PhD in Bioengineering - Medical Physics Concentration
The innovative PhD in Bioengineering - Medical Physics Concentration allows you to pursue the PhD in Bioengineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) and simultaneously receive clinical training through the Perelman School of Medicine’s (PSOM) Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs (CAMPEP) accredited Medical Physics program. Upon completion of the doctoral degree in bioengineering (with CAMPEP core courses), you will be eligible to apply for a medical physics residency and take the American Board of Radiology (ABR) certification exams. Please note that the Master of Science in Medical Physics degree is not earned in addition to the doctoral degree in bioengineering.
The PhD in Bioengineering - Medical Physics Concentration prepares you to work in academic and professional careers in health physics, physical science, radiation science, medical physics, radiation biology, and radiation safety. Whether you desire to work in academia, government, industry, medicine, research & development or utilities, the Concentration provides a robust foundation and training for in-demand careers in the radiological sciences.
Curriculum
With a specialized curriculum in physics, biology, bioengineering, mathematics, and medicine, the PhD in Bioengineering - Medical Physics Concentration leverages the interdisciplinary expertise across Penn. Required medical physics courses include the CAMPEP "core," Clinical Practicum, and Professional Development Seminar.
Here is a typical plan of study for the Concentration:
| Semester | Course | Course Number | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Fall | Professional Development Seminar | MPHY 6000 | 0 CU |
| Intro to Radiation Protection (CAMPEP core) | MPHY 6010 | .5 CU | |
| Physics of Medical Imaging (CAMPEP core) | MPHY 6020 / BE 5830 | 1 CU | |
| Image-Based Anatomy (CAMPEP core) | MPHY 6030 | 1 CU | |
| Radiological Physics (CAMPEP core) | MPHY 6040 | 1 CU | |
| Bioengineering Seminar | BE 6990 | .5 CU | |
| Soft Skills for Bioengineering PhDs | BE 5730 | .5 CU | |
| Year 1 Spring | Professional Development Seminar | MPHY 6000 | 0 CU |
| Medical Ethics & Government Regulation (CAMPEP core) | MPHY 6050 | .5 CU | |
| Physics of Radiation Therapy (CAMPEP core) | MPHY 6060 | 1 CU | |
| Radiation Biology (CAMPEP core) | MPHY 6070 | 1 CU | |
| Bioengineering Seminar | BE 6990 | .5 CU | |
| Year 1 Summer | Qualifications Evaluation for PhD research | ||
| Year 2 Fall | Dissertation Research | BE 9990 | 1 CU |
| Responsible Conduct for Research (RCR) in Engineering | EAS 9000 | 0 CU | |
| Distribution Course | e.g., MPHY 6090 / BE 5370 | 1 CU | |
| Distribution Course | e.g., MPHY 6100 | 1 CU | |
| Year 2 Spring | Dissertation Research | BE 9990 | 1 CU |
| Distribution Course | e.g., MPHY 6110 | 1 CU | |
| Distribution Course | e.g., MPHY 6120 | 1 CU | |
| Year 2 Summer | Clinical Practicum | MPHY 7000 | 1 CU |
| Year 3 and Beyond | Dissertation Research | BE 9990 | Variable CUs |
| Dissertation Proposal, Dissertation Status | BE 9950 | Variable CUs | |
| Final Exam / Dissertation Defense |
Funding
Students accepted into the PhD in Bioengineering - Medical Physics Concentration are fully funded including tuition, fees, health insurance, and a stipend.
Admissions
Applicants must apply to the Bioengineering PhD program in the School of Engineering and Applied Science by the stated deadline. Visit the PhD in Bioengineering - Medical Physics Concentration admission page for eligibility and application requirements.
Please note: Applicants who have completed or will be completing a master's degree in medical physics from a CAMPEP-accredited program are not eligible for the PhD in Bioengineering - Medical Physics Concentration. Instead, they should apply to the Bioengineering doctoral program. The Master of Science in Medical Physics degree is not earned in addition to the doctoral degree in bioengineering.