Department of Physics
Degrees and Programs
Fresno State's Biomedical Physics Program is designed to combine a solid foundation in physics with adaptability to a wide range of medical and biomedical careers. Graduates with solid scientific backgrounds are in high demand. Our program has the distinct advantage of small class size, a dedicated and recently updated classroom, individual academic and career advising, and hands-on laboratory and clinical equipment experiences.
The major in Biomedical Physics has been designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in interdisciplinary areas such as Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, or related careers in the health sciences. This major will give students a solid foundation in physics as applied to biological systems and medicine, with flexibility to shape the major towards a student’s specific career goals.
Our programs lay the foundation for careers in fields, such as:
Biomedical Engineering
Biophysics
Medical Physics
Medicine, dentistry, and other health careers
Radiological Physics
Nuclear Medicine
Research-based roles at medical technology companies
Other fields of engineering such as biological/chemical engineering
Our Goal
Our undergraduate biomedical physics program was initiated over 10 years ago by Dr. Amir Huda with the financial support of a training grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The main goal of the program was to prepare our graduates to enter into the very competitive graduate programs (MS or PhD) in Medical Physics. Graduate school (at least at the MS level) and Medical Physics Residency (imaging or therapy) are required by the American Board of Radiology (ABR) that certifies most of the medical physicists in the United States. About half of our past graduates successfully sought other opportunities in related careers such Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Starting in junior year, the program includes courses which prepare the student with the fundamental physics knowledge and experimental methods broadly used across all medical physics specialties.
Our program is currently supported by one Physics faculty member (Dr. Mihai Gherase) and three adjunct faculty members who are certified practicing medical physicists: Drs. Ignacio Romero, Richard Dunia, and Georg Weidlich. Our Seminar in Biomedical Physics course (PHYS 155) includes invited talks from our adjunct faculty, former students, and research or practicing medical physicists. Thus, students find out first-hand about clinical Medical Physics and related careers, graduate school experiences, medical physics residency system, various career-paths, etc. The course also offers the opportunity to learn about subfields of medical physics not covered in our formal course curriculum.
Research Opportunities
Our students are given unique research opportunities:
Medical and biological X-ray fluorescence (XRF) under the supervision of Dr. Mihai
Gherase in his lab located in the Science 2 building.
Hands-on experience with the linear accelerator (LINAC) at the local Fresno Cancer
Centre under the guidance of Drs. Rick Dunia and Ignacio Romero.
American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM)-funded summer research opportunities
at clinical centers across the country.
Summer research opportunities for undergraduate students in experimental biophysics,
are also available at the nearby University of California, Merced.
For questions or more information about the program email Dr. Gherase mgherase@csufresno.edu
Under the Direction of Donald Williams the Physics Outreach Program aims to inspire excitement and curiosity about science across diverse communities, from K-12 students to the general public, and within our university. By making science fun, accessible, and engaging, we strive to break the stigma that "science is hard" and show that anyone can learn and enjoy it. We emphasize the vital role science plays in shaping the world, offering skills and opportunities for future careers. Our program provides special outreach to undeserved communities, ensuring exposure to science for all. Through active collaboration with local educators and institutions, we foster a network that empowers the next generation of scientists and broadens participation in STEM fields.
To learn more please visit our Newsletter Homepage.
To directly support the Physics Outreach Program, please see our Crowdfunding Campaign Physics Outreach: Keep our Trailers Rolling.
Link to Outreach Page