Biomedical Engineering (Healthcare) MSc (Eng)

Program Overview

This 12-month MSc in Biomedical Engineering (Healthcare) equips intercalating medical students and life science graduates with knowledge in biomechanics, tissue engineering, and engineering design. Through a combination of lectures and practical classes, students develop skills to design medical devices, contribute to research, and enter engineering management or consultancy roles. The program is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, putting graduates on track to gain Chartered Engineer status.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc (Eng) in Biomedical Engineering (Healthcare) is a 12-month full-time program designed for intercalating medical students and graduates in life sciences who want to specialize in biomedical engineering. The program combines knowledge of biomechanics and fluid mechanics in the human body with engineering design innovations. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to contribute to the future development of artificial organs, medical devices, and novel treatments. It covers key areas such as biomechanics, cardiovascular fluid mechanics, tissue engineering, biomaterials, engineering design, and manufacturing.

Outline:

The program is structured into three semesters:

• Semester One:
• Compulsory Modules:
• STRUCTURAL BIOMATERIALS (MATS410): Covers the structure and properties of materials used in medical devices, including metals and alloys, polymers, and ceramics.
Also covers corrosion and polymer degradation.
• COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN (MNFG604): Introduces students to the latest 3D tools and techniques used by designers, develops knowledge of integrated systems design, and stimulates an appreciation of modern design and development methodologies.
Students engage in a multi-disciplinary group project to develop and justify an innovative engineering solution/product.
• TECHNICAL WRITING FOR ENGINEERS (ENGG596): Develops technical writing skills for engineers.
• AEROELASTICITY (AERO415): Covers the theories of structural vibration, steady and unsteady aerodynamics, and static and dynamic aeroelasticity.
• Cardiovascular Physiology and Mechanics (ENGG415): Introduces cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, covers the behavior of biofluids under flow with emphasis on blood flow ("haemodynamics"), and explores blood flow in relation to cardiovascular prostheses and devices.
• Optional Modules:
• ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING (MNFG610): Provides an overview of the role of additive manufacturing in new product development, develops a generic understanding of the principles and process chain of additive manufacturing processes, and provides awareness of recent developments in additive manufacturing and associated technologies.
Covers processing, heat treatment, microstructure, and properties of Al, Ti, and Ni alloys. Introduces constituent materials, manufacturing methods, test methods, and mechanical response of composite materials.
• MATERIALS PROCESSING AND SELECTION (MATS520): Introduces the relationships between materials properties and the influence of processing on them.
Considers a range of manufacturing processes for ceramics, polymers, metals, and composites. Uses the Granta – Cambridge Engineering Selector software to inform the selection of materials processing and the inter-relationships with design.
• Cardiovascular Physiology and Mechanics (ENGG415): Introduces cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, covers the behavior of biofluids under flow with emphasis on blood flow ("haemodynamics"), and explores blood flow in relation to cardiovascular prostheses and devices.
• Semester Two:
• Compulsory Modules:
• MUSCULOSKELETAL BIOMECHANICS (ENGG410): Provides an understanding of the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system and covers techniques used to measure and analyze body movements as mechanical systems.
Students engage in a multi-disciplinary group project to develop and justify an innovative engineering solution/product.
• AEROELASTICITY (AERO415): Covers the theories of structural vibration, steady and unsteady aerodynamics, and static and dynamic aeroelasticity.
• Optional Modules:
• ADVANCED MANUFACTURING WITH LASERS (MECH607): Provides an understanding of the principles of advanced manufacturing techniques using lasers and how these are being explored through current/recent research and adopted by industry.
• ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT (MECH433): Discusses energy generation and usage, and how they complement each other.
Topics are introduced in lectures that then lead onto a case study on a specific topic.
• ENTERPRISE STUDIES (MNGT414): Teaches the concepts of Entrepreneurship, Intrapreneurship, Company Infrastructure, and Investment Proposals.
• SMART MATERIALS (MATS515): Introduces students to the facilitating world of ‘Smart Materials’.
• Final Project:
• Compulsory Module:
• MSC(ENG) PROJECT (60 CREDITS) (ENGG660): Provides students with the opportunity to plan, carry out, and control a research project at the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice.
Students report findings both orally and in writing.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of written exams, class tests, and coursework. Coursework-based assignments include essays, reports, oral presentations, mini-project work, key skills exercises, and a dissertation.

Teaching:

Students are taught through a combination of traditional lectures and practical classes, benefitting from research-led teaching and active learning methods. There is a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory work, demonstrations, problem-solving exercises, group projects, and independent study.

Careers:

Graduates from this MSc (Eng) are prepared for a variety of opportunities in the UK and abroad, including:

• Designing medical devices or assistive technologies
• Focusing on research and development
• Working in engineering management or consultancy
Previous biomedical engineering graduates have gone onto careers working for medical device companies, pharmaceutical companies, the National Health Service, and other healthcare providers.

Other:

The program is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, meaning successful completion puts students on track to gain Chartered Engineer (CEng) status in the UK. The program includes a strong practical element and incorporates the latest academic and industry research, preparing students to work effectively at the forefront of engineering.

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year: £12,400

International fees

Full-time place, per year: £28,000 Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. You can pay your tuition fees in installments. All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship. International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.