The goal of the Biomedical Physics Interdepartmental Graduate Program is been the development of research scientists who are well versed in physics, mathematics, engineering and computer science, and who understand the application of these disciplines to the instruments and techniques used in the practice of radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation oncology.
Biomedical Physics includes the areas of study usually considered to be Medical Physics, but is broader in scope. Thesis topics include mathematical modeling of physiological processes, systems for production of radiopharmaceuticals, development of database and picture archiving systems in radiology, medical informatics, as well as the conventional studies in diagnostic radiology, radiation therapy and medical imaging. In addition, our program has a Radiation biology Track that studies the biological effect of the radiation we use.
The program has on the order of 45 students and 30 core faculty, and an equal number of associated faculty both on-site and in associated hospitals. Associated faculty members contribute by giving key lectures in their specialties, supervising students in clinical rotations, or by giving the use of special facilities or expertise to assist students in their research. All students are fully funded in their first year. In subsequent years, students are funded from a variety of sources that have included the NIH, DOE, NSF, the California Breast Research Program, the Whitaker Foundation, the Dana Foundation, the UCLA graduate Council and departmental funds including a training grant.
