A multidisciplinary approach

The course has three engineering themes running through it:

• Biomechanics and materials; looking at the development and analysis of materials in terms of strength and biocompatibility
• Instrumentation; looking at advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques
• Bioprocesses; looking at physical and chemical processes occurring in the human body

A strong clinical theme runs throughout the course  including case studies within engineering modules (eg design of electrocardiograph circuitry in Level 1 electrical engineering module), and biological and clinical modules taught within the Medical School, which are specifically designed for the medical engineers.

Schemes of study

BEng Medical Engineering

This is a three-year scheme. During the first two years of study students will encounter the fundamentals of engineering science and design, alongside introductory materials in fields such as cell biology, human physiology and medical diagnostics. At Level 3 the course content becomes more specific, focusing more on the applications of engineering to the human body, with modules covering topics such as implant and prosthetic technology, immuno-biology and biomechanics. Level 3 also includes an extensive, individual research project linked with the School of Medicine or the local NHS.

MEng Medical Engineering

This is a four-year scheme, with the first three years identical to the BEng degree. The fourth year includes topics at the forefront of research in bio-engineering, drawing on the expertise and state-of-the-art equipment available in the schools of Engineering and Medicine. The modules taught in the fourth year cover advanced studies of established technologies such as Medical Imaging and also look to the future of medical engineering in areas such as Bio-Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering.

It is also possible to transfer between the BEng and the MEng degree schemes at the end of Level 2.

Accreditation

Our courses are accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

The accreditation is based on rigorous reviews of our course content and delivery by the professional bodies. This means that, after a degree from the School of Engineering and structured industrial training, our graduates can aim for the prized “Chartered Engineer” status. This gives our graduates valuable experience, whilst adding to their qualifications, status and career prospects.

Career Prospects

Job opportunities in the field of medical engineering are good and cover a wide range of careers. These include established technologies such as the design and manufacture of medical instrumentation and devices; for example dialysis machines and artificial hip joints. Opportunities also exist for ‘clinical engineers’ within the NHS, who provide a wide variety of diagnostic and therapeutic services in collaboration with medical professionals. Finally, funding for medical research is growing rapidly and is likely to continue to grow. There is an increasing need for researchers to work at the interface between the traditional disciplines of physical and biomedical sciences. A graduate in medical engineering would be ideally placed to take advantage of these opportunities.