Prerequisites

Take MATH-121 or MATH-134 or permission of Physics department chair;PHYS L111 taken concurrently

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Introduction to the fundamental principles of physics. Study of vectors, Newton's laws, rotations, rigid body statics and dynamics, simple harmonic motion, heat and thermodynamics, kinetic theory. The laboratory consists of experiments to illustrate the basic concepts studied in the course.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS

Prerequisites

PHYS 111 and Concurrently with PHYS L112

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Continuation of the fundamental principles of physics. Study of electric forces and fields, electric potential, DC circuits, electromagnetic induction, magnetic fields, AC circuits, introduction to optics, introduction to atomic, nuclear and particle physics.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS

Prerequisites

Take MATH-121 or MATH 165. PHYS L151 concurrently

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Introduction to the fundamental principles of physics using calculus. The course includes the study of vectors, Newtons laws, rotations, rigid body statics and dynamics, simple harmonic motion, heat and temperature.

Term Offered

Offered Both Fall and Spring

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS

Prerequisites

PHYS 151, PHYS L152 concurrently

Course Credits

3.00

Description

This calculus based course begins with topics in kinetic theory and the laws of thermodynamics. It then covers electric charge and field, Gauss' law, electrical potential and capacitance, electric currents and DC circuits. Next magnetism, electromagnetic induction, Faraday's law and AC circuits are discussed. This is followed by Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, and properties of light.

Term Offered

Offered Both Fall and Spring

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS

Prerequisites

Take MATH-121 or MATH-165;

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This calculus based course is the introduction of the topics of modern physics. It begins with special relativity, the Lorentz transformation, relativistic momentum and energy, addition of relativistic velocities, then covers early quantum theory, blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, the Compton effect, photon interactions, pair production, and the Bohr theory of the atom. Then Schrodingers equation is introduced with use of wave functions, particle box, barrier penetration, quantum mechanical tunneling, the Pauli Exclusion principle, the development of the periodic table, and the x ray spectra. Development of solid state physics with bonding in molecules, band theory of solids and semiconductor behavior. The final topics cover nuclear physics, radioactivity, half-life, nuclear fission and fusion, medical uses of radiation, elementary particle physics and introduction to astrophysics.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: PHYS 151-152

Course Credits

4.00

Description

An introduction to the concepts and methods of astrophysics; including a history of astronomy from the ancients to Newton; light; telescopes; sun, earth, moon planets, comets, asteroids, meteors, space programs, science and technology in society. Astronomy of the cosmos; sun, stars, interstellar materials, galaxies, pulsars, quasars, black holes; nature of time relativity, cosmology.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

Radiation Therapy (Major or Certificate) or Medical Dosimetry Students Only

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course will serve an an introduction to the role of the radiation therapist and medical dosimetrist in a Radiation Oncology department. Through a combination of detailed lectures, discussions, role-playing, case studies, and hands-on laboratory exercises, students will be introduced to the professional and clinical aspects of their respective professions. Additional topics included radiation safety, patients rights, infection control, communication for the clinic, patient assessment, and psychosocial aspects of cancer including death and dying.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

Chem 111-112 or Phys 111-112 Or Permisson of Instructor

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course is designed as an introduction to nanotechnology and some of its important uses. It is aimed at science majors who have taken basic courses in physics or chemistry. The course will cover the properties and uses of carbon-nanotubes, nanocomposites, and other nanomaterials that are being fabricated in labs and industries around the world. It will serve as an introduction to the important role of nanomaterials in solving the modern-day energy problems.

Term Offered

Occasional

Prerequisites

Radiation Therapy (Major or Certificate) or Medical Dosimetry Students Only

Course Credits

3.00

Description

This course is a continuation of MS 301. Through the same didactic approach, the course will cover all of the anatomical systems and their related medical terminology NOT covered in MS 301.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

PHYS 112, BIO 111, MATH 134 or higher, and PHYS L315 concurrently; Radiation Biology, Radiation Science, Radiation Therapy (Major or Certificate), or Medical Dosimetry Students Only

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Content is designed to establish a thorough knowledge of the radiation physics used in radiation therapy treatments. Topics to be covered in this course include a review of basic physics (energy, mass, matter, SI units), structure of matter, types of radiations, nuclear transformations, radioactive decay, the fundamentals of x-ray generators and x-ray production, interactions of x and gamma rays with matter, absorbed dose, measurements of dose, principles of and practical use of ionization chambers and electrometers, Geiger counters and other survey meters, principles and practical use of TLDs, film, calorimetery, scintillation detectors, radiation protection and quality assurance.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

MS 315

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course is intended to expand on the concepts and theories presented in Radiation Physics I. It will provide a detailed analysis of the treatment units used in external beam radiation therapy, their beam geometry, basic dose calculations and dose distributions. This course will also cover the principles, theories, and uses of brachytherapy. This course was previously MS 412

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Take ECE-225 and ECE-L225;

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Applications of specific mathematical methods to problems in physics. Topics include complex analysis, integral transforms, eigenvalue problems, partial differential equations and group theory. This course is available in a hybrid/online format where all lectures are online and meetings with the instructor are required once per week. These meetings are for the purpose of helping students with homework problems, points in the video lectures they did not understand, or quizzes to test students' currency with the online material. These meetings are typically scheduled in a classroom but it is possible for a small number of students abroad to make special arrangements with the instructor so that the weekly meetings are held using online technology which supports voice and equation writing (such as the virtual classroom in Blackboard collaboration).

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

PHYS 152 ; MATH 265 which may be taken concurrently

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Newton's laws of motion, projectiles, momentum, energy, conservation laws, oscillations, Lagrange equations, generalized momenta, central forces, orbits. This course is available in a hybrid/online format where all lectures are online and meetings with the instructor are required once per week. These meetings are for the purpose of helping students with homework problems, points in the video lectures they did not understand, or quizzes to test students' currency with the online material. These meetings are typically scheduled in a classroom but it is possible for a small number of students abroad to make special arrangements with the instructor so that the weekly meetings are held using online technology which supports voice and equation writing (such as the virtual classroom in Blackboard collaboration).

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

PHYS 361

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Mechanics in non-inertial frames, rotational motion of rigid bodies, coupled oscillations, nonlinear mechanics and chaos, Hamiltonian mechanics, collision theory, continuum mechanics. This course is available in a hybrid/online format where all lectures are online and meetings with the instructor are required once per week. These meetings are for the purpose of helping students with homework problems, points in the video lectures they did not understand, or quizzes to test students' currency with the online material. These meetings are typically scheduled in a classroom but it is possible for a small number of students abroad to make special arrangements with the instructor so that the weekly meetings are held using online technology which supports voice and equation writing (such as the virtual classroom in Blackboard collaboration).

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: PHYS 361-362

Course Credits

2.00

Description

Astrophysical instrumentation. Astronomical observations. Reduction techniques.

Term Offered

Summer

Prerequisites

Senior Standing

Course Credits

4.00

Description

The senior project is the capstone research experience of the undergraduate Physics Major. This one semester course requires students to work one on one with faculty in an area of mutually agreed upon research. In general, the effort will involve the use of mathematical and programming skills, laboratory techniques, and possibly field work. The end result will be both a paper and a formal presentation to both faculty and students.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

MS 315;MSL415 concurrently

Course Credits

3.00

Description

This course will discuss the factors that influence treatment planning and govern the clinical aspects of patient treatment. Topics to be covered include treatment planning with 3-D CT and MRI beams, isodose plan descriptions, clinical applications of treatment beams and advanced dosimetric calculations. This course will also contrast new emerging technologies with conventional radiation therapy techniques (SRT, SRS, IMRT, Image Guided Therapy, Respiratory Gating).

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Take BIO 403, MS 315 and MS L315.

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Topics covered include: physio-chemical aspects of energy absorption, the sequence of events after irradiation occurring on the molecular, cellular and organized tissue levels, radiation response and repair of eukaryotic cells, effects of radiation quality, dose rate, environmental conditions, cell cycle kinetics, tumor and normal cell population dynamics, radiation-induced carcinogenesis and mutagenesis, tumor pathophysiology and radiobiology, and recent advances in experimental radiation oncology.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Currently enrolled in PHYS 415; must complete PHYS 415 prior to Fall semester; Medical Dosimetry Students Only

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course is a continuation of Clinical Dosimetry I and will focus on advanced treatment planning techniques including intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), arc therapy, stereotactic treatment planning, and proton therapy. The advantages of each technique/modality over conventional 3D-treatment planning will be discussed. This will also be contrasted against the specific challenges presented by each technique such as the need for better immobilization, need for 4D CT scanning and daily IGRT (kV matching and/or CBCT).

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

Radiation Therapy (Major or Certificate) or Medical Dosimetry Students Only

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course, taught by Massachusetts General Hospital physicians will review cancer epidemiology, etiology, detection, diagnosis and prevention, lymphatic drainage, and treatment. The pathology(s) of each cancer will be presented in detail including the rationale for each preferred modality of treatment.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

Radiation Therapy (Major or Certificate) or Medical Dosimetry Students Only

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course will begin with an introduction to radiology, reviewing x-ray production and discussing basic radiation physics, image formation (Kv, mA) and distortion (blur, magnification), conventional processing and digital imaging. The above-mentioned radiographic imaging concepts will be presented with conventional lectures as well as with several imaging laboratories. In addition, the basic principles of each imaging modality, including mammography, CT, MRI, Nuc Med, and Ultra Sound, will be presented. With the use of departmental tours and guest lecturers, the use, benefits and limitations of each will be discussed. Building upon the information previously presented, radiographic anatomy will also be covered with an emphasis on cross sectional anatomy. Students will review basic anatomy viewed in sectional planes (axial/transverse) of the body. Using CT and MRI images, the topographic relationship between internal organs and surface anatomy will be interpreted and discussed.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

Course Credits

4.00

Description

The senior project is the capstone research experience of the undergraduate Astrophysics major. This one-semester course requires students to work one-on-one with faculty in an area of mutually agreed upon research. In general, the effort will involve use of mathematical and programming skills.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Currently enrolled in PHYS 415; must complete PHYS 415 prior to Fall semester; Medical Dosimetry Students Only

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Topics in this course will include, radioactive sources, calibration, instrumentation, factors affecting dose calculations, definitions of LDR, MDR and HDR, treatment planning and clinical dose calculation, implantation techniques, implant localization/verification, regulations, radiation safety, storage and QA. Detailed coverage of prostate brachytherapy including LDR and HDR will be emphasized.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course is designed for the medical dosimetry student, to include a general overview of computer systems and networking in the field of radiation oncology. A historical view of computers will be covered as well as the intricate uses in the medical field today. Oncology information systems such as MOSAIC and ARIA, as well as radiation therapy software used for imaging, contouring, treatment planning, and patient charting applications will be covered. Data and system security will also be addressed.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

PHYS-153;

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Topics include atoms and elementary particles, atomic, molecular and nuclear systems. Quantum states and probability amplitude, wave mechanics and thermal properties of matter. Atomic spectra and structure, and molecular systems. Nuclear reactions, alpha and beta decay and high energy physics. This course is available in a hybrid/online format where all lectures are online and meetings with the instructor are required once per week. These meetings are for the purpose of helping students with homework problems, points in the video lectures they did not understand, or quizzes to test students' currency with the online material. These meetings are typically scheduled in a classroom but it is possible for a small number of students abroad to make special arrangements with the instructor so that the weekly meetings are held using online technology which supports voice and equation writing (such as the virtual classroom in Blackboard collaboration).

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

MS 302 & RT Clinical Student

Course Credits

1.00

Description

For the senior radiation therapy student, this course will emphasize advanced radiation treatment techniques, including patient simulation, immobilization, contouring, beam modification, as well as special procedures.

Term Offered

Prerequisites

PHYS 361 and PHYS 362.

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Non-relativistic study of particle systems, wave mechanical treatment, development of the concepts of observables, state vectors, operators and matrix representations. Hilbert space, angular momenta, coupling, symmetries, scattering, and perturbation theory. Harmonic oscillator and Hydrogen atom. This course is available in a hybrid/online format where all lectures are online and meetings with the instructor are required once a week. These meetings are for the purpose of helping students with homework problems, points in the video lectures they did not understand, or quizzes to test students' currency with the online material. These meetings are typically scheduled in a classroom but it is possible for a small number of students abroad to make special arrangements with the instructor so that the weekly meetings are held using online technology which supports voice and equation writing (such as the virtual classroom in Blackboard collaboration).

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

PHYS 461, PHYS 361 and PHYS 362.

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Non-relativistic study of particle systems, wave mechanical treatment, development of the concepts of observables, state vectors, operators and matrix representations. Hilbert space, angular momenta, coupling, symmetries, scattering, and perturbation theory. Harmonic oscillator and Hydrogen atom. This course is available in a hybrid/online format where all lectures are online and meetings with the instructor are required once per week. These meetings are for the purpose of helping students with homework problems, points in the video lectures they did not understand, or quizzes to test students' currency with the online material. These meetings are typically scheduled in a classroom but it is possible for a small number of students abroad to make special arrangements with the instructor so that the weekly meetings are held using online technology which suppports voice and equation writing (such as the virtual classroom in Blackboard collaboration).

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: PHYS 463

Course Credits

4.00

Description

The Milky Way. Galactic astronomy. Galactic Dynamics.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Computer Science Option, PHYS 463, PHYS 465

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Computers in astronomy. Astrophysical simulations. Multiple timescale numerical problems. Supercomputing.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

Senior status

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course will be available to senior students enrolled in the Radiation Therapy and Medical Dosimetry programs. This seminar style course will serve a number of purposes; one will be to prepare our graduating students for board certification in their respective disciplines (AART for Radiation Therapy and MDCB for Medical Dosimetry). Exam preparation will include the use of lectures, student teaching, online teaching tools, mini mock exams, and a full-length mock exam. The seminar will also assist students with the preparation of their professional resumes including discussions regarding the skills necessary to make job interviews successful.

Term Offered

Prerequisites

PHYS-362

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Electrostatic field energy, methods for solution of boundary value problems. The magnetostatic field and magnetic circuits. Electromagnetic field energy, plane waves, wave guides and cavity resonators. Interatction of charge particles with electromagnetic fields. This course is available in a hybrid/online format where all lectures are online and meetings with the instructor are required once per week. These meetings are for the purpose of helping students with homework problems, points in the video lectures they did not understand, or quizzes to test students' currency with the online material. These meetings are typically scheduled in a classroom but it is possible for a small number of students abroad to make special arrangements with the instructor so that the weekly meetings are held using online technology which supports voice and equation writing (such as the virtual classroom in Blackboard collaboration).

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Directed reading, lectures, seminar and research in selected areas of special interest.

Term Offered

Occasional

Prerequisites

PHYS 111 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Introduction to the fundamental principles of physics. Study of vectors, Newton's laws, rotations, rigid body statics and dynamics, simple harmonic motion, heat and thermodynamics, kinetic theory. The laboratory consists of experiments to illustrate the basic concepts studied in the course. Error propagation, use of Excel, laboratory notebooks and formal reports required.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS

Prerequisites

PHYS 111 and PHYS L111; PHYS 112 must be taken concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Continuation of the fundamental principles of physics. Study of electric forces and fields, electric potential, DC circuits, electromagnetic induction, magnetic fields, AC circuits, introduction to optics, introduction to atomic, nuclear and particle physics. The laboratory consists of experiments to illustrate the basic concepts studied in the course. Error propagation, use of Excel, laboratory notebooks, and formal reports required.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS

Prerequisites

PHYS 151 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

The laboratory consists of experiments to illustrate the basic concepts studied in the course: measurements, propagation of errors, vectors, Newton's laws, work and energy, momentum, rotations, oscillations, simple harmonic motion, fluid. Knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, differentiation and integration required.

Term Offered

Offered Both Fall and Spring

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS

Prerequisites

PHYS 151 and L151 and PHYS 152 must be taken concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

The laboratory consists of experiments to illustrate the basic concepts studied in the course: heat, gas laws, electric forces, field, and potential, DC and AC circuits, magnetic field, electromagnetic induction, Faraday's law, optics. Calculus, algebra, trigonometry are required. Error propagation, use of Excel, laboratory notebooks, and formal reports required.

Term Offered

Offered Both Fall and Spring

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS

Prerequisites

MS 301 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Provides the necessary clinical experience to become a radiation therapist. All labs are conducted at our clinical affiliates. Under the supervision of licensed radiation therapists, the students will become increasingly proficient in the manipulation of treatment equipment, will gain a thorough understanding of radiation treatment plans, will deliver a prescribed radiation dose to cancer patients, and will acquire knowledge of all relevant aspects of patient care. These labs are available only to students enrolled in the "clinical track".

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Radiation Therapy (Major or Certificate) Students Only

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Provides the necessary clinical experience to become a radiation therapist. All labs are conducted at our clinical affiliates. Under the supervision of licensed radiation therapists, the students will become increasingly proficient in the manipulation of treatment equipment, will gain a thorough understanding of radiation treatment plans, will deliver a prescribed radiation dose to cancer patients, and will acquire knowledge of all relevant aspects of patient care. These labs are available only to students enrolled in the "clinical track".

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

MS 303 concurrent

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Provides the necessary clinical experience to become a radiation therapist. All labs are conducted at our clinical affiliates. Under the supervision of licensed radiation therapists, the students will become increasingly proficient in the manipulation of treatment equipment, will gain a thorough understanding of radiation treatment plans, will deliver a prescribed radiation dose to cancer patients, and will acquire knowledge of all relevant aspects of patient care. These labs are available only to students enrolled in the "clinical track".

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Take MS-301 MS-L301;

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Student radiation therapists will spend 12 weeks (full-time, 40 hrs/wk) gaining hands on patient care experience in the department of radiation oncology at our clinical affiliates. Under constant supervision by licensed therapists, the student will be guided toward the application of theory in the real world of cancer treatment.

Term Offered

Summer

Course Types

Expanded Classroom Requirement

Prerequisites

MS-L111 and take MS-301 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Under the supervision of a Certified Medical Dosimetrist, students will gain hands on treatment planning experience in a clinical setting. Two,8-hour days per week, TTH.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Medical Dosimetry Students Only

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Under the supervision of a certified medical dosimetrist, students will gain hands on treatment planning experience in a clinical setting. Three 8-hour days per week, MWF.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Prerequisites

MS-L312 and MS-303 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Under the supervision of a Certified Medical Dosimetrist, students will gain hands on treatment planning experience in a clinical setting. Three, 8-hour days per week, MWF.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

Take MS-301 and MS-L311;

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Student dosimetrists will spend 12 weeks (full-time, 40 hrs/wk) gaining hands on treatment planning experience in the department of radiation oncology at our clinical affiliates. Under constant supervision of certified medical dosimetrists, the student will be guided toward the application of theory in the real world of cancer treatment planning.

Term Offered

Summer

Course Types

Expanded Classroom Requirement

Prerequisites

PHYS 315 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

This lab will cover a broad range of experiments associated with the Department of Radiation Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital. Topics include: Quality assurance measurements for radiation therapy, calibration of radiation teletherapy unit using ionization chambers, measurements of dose distribution via film, measurements of dose in a phantom via TLDs, radiation protection survey of therapy installation and brachytherapy sources, and radiation biology.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Course Types

Expanded Classroom Requirement

Prerequisites

Permission of Dept Chair Required

Course Credits

1.00- 2.00

Description

This is a laboratory based research experience which involves teams of students assisting faculty in Physics/Astronomy research projects. Students will participate in an intensive laboratory training period in the Canary Islands and will follow through with research work in consultation with faculty based in the Madrid and Boston campuses. A final paper and presentation is required. Permission of department chair is required for registration and determination of course credits.

Term Offered

Prerequisites

MS 315, MS L315, MS 415 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

This lab will provide the student with the opportunity to apply clinical dosimetry principles and theories learned in the classroom to actual treatment planning situations within the clinic. Through hands-on lab exercises the student will demonstrate the use of the treatment planning instruments and interpret information they compute.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Prerequisites

PHYS 451 and PHYS 452 or equivalent.

Course Credits

2.00

Description

Classical and modern experiments in physics; Experiments may include Frank Hertz experiment, Hall effect, nuclear magnetic resonance, quantum dots, detection of muons, x-ray spectroscopy, ellipsometry, physics of timbre of musical instruments, data acquisition.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term