Course description
Course overview
Biomedical engineering applies the principles of science, engineering and medicine directly to the complex medical technologies used in the prognosis, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of the sick and injured. This course covers the range of engineering applications that are relevant to the needs of the healthcare industries and draws on the University’s long standing expertise in technology and healthcare.
Course content
Year 1 and Year 2 – BEng and BSc students
You will study the fundamental principles of engineering that underpin the design of medical equipment. This provides the background and tools for more in-depth study or specialisation in the final year. The fundamental modules will cover topics such as:
• Mathematics
• Engineering science
• Computer technology and programming
• Circuit theory
• Analogue and digital electronics
• Signals and systems
In addition to this, biomedical engineers require managerial skills, the ability to communicate effectively, a good measure of human understanding and an awareness of the economic, environmental and social implications of their activity.
Our modules are designed to provide excellent training in all those areas.
You will also study specialist biomedical engineering modules, which cover a wide area of the field. Year one includes the following fundamental modules:
• Anatomy and healthcare
• Physiology and pathology
• Introduction to biomedical engineering
These modules will help you gain sufficient familiarity with physiological concepts and the language of medicine and also allow you to communicate with clinical colleagues with a real understanding of the problems associated with the application of medical technology in the clinical setting.
In year two you will study a variety of more advanced biomedical engineering modules in the areas of:
• Radiation physics and imaging
• Biomedical instrumentation
• Biomedical optics
• Modelling in physiology and healthcare
• Biomedical statistics
Final year – BEng and BSc students
In your final year you have the opportunity to take an increasing number of advanced specialist biomedical engineering modules such as:
• Biomedical signal analysis
• Measurements and instrumentation in healthcare
• Sensors and sensing systems in biomedical engineering
• Digital image processing
• Medical ultrasound
• Medical imaging
• Respiratory and cardiovascular measurement
• Optoelectronics and biophotonics
Students following the BSc route in their three years of study will take fewer modules than the BEng students. Students who successfully finish the three year BSc route will have the opportunity to continue for another year to complete the necessary advanced modules to achieve a BEng degree.
During the final year both courses run project work, completed individually for the BEng and as a group for the BSc. Recent topics have included the design of infrared optical instrumentation for the detection of blood gases; the analysis of physiological signals from patients undergoing open heart surgery; the effect of lasers in medical applications. The project work gives you the opportunity to expand your knowledge and understanding both theoretically and practically.
It also gives you an excellent opportunity to participate and work in a team environment which is a usual characteristic of the real professional world. You will have the chance to interact with members of the School’s various research teams or clinical teams, working alongside experienced researchers on highly relevant and exciting projects.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
The course is interdisciplinary and is taught by staff from the School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, the City Community and Health Sciences, and the School of Informatics, as well as hospital consultants and experts from the medical industry sector who explain how technologies are currently being used in clinical practice. The modular format of the course is taught in formal lectures, seminars and tutorials, supplemented by coursework, laboratory based or theoretical.
Assessment
Assessment is based on marks obtained throughout each year for coursework, and on the mid-year and end-of-year examinations. The final degree classification is based on marks obtained in the second and final academic years.
For those who progress from the BSc to the BEng award, then the final degree classification is based on marks obtained in the second, third and final year.
Professional placement and study abroad
Placement year (optional)
All students enrolled on the BEng course are strongly encouraged to undertake a one year industrial training placement immediately prior to the final year of academic study. You will be paid a salary while on your placement and as this forms an integral part of the course. Overseas students are eligible for placements.
