physics: Option in MEDICAL PHYSICS

Students who want to pursue doctoral research in medical physics must apply for admission to the doctoral program in applied physics. Degrees awarded are master of science (M.S.), master of philosophy (M.Phil.), doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.), and doctor of engineering science (Eng.Sc.D.). The M.S. degree can be awarded after the successful completion of 30 points in studies in basic and applied physics. Requirements for the M.Phil. degree include successful completion of an approved 30-point program, a written qualifying examination, and an oral examination. In addition to fulfilling the M.Phil. requirements, Ph.D. and Eng.Sc.D. candidates must submit an approved dissertation, and complete the University residence requirements.


Admission

A bachelor's or master's degree in one of the physical sciences, engineering, or mathematics is required for admission. The application deadline for a doctoral degree, or for the M.S. leading to the doctorate, for the fall term is December 1.

Applications are only available online, at School of Engineering and Applied Science Apply On-line.


Financial Aid

Doctoral students are admitted with the understanding that they will support themselves until passing the qualifying examination, after which they may find a thesis advisor for their dissertation; depending on circumstances, the advisor may support them full-time. If the student needs financial assistance, it is prudent to assess the availability of a research mentor willing to provide such support at the very onset of the application process. For specific research opportunities, the student is encouraged to contact the program faculty.

Degree Requirements

Specific course requirements are determined in consultation with the program adviser and are linked to the Doctoral Qualifying Examination. This qualifying examination is a two-day written test, with the General Exam on the first day and the Specialty Exam on the second. It is given once a year, usually in May. Students who pursue the Option in Medical Physics on a part-time basis are expected to take the qualifying examination after two-years of part-time study.

Doctoral Qualifying Examination

General Qualifying Exam

The General Qualifying Exam consists of six problems in basic subject areas from which the student selects any four.

  1. Classical mechanics (PHYS G4003y Advanced mechanics)
    At the level of Chapters 1-6, Linear Algebra and its Applications, Third Edition, by Gilbert Strang, HBJ Publishers.

  2. Electromagnetism (APPH E4300x Applied electrodynamics)

  3. Quantum mechanics (APPH E4100x Quantum physics of matter)

  4. Linear algebra (APMA E4001y Principles of applied math I)
    At the level of Chapters 1-6, Linear Algebra and its Applications, 3rd Edition, by Gilbert Strang.

  5. Partial differential equations (APMA E4200x Partial differential equations)
    At the level of Chapters 1-5 and 7-10 in Applied Partial Differential Equations, 4th Edition, by Richard Haberman.
  6. Applied dynamical systems (APMA E4101y Introduction to dynamical systems)


Medical Physics Specialty Qualifying Exam

The Medical Physics Specialty Qualifying Exam consists of four problems. Please see the course descriptions listed below for more information.

  1. Nuclear medicine physics (EHSC P9319y Clinical nuclear medicine physics)

  2. Radiation science (EHSC P6330x Radiation science)

  3. Diagnostic radiological physics (EHSC P9330y Diagnostic radiological physics)

  4. Radiation therapy physics (EHSC P9335y Radiation therapy physics)


Medical Physics Courses on the MP Doctoral Qualifying Exam

EHSC P6330x: Radiation science
Lect: 2. 3 pts. Professor Zaider

Lecture survey of sources, applications, risks, and control of environmental radiation. During the first half of the course microdosimetry is reviewed; the second half focuses on 1) biological effects of radiation, and 2) radiation safety.

EHSC P9319y: Clinical nuclear medicine physics
Lect: 2. 3 pts. Professor Esser

Preferred prerequisite: APPH E4010 or equivalent. Introduction to the instrumentation and physics used in clinical nuclear medicine and PET with an emphasis on detector systems, tomography and quality control. Problem sets, papers and term project.

EHSC P9330y: Diagnostic radiological physics
Lect: 2. 3 pts. Professor Rothenberg/Professor Nickoloff

Prerequisite: EHSC P8331x. Description of X-ray generators and tubes followed by survey of mammography, introductory fluoroscopy, image intensifiers, and cine systems. The second part covers radiodosimetry, image quality concepts, CT scanners, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

EHSC P9335y: Radiation therapy physics
Lect: 2. 3 pts. Professor Wuu

Preferred prerequisites: APPH E4600 and EHSC P6330. Review of X-ray production and fundamentals of nuclear physics and radioactivity. Detailed analysis of radiation absorption and interactions in biological materials as specifically related to radiation therapy and radiation therapy dosimetry. Surveys of use of teletherapy isotopes and X-ray generators in radiation therapy plus the clinical use of interstitial and intracavitary isotopes. Principles of radiation therapy treatment planning and isodose calculations. Problem sets taken from actual clinical examples are assigned.

Oral Examination

After dissertation research is underway, an oral examination is given to the Ph.D. candidate in the field of his/her specialty, with attention devoted to his/her research problem and relevant areas of science. The examining committee will be made up of the candidate's thesis advisor, his/her departmental advisor and one other faculty in an appropriate specialty chosen by the department.

Research Opportunities

There are research opportunities in medical physics at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, as well as at other associated medical institutes, including Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. This research is focused on developing advanced methods for the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Current emphasis is placed on developing advanced radiation transport methods for tomographic diagnosis, treatment facility calibration, and treatment planning. Other areas of interest include imaging and tomography.

Core Courses

 

APAM Faculty Advisors for the Doctoral Program

I. C. Noyan (Coordinator)

I. P. Herman

Cheng Shie Wuu, Radiology Oncology & APAM

Other Advisors

Peter D. Esser, Radiology

 Edward L. Nickoloff, Radiology

Marco Zaider, Senior Lecturer, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center