Biomedical Engineering

BSc (Engineering Science) (NFQ Level 8) leading to ME (NFQ Level 9) or BE (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

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Curricular information is subject to change.

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Why is this course for me?

Biomedical Engineering involves the application of traditional engineering principles to healthcare and medicine. We can think of the brain and nervous system as a large communication system, which co-ordinates and transmits signals around the body, and the organs and limbs as sophisticated engineering systems that control functions such as movement, respiration and blood flow.

UCD Biomedical Engineers are educated with a strong foundation in electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering, which is complemented by an understanding of physiology and anatomy. This foundation is applied to problems in medicine and healthcare in specialised modules such as Biomechanics, Medical Device Design, Neural Engineering, Rehabilitation Engineering and Cell Culture & Tissue Engineering. If you are interested in developing new medical techniques, systems and devices, and you want to be involved in the breakthroughs that are improving the healthcare system for doctors and patients every day, then this is the course for you.

Course Pathways
What Will I Study

First Year
Engineering students follow a common first year. Modules include:

  • Calculus
  • Chemistry
  • Creativity in Design
  • Electrical/Electronic Engineering
  • Energy Engineering
  • Engineering Computing
  • Linear Algebra
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanics
  • Physics.

Second to Fifth Year

Core modules for Biomedical Engineering students may include:

  • Bioinstrumentation
  • Biomechanics
  • Biomaterials
  • Neural Engineering
  • Biomechanics of Cells & Tissues
  • Cell Culture & Tissue Engineering
  • Biosignal Processing
  • Medical Device Design
  • Rehabilitation Engineering
  • Medical Sciences for Engineers
  • Introduction to Physiology
  • Electrical & Electronic Circuits
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electromagnetics
  • Mechanics of Fluids
  • Mechanics of Solids
  • Multivariable Calculus
  • Applied Dynamics
  • Statistics & Probability
  • Modelling and Simulation

These core modules are supplemented by a range of option modules that will enable you to develop within your chosen specialisation and areas of interest.

A student’s week includes attending lectures and tutorials, as well as participating in laboratory-based workshops and undertaking independent study.

A combination of end-of-trimester written examinations and continuous assessment is used. In your final year, you’ll also submit a report of your research project.

For detailed information on subject content click here.

You may be interested in the following blog posts: Student explains what electives are in UCD and how to benefited from them while studying engineering. & How to benefit from electives while studying Engineering.

International Study Opportunities

Students have the opportunity in their third year to spend either one or two trimesters studying abroad in a partner University. There are options to study in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA.

Professional Work Experience

Professional Work Experience (PWE) is incorporated into the 4th year of the integrated ME Biomedical Engineering programme. Six to eight-month internships (the majority of which are paid) have included the following employers: BD Medical, Boston Scientific, DePuy Synthes, Medtronic, Novartis, Stryker and ResMed.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Graduates can find employment in:

  • The Medical Technologies Industries
  • Pharmaceutical Industries
  • Medical Device Design
  • Rehabilitation Engineering
  • Device Manufacturing
  • Regulation
  • Engineering Consultancy

Graduates can also pursue a taught or research Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. You can study for a PhD and work with some of the world’s leading experts on ground-breaking research.

Other Entry Routes
Testimonial

“Biomedical engineering is a very innovative field, with 13 of the top 15 biomedical companies present in Ireland. In UCD you are taught engineering principles to explore the world of clinical medicine, developing technologies and biology through a highly project based syllabus and interactive classes. The placement aspect of the course provides invaluable experience to develop real world professional competencies. My ME degree in Biomedical engineering has enabled me to pursue a prosperous R&D career in the medical device industry performing meaningful work and I would highly recommend this course to anyone.”

Michael Rodgers, Graduate

Contact Information

UCD Engineering & Architecture College Office
Engineering and Materials Science Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4

Tel: +353 1 716 1916
Email: katie.oneill@ucd.ie

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