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INTEGRATED-M-SC in Medical Physics at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Medical Physics at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Paschim Medinipur?
This Integrated M.Sc. Medical Physics program at IIT Kharagpur focuses on the application of physics principles to medicine, particularly in diagnostics and therapy. It addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals who can bridge the gap between advanced technology and clinical practice in the Indian healthcare sector. The program integrates foundational physics with specialized biomedical and radiation sciences, preparing students for critical roles in hospitals and research.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for ambitious 10+2 graduates with a strong aptitude in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology who aspire to a career at the intersection of technology and healthcare. It suits fresh graduates seeking entry into medical technology development, hospital physics, or research. Individuals interested in radiation safety, medical imaging, and cancer therapy will find this specialization highly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including Medical Physicists in hospitals, R&D scientists in medical equipment companies, or researchers in academic institutions. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 5-8 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 15-30+ LPA. The program aligns with national regulatory bodies like AERB, preparing graduates for certifications crucial for clinical practice.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Science Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding core concepts in Physics, Mathematics, and Life Sciences from semesters 1-2. Use online platforms like NPTEL for supplementary lectures, engage in peer study groups, and practice problem-solving rigorously. A strong foundation is crucial for advanced medical physics topics.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Khan Academy, IIT Kharagpur Central Library resources, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid grasp of fundamentals enables quicker learning of specialized subjects and is essential for excelling in competitive exams and research roles later.
Develop Programming and Computing Skills- (Semester 1-3)
Beyond classroom assignments, actively participate in coding contests (e.g., CodeChef, HackerRank) and work on small personal projects related to scientific simulations or data analysis. Familiarity with Python or MATLAB is highly beneficial for medical physics applications and research.
Tools & Resources
CodeChef, HackerRank, GitHub, Python/MATLAB tutorials, Kaggle for data analysis practice
Career Connection
Proficiency in programming is a critical skill for image processing, medical data analysis, and developing custom solutions in clinical settings or R&D.
Engage in Early Research Exposure- (Semester 1-4)
Seek opportunities for summer research internships (SRIP at IIT KGP or other IITs/IISc) or volunteer to assist professors in their research labs. Even basic involvement in semesters 1-2 can provide valuable insights into scientific inquiry and help identify areas of interest.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, Professor''''s websites, SRIP programs at IITs, Online research paper databases
Career Connection
Early research exposure helps build a strong resume for higher studies (PhD) and fosters critical thinking, a key attribute for R&D roles in industry.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Specialized Medical Physics Concepts- (Semester 4-6)
Focus intensely on subjects like Radiation Physics, Biomedical Instrumentation, and Medical Imaging Systems (Semesters 4-6). Attend workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by industry experts. Aim to complete small projects or term papers focused on these areas to deepen understanding.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (Medical Physics, Physics in Medicine & Biology), Specialized textbooks, Departmental workshops, Guest lectures
Career Connection
Expertise in core medical physics domains is directly applicable to roles as a hospital medical physicist or R&D specialist in medical technology.
Seek Internships in Hospitals or Med-Tech Companies- (Semester 5-8)
Actively pursue summer or semester-long internships in oncology departments of hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, or medical device manufacturing companies. This provides invaluable real-world experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to apply theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
IIT Kharagpur Career Development Centre (CDC), LinkedIn, Naukri.com, Direct applications to hospitals/companies like Siemens, GE Healthcare, Philips
Career Connection
Internships are crucial for gaining practical skills, building industry contacts, and often lead to pre-placement offers or direct job opportunities after graduation.
Participate in Technical Competitions and Projects- (Semester 5-8)
Form teams to participate in hackathons, design challenges, or inter-IIT technical competitions focused on biomedical engineering or medical imaging. Work on complex projects, potentially under faculty guidance, to develop practical problem-solving and team management skills.
Tools & Resources
IIT KGP technical festivals, IEEE student chapters, Online platforms for project ideas, Inter-IIT tech meets
Career Connection
Showcasing project experience and competition wins demonstrates practical aptitude, innovation, and teamwork, highly valued by employers.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for AERB Certification and Clinical Practice- (Semester 7-10)
For those aiming for clinical roles, meticulously study the modules required for the AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board) certification exams. Attend specialized training programs or workshops that focus on radiation safety, dosimetry, and quality assurance in a clinical context. Leverage your clinical internship experience.
Tools & Resources
AERB website and guidelines, AERB approved training institutes (e.g., BARC), Textbooks on clinical radiation physics, Mentorship from practicing medical physicists
Career Connection
AERB certification is mandatory for practicing as a Medical Physicist in India, directly opening doors to hospital-based roles in radiotherapy and nuclear medicine.
Focus on Advanced Research and Thesis Development- (Semester 8-10)
For academic or R&D career paths, dedicate significant effort to your Project II and III. Aim for high-quality research that can lead to publications in peer-reviewed journals or presentations at national/international conferences. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
Tools & Resources
Research labs at IIT KGP, Research grants and funding opportunities, Academic conferences (e.g., ICMP, AAPM), Scientific writing workshops
Career Connection
Strong research output enhances prospects for PhD admissions at top global universities or R&D positions in government labs and private companies.
Network Extensively and Develop Soft Skills- (Semester 8-10)
Actively network with alumni, industry leaders, and faculty. Attend career fairs, industry events, and workshops focusing on communication, leadership, and ethical considerations in healthcare. Practice interview skills and professional presentation techniques.
Tools & Resources
IIT KGP Alumni Network, LinkedIn for professional networking, Career counseling services, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to hidden opportunities, while strong soft skills are essential for leadership roles, patient communication, and professional growth in any career path.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have qualified the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced and secured admission through JoSAA/CSAB counselling. Additionally, candidates must have passed the 10+2 (or equivalent) examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (or Biology/Biotechnology for Medical Physics) as subjects, with minimum prescribed marks (typically 75% for General/OBC and 65% for SC/ST/PwD categories in aggregate).
Duration: 5 years / 10 semesters
Credits: 338 (sum of subject-wise credits, program summary states 200) Credits
Assessment: Internal: Varies by course (typically around 50% through quizzes, assignments, mid-semester exams, practicals), External: Varies by course (typically around 50% through end-semester examinations, project viva)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH11001 | Physics I | Core | 8 | Classical Mechanics, Special Relativity, Oscillations and Waves, Optics and Interference, Diffraction and Polarization |
| MA11001 | Mathematics I | Core | 8 | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Vectors and Vector Operations, Matrices and Determinants, Ordinary Differential Equations |
| CH11001 | Chemistry I | Core | 8 | Atomic Structure and Quantum Mechanics, Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry, Organic Chemistry Fundamentals |
| CS10001 | Introduction to Computing | Core | 6 | Programming Concepts, Data Types and Operators, Control Structures, Functions and Modular Programming, Basic Algorithms and Problem Solving |
| HS13001 | English for Communication | Core | 4 | Grammar and Syntax, Academic Writing Skills, Oral Communication and Presentation, Reading Comprehension, Effective Communication Strategies |
| PH19001 | Physics I Laboratory | Lab | 3 | Experiments in Mechanics, Measurement and Error Analysis, Optics Experiments, Wave Phenomena, Properties of Matter |
| CH19001 | Chemistry I Laboratory | Lab | 3 | Volumetric and Gravimetric Analysis, Organic Synthesis Techniques, Instrumental Methods of Analysis, Chemical Kinetics Experiments, Qualitative Analysis |
| CS19001 | Computing Laboratory | Lab | 3 | Programming Exercises (C/C++), Debugging and Testing, Data Input/Output Operations, Array and String Manipulation, Basic Algorithm Implementation |
| EA10001 | Extra Academic Activity I | Other | 0 | Sports and Athletics, National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Cultural Activities, Community Engagement |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH12002 | Physics II | Core | 8 | Electricity and Magnetism, Electrodynamics, Thermodynamics Principles, Kinetic Theory of Gases, Statistical Mechanics Fundamentals |
| MA12002 | Mathematics II | Core | 8 | Linear Algebra, Vector Calculus, Complex Analysis, Laplace Transforms, Fourier Series and Integrals |
| LS10001 | Life Science | Core | 6 | Cell Biology and Structure, Genetics and Heredity, Molecular Biology Principles, Biochemistry and Metabolism, Human Physiology Overview |
| EE11001 | Basic Electrical Technology | Core | 8 | DC and AC Circuits, Network Theorems, Magnetic Circuits, Transformers, Electrical Machines (Motors, Generators) |
| EA10002 | Extra Academic Activity II | Other | 0 | Sports and Athletics, National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Cultural Activities, Community Engagement |
| PH19002 | Physics II Laboratory | Lab | 3 | Experiments in Electricity, Magnetism and Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics Experiments, Semiconductor Device Characteristics, Modern Physics Phenomena |
| LS19001 | Life Science Laboratory | Lab | 3 | Microscopy Techniques, Cell Staining and Counting, Biochemical Tests, DNA/RNA Extraction Principles, Microbial Culture |
| EE19001 | Basic Electrical Technology Laboratory | Lab | 3 | Circuit Analysis and Verification, AC Circuit Measurements, Transformer Characteristics, Motor and Generator Operations, Basic Power Electronics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH21001 | Modern Physics | Core | 8 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Atomic Structure and Spectra, Nuclear Physics Fundamentals, X-rays and their Applications, Lasers and Photonics |
| MA21003 | Mathematical Methods | Core | 8 | Vector Spaces and Operators, Special Functions, Integral Transforms (Fourier, Laplace), Partial Differential Equations, Numerical Methods in Physics |
| EI21003 | Introduction to Electronics | Core | 6 | Semiconductor Physics, Diodes and Rectifiers, Transistors and Amplifiers, Operational Amplifiers, Basic Digital Logic Gates |
| BS20001 | Biology for Engineers | Core | 6 | Cell Structure and Function, Biomolecules and their Roles, Genetics and DNA, Microbiology and Immunology, Physiological Systems |
| PH29001 | Modern Physics Lab | Lab | 3 | Photoelectric Effect Experiments, Planck''''s Constant Determination, Radioactive Decay Measurement, X-ray Fluorescence Analysis, Spectroscopy Techniques |
| EI29003 | Electronics Lab | Lab | 3 | Diode Characteristics, Transistor Amplifier Circuits, Operational Amplifier Applications, Logic Gate Implementation, Oscillators and Waveform Generators |
| EA20003 | Extra Academic Activity III | Other | 0 | Sports and Athletics, National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Cultural Activities, Community Engagement |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH22002 | Electromagnetism | Core | 8 | Electrostatics and Potentials, Magnetostatics and Magnetic Fields, Maxwell''''s Equations, Electromagnetic Waves, Waveguides and Antennas |
| PH22004 | Thermal Physics | Core | 8 | Laws of Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory and Transport Phenomena, Statistical Ensembles, Phase Transitions, Heat Transfer Mechanisms |
| PH22006 | Digital and Analog Electronics | Core | 6 | Advanced Operational Amplifier Circuits, Active Filters, Digital System Design, Microprocessors and Microcontrollers, Data Converters (ADC, DAC) |
| PH22008 | Radiation Physics | Core | 6 | Sources of Radiation, Interaction of Radiation with Matter, Radiation Detectors, Basic Dosimetry, Radiation Safety Principles |
| PH29002 | Electromagnetism Lab | Lab | 3 | Verification of Electromagnetic Laws, RC and RL Circuits, Magnetic Field Measurements, AC Circuit Resonance, Dielectric Constant Measurement |
| PH29004 | Radiation Physics Lab | Lab | 3 | Geiger-Muller Counter Operation, Scintillation Detector Characterization, Radiation Absorption and Attenuation, Inverse Square Law Verification, Radiation Shielding Experiments |
| EA20004 | Extra Academic Activity IV | Other | 0 | Sports and Athletics, National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Cultural Activities, Community Engagement |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH31001 | Quantum Mechanics | Core | 8 | Schrödinger Equation and Applications, Operators and Observables, Angular Momentum, Perturbation Theory, Scattering Theory |
| PH31003 | Classical Mechanics | Core | 8 | Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics, Central Force Motion, Rigid Body Dynamics, Small Oscillations, Canonical Transformations |
| PH31005 | Solid State Physics | Core | 6 | Crystal Structure and Bonding, Band Theory of Solids, Semiconductor Physics, Dielectric Properties, Magnetic Properties of Materials |
| PH31007 | Biomedical Instrumentation | Core | 6 | Bioelectric Signals and Electrodes, Biomedical Transducers, ECG, EEG, EMG, Patient Monitoring Systems, Therapeutic and Prosthetic Devices |
| PH39001 | Solid State Physics Lab | Lab | 3 | Hall Effect Measurement, PN Junction Characteristics, Transistor Amplifier Design, X-ray Diffraction Principles, Superconductivity Experiments |
| PH39003 | Biomedical Instrumentation Lab | Lab | 3 | Biopotential Signal Acquisition, ECG and EEG Recording, Pulse Oximetry Principles, Medical Transducer Calibration, Medical Equipment Testing |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH32002 | Atomic and Molecular Physics | Core | 8 | Atomic Structure and Spectra, Molecular Bonding and Spectra, Rotational and Vibrational Spectroscopy, Electronic Spectra, Lasers and Masers |
| PH32004 | Nuclear Physics | Core | 8 | Nuclear Structure and Properties, Radioactivity and Decay Modes, Nuclear Reactions, Nuclear Fission and Fusion, Elementary Particles |
| PH32006 | Medical Imaging Systems | Core | 6 | X-ray Imaging and Radiography, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound Imaging, Nuclear Medicine Imaging (SPECT/PET) |
| PH32008 | Radiation Biology | Core | 6 | Interaction of Radiation with Cells, DNA Damage and Repair, Cellular Response to Radiation, Radiation Effects on Tissues and Organs, Radiation Syndromes and Radioprotectors |
| PH39002 | Medical Imaging Lab | Lab | 3 | Image Acquisition Techniques, Image Processing Fundamentals, X-ray Radiography Practice, Ultrasound Scanning Simulations, Medical Image Analysis |
| PH39004 | Nuclear Physics Lab | Lab | 3 | Alpha and Beta Spectroscopy, Gamma Ray Spectroscopy, Neutron Detection Techniques, Isotope Identification, Coincidence Measurements |
Semester 7
Semester 8
Semester 9
Semester 10
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH58002 | Project III | Project | 12 | Independent Research and Development, Thesis/Dissertation Preparation, Experimental Validation, Innovation and Patenting Aspects, Project Management and Reporting |
| PH57002 | Clinical Internship | Core | 18 | Hands-on Training in Hospitals/Clinics, Patient Interaction and Care, Operation of Medical Equipment, Clinical Case Studies, Inter-departmental Collaboration |
