MSc in Medical Biophysics - Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy in Toronto Canada | University of Toronto

The Department of Medical Biophysics is a cross-disciplinary unit renowned for its longstanding tradition of groundbreaking work in cancer studies, therapies, and other medical fields. Based mainly at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, and SickKids Research Institute, it provides graduate programs culminating in Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. This multifaceted approach to cancer and biomedical investigation transcends traditional divisions between biology, physics, clinical medicine, and engineering, offering a cutting-edge educational framework and top-tier research opportunities.
The graduate training initiative forms a cornerstone of the Department of Medical Biophysics, with roots stretching over half a century to its beginnings in cancer investigation at the Ontario Cancer Institute. Students can pursue interdisciplinary research-oriented graduate degrees at both MSc and PhD levels. While the MSc serves as a typical starting point, the program primarily emphasizes doctoral studies. Coursework is designed to expand students' knowledge bases, particularly for those arriving with backgrounds in life or physical sciences. Completion typically takes 2.5 years for MSc candidates and 5-6 years for PhD candidates.
Medical Biophysics originated from pioneering work in sophisticated cancer detection and treatment methods. Researchers in MBP employ diverse diagnostic tools including cutting-edge molecular analysis for identifying circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and protein markers using next-generation sequencing and proteomics. The department also actively explores imaging technologies for cancer identification. Current investigations explore novel therapeutic approaches like medication repurposing and targeted ultrasound, alongside enhancements to existing treatments including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical procedures, stem cell transplants, and hormonal therapies.