The Department of Medical Biophysics is an interdisciplinary department with a strong history of excellence and discovery in cancer research, treatment, and beyond. Located primarily at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, and SickKids Research Institute, the department offers research training leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The multidisciplinary program in cancer research and broader biomedical research cuts across the conventional boundaries of biology, physics, translational medicine and engineering to deliver a modern, advanced academic curriculum and world-class research training.
In this specialization within our PhD program, students complete a thesis-based PhD, while completing a structured medical physics course curriculum. The specialized program provides a research-intensive environment that immerses students in clinical technologies pertinent to medical imaging, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy. Cutting edge research involving machine learning, theranostics, and heavy particle therapy are ongoing. Students gain skills to pursue the production of high quality research and develop leadership skills.
The functioning of a biological system, which can be as small as individual organelles within a cell or as large as the whole of the human body, is closely linked to the spatial arrangement of its parts. Imaging technology provides a means to identify and understand these spatial patterns, aiding both in medical diagnosis and understanding healthy development across the lifespan. MBP researchers are working to develop new imaging technologies as well as new medical applications of existing imaging technologies. Some of the technology areas that are active within the department include magnetic resonance, ultrasound, magnetoencephalography, X-ray and optical techniques applied to a range of organ systems and across a range of diseases. Depending on the stage of technology development and the ultimate application, these projects may include investigations of the fundamental physical principles, engineering of d