Medical physics utilises principles and techniques from the field of physics to aid in diagnosing and treating human diseases. The fusion of medicine, physics, technology and basic sciences makes Medical Physics one of the fascinating sub-specialities of physical sciences. A Medical Physicist is a specialised professional who applies the principles and techniques of physics to medicine. They play an important role in healthcare sectors in ensuring safe and effective use of radiation for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. 

In radiation therapy, medical physicistS work closely with radiation oncologists and other treatment team members. They are responsible for accurately delivering radiation doses to target areas while minimising exposure to healthy tissues. This involves tasks such as treatment planning, radiation dose calculations, quality assurance checks, and ensuring the proper functioning of radiation equipment.

In diagnostic imaging, they are involved in the development, optimisation, and quality control of imaging techniques such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. They ensure the imaging procedures are safe and accurate and provide high-quality images with minimum radiation dose for diagnosis and treatment purposes. 

Additionally, medical physicists are engaged in research and development to improve existing techniques and develop new technologies in medical imaging and radiation therapy. They may be involved in image-guided therapies, advanced treatment planning algorithms, radiation safety protocols, and evaluating new imaging modalities. 

To pursue a career as a medical physicist, one typically follows the path of obtaining a postgraduate degree, such as a master’s (MSc) or a doctorate (PhD) in medical physics. Additionally, clinical experience under the guidance of a qualified medical physicist is essential. 

The Department of Nuclear Science offers an MSc program in Medical Physics (SLQF 9) encompassing theoretical knowledge and practical clinical experiences. The course is designed to provide students with a theoretical and practical education in medical physics, preparing them for professional practice in the field. As part of this program, students have the opportunity to engage in additional clinical training and/or research, which is an integral and valuable component of their learning journey. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, further enhancing their understanding and skill set in medical physics.

BSc Degree from a recognized University with Physics as a subject or any other equivalent qualification acceptable to the Senate of the University of Colombo.

• Universities and Higher Educational Institutions (http://www.ugc.ac.lk/en/universities-and-institutes/universities.html)
• University Grant Commission (UGC) recognized foreign Universities (http://www.ugc.ac.lk/en/universities-andinstitutes/recognized-foreign-universities.html)
• UGC recognized other Universities (http://www.ugc.ac.lk/en/universities-and-institutes/other-recognizeddegrees.html)

Graduates who are planning to work or pursue MPhil/PhD in a relevant field, and graduates who are working or planning to become medical physicists, academics, or any other relevant position. Note: This program is more suitable for candidates with solid Physics and Mathematics or Engineering backgrounds.

The MSc program will consist of two parts (Part I and Part II) and the contents will include lecture courses, guided reading, practical work and a mini project. The duration of the complete program will be 24 months. The MSc degree and the postgraduate diploma will be awarded according to the general guidelines of the Faculty of Science.

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Postgraduate Diploma in Nuclear Science can be offered with 25 credits course work under Part I (without conducting any research project). Depending on the level of performance (minimum GPA of 2.5), Postgraduate Diploma can be offered.

Students who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 by the end of part I will be allowed to proceed to part II. The MSc degree (Course work) can be offered by completing 25 credits course work and 5 credit Guided independent research module while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The MSc degree ( research) can be Offered by completing a 30 credit (1 year) optional research module after Part II to those who are having GPA of 3.0 or better in Part II. Depending on the level of performance (minimum GPA of 3.0 in Part III), Master’s Degree(research) can be offered.

The performance of students in theory courses under part I will be evaluated through 32 credits. Evaluations in the theory courses may include in-class assignments in addition to the written examinations. The written examinations will be held at the end of each semester. The written examinations will take 2 hours for 2 credit courses and 3 hours for the 3 credit courses.

The courses with a practical component will be arranged at state and private hospitals. Those practical classes will be assessed based on the practical class performances, the practical reports submitted at the end of each practical session, viva and presentations.

Those who fail the examinations will be allowed to repeat each paper once, at the next available opportunity.

In part II, each student will be given a mini project that will be guided by an assign supervisor. At the completion of the mini project, students will be required to submit a research paper or/and technical report. The evaluation of project, which will be based on the paper or/and technical report and viva-voce examinations, will be carried out according to the general guidelines of the faculty.

∗Electives are to be approved by department to fulfill the degree requirement.
∗∗Practicals are to be assigned by department on the basis of student’s requirement and availability of space.

• Prof. Jeyasinagam Jeyasugiththan – Senior Lecturer, University of Colombo
• Dr. Janaka Wansapura – Senior Lecturer, University of Colombo
• Mrs. Palee Mahawatte – Retired professor, University of Colombo
• Dr. Arshani Wansapura – Visiting Lecturer, University of Colombo
• Mr. Athula Kumara – Chief Medical Physicist, National Cancer Hospital Maharagama
• Dr. Nadarajah Jeyakumaran – Consultant Clinical Oncologist, National Cancer Hospital Maharagama
• Dr. Murali Vallipuranathan – Community Physician, Ministry of Health
• Dr.Sameera Viswakula – Senior Lecturer, University of Colombo
• Dr. Chrishanthi Rajasooriyar – Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Teaching Hospital Jaffna
• Dr. Sivananthan Sarasanandaraja – Medical Physicist, Senior Peter MacCallum Cancer Research Institute & RMIT University, Australia

Further information regarding the MSc Program can be obtained by contacting the program coordinator.

Contact details of the program coordinators are as follows.