Masters Degrees (Bioinstrumentation)

Students in the Biomedical Engineering (BME) Graduate Program are interested in cutting-edge, multidisciplinary biomedical research. The BME Graduate Program enables graduate students to undertake MEng (Thesis), MSc, or PhD programs that intersect the fields of engineering, kinesiology, medicine, science and veterinary medicine.

The BME Graduate Program is jointly coordinated by the Schulich School of Engineering, Cumming School of Medicine and Faculty of Kinesiology, with additional participating faculty members from the Faculties of Science and Veterinary Medicine. The BME Graduate Program supports the University of Calgary’s Engineering Solutions for Health: Biomedical Engineering Research Strategy. By coordinating and consolidating complementary research and teaching programs across the University of Calgary and linking with health care facilities, the BME Graduate Program forms an integral part of a Canadian centre of excellence in BME graduate education and research.

The unique, multi-disciplinary, design of this program means our trainees have access to cutting edge research laboratories and equipment.

The BME Graduate Program was approved by The University of Calgary Board of Governors in 1997. It was initially funded by a three-year Whitaker Foundation Special Opportunity Award, part of a joint proposal with the University of Alberta. Provincially based activities continue to this day and are highlighted by the now University of Calgary-led Alberta BME Conference. This annual meeting now includes participation from the University of Lethbridge, as well as other western Canadian BME programs. The meeting attracts over 160 individuals and has been held every year since 2000 in Banff, Alberta.

While the BME Graduate Program is an established program supporting a diverse research community, it continues to evolve in response to new opportunities and changing needs of students and the biomedical community in Alberta. It is a key component of The University of Calgary’s Eyes High vision and supports both the university’s academic and research plans, particularly the strategic research theme of Engineering Healthcare Solutions.

Areas of Biomedical Engineering

-Bioelectricity
-Biomechanics
-Cell and tissue engineering (or biomaterials)
-Imaging
-Bioinstrumentation
-Clinical engineering
-Rehabilitation engineering

The University of Calgary is recognized as a leader in the first four areas, and is actively growing expertise in bioinstrumentation. Bioelectricity, biomechanics, cell and tissue engineering (biomaterials) and imaging represent the current four themes of the BME Graduate Program.

BME research at the University of Calgary is carried out in numerous locations throughout engineering, kinesiology, medicine, science, and veterinary medicine. BME active university and hospital-based research centers and institutes include, the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, the Calgary Centre for Innovative Technology, the Experimental Imaging Centre, the Human Performance Laboratory, the Pharmaceutical Production Research Facility, the Seaman Family MR Research Centre, and the Sports Medicine Centre.

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Summary

The course is a suitable preparation for employment in the medical device sector and as preparation for PhD studies or research positions. The course draws upon the internationally recognised research with the school in areas such as Tissue Engineering, Bioceramics, Medical Electrodes and Drug Delivery. The course team also has a wealth of industrial experience and several medical device spin out companies have been established by the school.

Core modules

• Bioinstrumentation
• Biomaterials 1
• Tissue engineering
• Research Methods & Facilities Core modules
• Composite engineering
• Polymer technology
• Process product optimisation
• Research Methods & Facilities

Students can then tailor the course to their needs and interests by selecting from a wide range of optional modules.

Attendance

The full-time MSc takes one calendar year to complete and consists of two taught terms with a substantial research project during the summer semester. The MSc can also be undertaken in a part-time day release mode. Part-time students who are in full-time employment will be able to gain credit for work-based activity in the work-based learning modules that are a feature of the programme.

For the PGDip, full-time students take four modules per semester for semesters 1 and 2 with the course running from September to May. Part-time students generally take two modules per semester but this can be altered as required. Part-time students attend one day per week during term time and some of the modules run in the evening.

Work placement / study abroad

Part-time students can undertake work based learning modules.

Professional recognition

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)  

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Career options

Upon successful completion of the programme students will be more employable, particularly within the industry. Another important opportunity for MSc students is the academic career and/or research career through a PhD programme such as those offered in the Engineering Research Institute (ERI) which hosts the MSc programme.

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The programme is a full-time taught postgraduate degree course leading to the degree of MSc in Biomedical Engineering. It has an international dimension, providing an important opportunity for postgraduate engineers to study the principles and state-of-the-art technologies in biomedical engineering with a particular emphasis on applications in advanced instrumentation for medicine and surgery.

Why study Biomedical Engineering at Dundee?

Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles and design methods to improve our understanding of living systems and to create new techniques and instruments in medicine and surgery.

The taught modules in this course expose students to the leading edge of modern medical and surgical technologies. The course also provides concepts and understanding of the role of entrepreneurship, business development and intellectual property exploitation in the biomedical industry, with case examples.

The research project allows students to work in a research area of their own particular interest, learning skills in presentation, critical thinking and problem-solving. Project topics are offered to students during the first semester of the course.

UK qualifications are recognised and respected throughout the world. The University of Dundee is one of the top UK universities, with a powerful research reputation, particularly in the medical and biomedical sciences. It has previously been named 'Scottish University of the Year' and short-listed for the Sunday Times 'UK University of the Year'.

Links with Universities in China:

This course can be taken in association with partner universities in China with part of the course taken at the home institution before coming to Dundee to complete your studies. For students from elsewhere it is possible to take the entire course at Dundee.

What's so good about Biomedical Engineering at Dundee?

The University of Dundee has had an active research programme in biomedical engineering for over 20 years.

The Biomedical Engineering group has a high international research standing with expertise in medical instrumentation, signal processing, biomaterials, tissue engineering, advanced design in minimally invasive surgery and rehabilitation engineering.

Research partnerships:

We have extensive links and research partnerships with clinicians at Ninewells Hospital (largest teaching hospital in Europe) and with world renowned scientists from the University's College of Life Sciences. The new Institute of Medical Science and Technology (IMSaT) at the University has been established as a multidisciplinary research 'hothouse' which seeks to commercialise and exploit advanced medical technologies leading to business opportunities.

This course has two start dates - September or January, and lasts for 12 months.

How you will be taught

The structure of the MSc course is divided into two parts. The taught modules expose students to the leading edge of modern biomedical and surgical technologies. The course gives concepts and understanding of the role of entrepreneurship, business development and intellectual property exploitation in the biomedical industry, with case examples.

The research project allows students to work in a research area of their own particular interest, learning skills in presentation, critical thinking and problem-solving. Project topics are offered to students towards at the beginning of second semester of the course.

What you will study

The course is divided into two parts:

Part I (60 Credits):

Bioinstrumentation (10 Credits)
Biomechanical Systems (20 Credits)
Biomaterials (20 credits)
Introduction to Medical Sciences (10 Credits)
Part II (120 Credits) has one taught module and a research project module. It starts at the beginning of the University of Dundee's Semester 2, which is in mid-January:

The taught module, Advanced Medical and Surgical Instrumentation (30 Credits), exposes students to the leading edge of modern medical and surgical technologies. It will also give concepts and understanding of the role of entrepreneurship, business development and intellectual property exploitation in the biomedical industry, with case examples.
The research project (90 Credits) will allow students to work in a research area of their own particular interest and to learn skills in presentation, critical thinking and problem-solving. Project topics will be offered to students before Part II of the course. We shall do our best to provide all students with a project of their choice.
The time spent in Dundee will also give students a valuable educational and cultural experience.

How you will be assessed

The course is assessed by coursework and examination, plus dissertation.

Careers

An MSc degree in Biomedical Engineering will prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career in one of many sectors: the rapidly growing medical technology industry, academic institutions, hospitals and government departments.

A wide range of employment possibilities exist including engineer, professor, research scientist, teacher, manager, salesperson or CEO.

The programme also provides the ideal academic grounding to undertake a PhD degree leading to a career in academic research.

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The MSc Medical Imaging programme is intended to provide a Masters-level postgraduate education in the knowledge, skills and understanding of engineering design of advanced medical and biotechnology products and systems. Students will also acquire a working knowledge of the clinical environment to influences their design philosophy.

Why study Medical Imaging at Dundee?

With biotechnology replacing many of the traditional engineering disciplines within the UK, this programme will allow you to develop the skills to apply your engineering or scientific knowledge to technologies that further the developments in this field. As a result, employment opportunities will be excellent for graduates, both in research and in industry.

We have an active research group, and you will be taught by leading researchers in the field.

What's so good about Medical Imaging at Dundee?

The MSc in Medical Imaging at the University of Dundee will:

Provide knowledge, skills and understanding of medical imaging technologies, particularly in modern biomedical, radiological and surgical imaging instrumentation, biomaterials, biomechanics and tissue engineering

Enhance your analytical and critical abilities, competence in multi-disciplinary research & development

Provide broad practical training in biology and biomolecular sciences sufficient for you to understand the biomedical nomenclature and to have an appreciation of the relevance and potential clinical impact of the research projects on offer

Allow you to experience the unique environment of clinical and surgical aspects in medical imaging in order to provide an understanding of the engineering challenges for advanced practice

Provide core training in electrical, microwave, magnetic, acoustic and optical techniques relevant to the life sciences interface and

Provide broad experience of analytical and imaging techniques relevant for biology, biomolecular and clinical sciences
provide core training in acoustic ultrasound technologies.

Who should study this course?

This course is suitable for students who are recent graduates of mechanical engineering courses or other related programmes.

This course has two start dates - January & September, and lasts for 12 months.

How you will be taught

The programme will involve a variety of teaching formats including lectures, tutorials, seminars, hands-on imaging classes, laboratory exercises, case studies, coursework, and an individual research project.

The teaching programme will include visits to and seminars at IMSaT and clinical departments at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School and Tayside University Hospitals Trust, including the Clinical Research Centre, the Departments of Medicine, Surgery, Dentistry and ENT, the Vascular Laboratory and Medical Physics.

A high degree of active student participation will be encouraged throughout. Taught sessions will be supported by individual reading and study. You will be guided to prepare your research project plan and to develop skills and competence in research including project management, critical thinking and problem-solving, project report and presentation.

What you will study

The course is divided into two parts:

Part I has 60 credits:

Biomechanics (20 Credits)
Biomaterials (20 Credits)
Bioinstrumentation (10 Credits)
Introduction to Medical Sciences (10 Credits)

Part II has one taught module and a research project module. It starts at the beginning of the University of Dundee's Semester 2, which is in mid-January:

Taught module: Advanced Biomedical Imaging Technologies (30 Credits).
Research project (30 Credits for diploma or 90 Credits for MSc)

How you will be assessed

The taught modules will be assessed by a combination of written examinations and coursework. The research project will be assessed by a written thesis and oral presentation.

Careers

This Master's programme provides you with the skills to continue into research in areas such as biomedical and biomaterials engineering as well as progression into relevant jobs within the Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics industries.

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