Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) - Medical Biophysics and Biochemistry (ESM)

Program Description Medical Sciences is a "first-entry" program into the Faculty of Science at Western. High school students interested in studying the basic medical sciences (human biology) modules at an advanced level in the BMSc Program should select MEDICAL SCIENCES on the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). Admission to Medical Sciences is not admission to the BMSc Program. Students are registered as Medical Sciences students in Years 1 and 2, and apply to the BMSc Program when they enter Year 3. Entry into the BMSc Program is competitive and limited but admission is assured for Medical Sciences 2 students who achieve a minimum average of 80%, with no mark less than 60%, in the Year 2 courses that are specific to the student's module of interest for Year 3 BMSc.

Medical Biophysics is an interdisciplinary field, using the principles and laws of the physics sciences to describe and investigate biological processes for the purpose of medical application. This field involves collaboration between physics, biology, and the basic medical sciences, which is essential to learn about diseases and their processes, and how to effectively diagnose and treat them.

In Medical Biophysics and Biochemistry at Western, the teaching and research focus is on the biophysics of the human body and of higher animals. Biological function is explored from the point of view of biochemistry and energy transformation, medical imaging, medical radiation physics and biology, oncology, biomechanics, biological systems control and environmental physics.

The study of Medical Biophysics includes cardiovascular biophysics, bone and artificial joint biomechanics and cancer biology and radiation biophysics, which tackle the understanding and treatment of heart and blood circulation diseases, skeletal and joint diseases and cancer process and treatment.

Medical imaging is a major strength for the department, with a number of world-renowned scientists in the field. This field investigates the science and practical issues of medical imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

Areas of study within Medical Biophysics include: • Conceptual understanding of a wide range of biophysical approaches to research;

• Basic mathematical tools for a quantitative analysis through “hands-on” laboratory work in a research environment; • Theoretical, experimental and applied sciences courses to help students develop the required background for Medical Biophysics.

NOTE: Please note the English scores listed are minimum requirements. Meeting the minimums does not guarantee admission. Students with low English scores may be admitted to the English BOOST Program, a 9 week training program for conditional admission to their chosen program.