uwloo

PHYS 396Biophysics of Imaging

Units
0.50
Faculty
Science
Subject
Physics

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 1 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

Introduction to imaging concepts in biophysics with emphasis on the interrelationship between the physics principles of an imaging modality and the associated image reconstruction; methods for imaging at macroscopic to microscopic scales; computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, PET, optical imaging, optical and fluorescence microscopy, scanning probe microscopy (AFM, STM), optical tweezers, electron microscopy.

Prerequisites

  • Complete all of the following
    • Complete 1 of the following
      • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
        • AMATH231 - Calculus 4 (0.50)
        • AMATH373 - Quantum Theory 1 (0.50)
        • CHEM209 - Introductory Spectroscopy and Structure (0.50)
        • CHEM356 - Introductory Quantum Mechanics (0.50)
        • ECE375 - Electromagnetic Fields and Waves (0.50)
        • NE241 - Electromagnetism (0.50)
        • PHYS233 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (0.50)
        • PHYS234 - Quantum Physics 1 (0.50)
        • PHYS242 - Electricity and Magnetism 1 (0.50)
        • PHYS256 - Geometrical and Physical Optics (0.50)
        • PHYS280 - Introduction to Biophysics (0.50)
        • PHYS380 - Molecular and Cellular Biophysics (0.50)
        • SYDE283 - Physics 3: Electricity, Magnetism and Optics (0.50)
      • Must have completed one of the following:
    • Complete 1 of the following
      • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
        • ECE106 - Electricity and Magnetism (0.50)
        • PHYS112 - Physics 2 (0.50)
        • PHYS122 - Electricity and Magnetism (0.50)
      • Must have completed the following:
    • Complete 1 of the following
      • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
        • MATH128 - Calculus 2 for the Sciences (0.50)
        • MATH138 - Calculus 2 for Honours Mathematics (0.50)
        • MATH148 - Calculus 2 (Advanced Level) (0.50)
      • Must have completed the following:
    • Students must be in level 3A or higher
    • Enrolled in a program offered by the Faculties of Engineering, Mathematics, or Science

Antirequisites

None listed.

Leads to

Winter 2027 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 00174020 / 48MW 08:30–09:50
LEC 701826235 / 9999Online or by arrangement

Reviewed on UW Flow

60% liked it85% easy70% useful

From 5 ratings and 3 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • Great class. It's easy to do well in this class, but there is a decent workload. The work isn't hard, but you do have to put in the time and effort to finish it. Dr. Brenda Lee put together a mock Scientific Conference at the end of the course where you will have to work with a group to prepare a Scientific Poster presentation. This will be what you are working on the most during the course. This course focuses more on conceptual understanding, and how imaging is used in research and medical imaging. Overall, I enjoyed taking this class and the creative, but also practical, approach to learning. 50% assignments, 50% conference project.

    Apr 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Very boring class, the prof did do some odd things, such as originally schedule two 6 hour presentation days on a weekend outside of class time which some students complained about it and got it changed, but she did seem accommodating and helpful. Workload was not too heavy.

    May 2023 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • A very dry course for someone like me who just has zero interests in imaging techniques and just needs this course to graduate. The good thing is that there is no exam, only assignments and two projects - so if you put in enough time you can do well

    Mar 2023 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

3 posts and comments in 2 threads mention PHYS 396, September 2022 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.

Fall 2023

Fall 2022

PHYS 391 and PHYS 396 2 points, 2 comments

u/sin_cos_tan_: “Looking for some info on the difficulty of these courses. Trying to fill a final phys elective requirement and want to take the easier of the two. Nothing on UW Flow for either of the courses so any info or advice is great thanks!”

u/okalright99: “I can’t say too much on PHYS 391 other than I heard some rough things about the lab from a friend but I’ve taken PHYS 396 and absolutely loved that course. If you’re interested in medical imaging and/or grad school, it’s amazing course for that. …”

View on RedditRemove this

Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar