Medical Biophysics at Western

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A Note From the Chair, Jerry Battista, PhD

Jerry Baptista

I welcome you to the exciting discipline of biophysics, and to Canada's first Department of Biophysics. It was created in 1948 to provide opportunities for graduate degrees under the leadership of a noted pioneer in the field, Professor Alan C. Burton. Through his vision, in 1966, The University of Western Ontario established the first Canadian undergraduate program to offer a degree in Honours Biophysics. Specialized courses were developed not only for science students, but also for those enrolled in Western's school of medicine and dentistry. Research was later extended into the area of radiation biology with important contributions to cancer radiotherapy.

The Department of Medical Biophysics (our new name since 1987) works very closely with other university departments, research institutes, and hospitals in the City of London to offer unique graduate training opportunities in diverse fields including: cardiovascular disease, microcirculation, hemodynamics, biomechanics, and cancer. Medical imaging (CT, MRI, MRS, ultrasound, PET-CT) is a vigorous research area, both at the small-animal and human scale. Our research program therefore gives students a chance to work with state-of-the-art equipment, often combining computational and experimental techniques.

At the present time, our Department links 60 researchers across the city, and it is the academic home to over 10 undergraduate students and over 80 graduate students. Through the educational and research programs of the Department of Medical Biophysics, many scientists from different academic backgrounds in physics, engineering, and biology have become committed to careers in research and education. Their work, considered collectively, represents substantial accomplishments in a wide spectrum of physical, biological and clinical science.

Enjoy the tour!

Department of Medical Biophysics - Learning through Research