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BSc (Hons) Biomedical Engineering at the University of Ulster

This document is a useful source of information for prospective students or interested

companies seeking to find out more about the exciting and innovative Biomedical Engineering

degree programme offered at the School of Engineering, University of Ulster. Information listed

here includes:

• What exactly is Biomedical Engineering?

• Why choose Biomedical Engineering at Ulster?

• What careers are open to me after I graduate?

• Entry Requirements for the course.

• Key Facts about the course

• Course Structure

• Student Achievements

• History of Biomedical Engineering at Ulster

• Outreach Activities for Prospective Students and Schools

• Contact Details

What is Biomedical Engineering?

Firstly, we need to define what Engineering is before considering what Biomedical Engineering

is. Engineering is the application of science and mathematics by which the properties of matter

and the sources of energy in nature are made useful to people. Another definition for

Engineering is the design and manufacture of complex products.

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Therefore, Biomedical Engineering should be considered as Engineering that is applied to

human health. However, human health is multifaceted – not only involving our physical bodies

but also the things we put in our bodies (Pharmaceuticals) and the things we put on our bodies

(Clothing). Therefore, Biomedical Engineering spans a variety of problems and interests.

Biomedical Engineers (sometimes referred to as Bioengineers) are responsible for driving

innovations and advances in medicine. Another way to describe Biomedical Engineering is as

follows:

1. A Doctor diagnoses and treats patients.

2. A Biomedical Scientist analyses samples from a patient in a hospital laboratory so that

the doctor knows how to diagnose and treat the patient.

3. A Biomedical Engineer designs and develops all of the equipment used by the doctors

and the biomedical scientists. This could range from a simple thermometer right up to

hip replacements or complex diagnostic instruments such as MRI or CT scanners.

NIH working definition of bioengineering – July 24, 1997.

Biomedical engineering integrates physical, chemical, mathematical, and computational

sciences and engineering principles to study biology, medicine, behavior, and health. It

advances fundamental concepts; creates knowledge from the molecular to the organ systems

level; and develops innovative biologics, materials, processes, implants, devices and informatics

approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, for patient rehabilitation,

and for improving health.

In many respects “The history of medicine is the history of its tools” and hence The Biomedical

Engineer is the person who invents and provides these tools. Indeed, the discipline continues to

evolve and expand into new areas such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

(TERM), a core research theme within the School of Engineering at the University of Ulster.

Relevant professional bodies in the UK (and further afield) now see the need to support the

development of Biomedical Engineering as a distinctive subject area, for example:

• Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

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• Institution of Physicists and Engineers Medicine (IPEM)

• The Royal Academy of Engineering

• British Medical Association (BMA)

• The Royal Academy of Medicine

Why Choose Biomedical Engineering at Ulster?

There is an increasing demand for more advanced and effective medical devices and therapies

due to an ageing population and our ever changing and demanding lifestyles. In order to meet

these challenges the need for Professional Biomedical Engineers with the appropriate skills and

competencies has never been greater.

The NIBEC Building at the University of Ulster.

The Biomedical Engineering course offered at the Jordanstown campus of the University of

Ulster aims to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the

core technical, professional and ethical principles that underpin this area and will enable them

to gain successful employment in this continually expanding sector. Likewise, it provides them

with a solid platform to undertake further MSc or PhD study programs in this area. In addition

to this, we aim to ensure that our graduates have

• strong leadership qualities,

• are adaptable,

• are creative, especially with respect to problem solving, and

• have a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

These are just some of the qualities that define the Biomedical Engineer from Ulster.

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The placement year in year 3 of the course provides our students with a valuable insight into

the working environment and gives them a unique edge when they go to seek full-time

employment after they graduate. Indeed, many placement providers end up offering

employment to those students who completed a successful placement with them after they

graduate.

The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

What other points make the Biomedical Engineering degree programme at Ulster unique?

• We care for our students and support them during and after they graduate

• A friendly, supportive and nurturing learning environment

• An emphasis of student centred teaching, learning and assessment

• Research led teaching (through Internationally renowned researchers)

• Multidisciplinary teaching team with specialists in all disciplines

• A teaching team dedicated to innovation and improving peoples’ quality of life through

research and development

• Strong industrial links with the medical device industry

• Strong links with clinicians in hospitals (especially the RVH in Belfast)

• World class facilities

• Outstanding employment prospects after graduating

• Outstanding prospects for PhD/MSc study after graduating.

The laboratories at Ulster.

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Key Facts About the Course

• Established in 1996 (first graduates in 2000)

• Based in the School of Engineering at the Jordanstown Campus

• The teaching is led by the world renowned research activities of the staff in the

Engineering Research Institute in the School of Engineering

• It was the first Biomedical Engineering course in Ireland

• The course is 4 years in duration

• It includes a compulsory paid placement in the third year

• Placements are offered locally, nationally and internationally

• It is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

• It has over 130 students on the course at any one time

• The staff in the School of Engineering pride themselves on supporting their students

throughout (and indeed beyond) their studies. Excellent pastoral support is also

provided for all students through the teaching and support staff in the School of

Engineering, a professional student services organisation in the University and the

students union.

• The course is a vibrant course with both local and international students studying for

the degree. Due to the nature of the delivery of the course there is a strong sense of

identity within the course, which is reflected in the fact that students organise a range

of social events throughout the year (a yearly course formal, table quizzes, nights out,

etc) and form lifelong friendships with one another.

• Good employment prospects after graduating and good starting salaries.

Course Structure

The BSc (Hons) Biomedical Engineering degree programme is of four year duration, consisting

of three years at University and one year on Industrial placement, which is compulsory.

Students fulfilling the requirements of the course will be awarded an Honours degree with an

accompanying award of a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) for successful completion of a

University approved placement in a clinical, industrial or academic establishment.

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The first year of the course is introductory in nature and provides the student with the

fundamental principles of the subject material concerned. Particular emphasis is placed on the

provision of appropriate underpinning in key subject areas such as mathematics, physics,

design, manufacturing, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and professional

engineering practice. Specialist knowledge related to biomedical engineering is provided

through the provision of specialist modules in biomedical engineering in both semesters,

providing an introduction to the field of biomedical engineering, medical technology, and

human anatomy and physiology. A significant number of modules in Year 1 incorporate

laboratory tuition to ensure that the students receive appropriate hands-on experience to

enhance their learning experience, and to reinforce theoretical concepts.

Working in the laboratory, a key focus of the teaching at Ulster.

In the second year of the course, students are expected to refine their skills and attributes

developed in Year 1 and to extend their knowledge of topics specific to Biomedical Engineering.

Subjects covered include biomedical physics and their applications, medical technologies,

biomaterials science, biomechanics, anatomy and physiology, medical device directives and

standards, ethics, medical electronics, instrumentation and testing (with regard to medical

devices, instrumentation and systems), and professional engineering practice. All of these

subjects build upon the underpinning and introduction to the subject provided in Year 1, with a

strong emphasis on laboratory work to enhance the students’ capabilities in preparation for

placement in Year 3.

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In Year 3, the student will undertake a period of paid placement in a clinical, industrial or

academic setting. Placement is compulsory and seen as an integral part of the course providing

the student the opportunity to develop into a junior engineer.

Worldwide locations of graduates and placement students.

In year 4 the students are expected to undertake more advanced studies in modules designed

to build upon their knowledge and capabilities resulting from the previous taught years and

placement experience. A considerable amount of personal initiative is expected and the

modules are constructed in such a way as to reflect this. In particular, the ability to make logical

and analytical appraisal of a problem and to provide a structured and optimised solution is

developed in the Honours Research Project. The individual project helps integrate module

material from across the course. The key themes covered in final year include medical sensor

technologies for monitoring and sensing applications, analogue and digital signal processing

methods with respect to medical applications, biomaterials and tissue engineering,

nanotechnology, management, entrepreneurship and programming.

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Course structure diagram showing modules studied in Biomedical Engineering.

Module Titles:

Year 1

• Biomedical Engineering 1

• Analytical Methods for Engineers

• Professional Studies 1

• Design and CAD

• Manufacturing

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Electrical Technology and

• Mechanical Science.

Year 2

• Biomedical Physics

• Biomedical Engineering 2

• Regulatory Affairs and Ethics

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• Medical Electronics

• Analytical Science

• Instrumentation and Testing.

Year 3

• Industrial Placement

Year 4

• Signal Processing

• Advanced Medical Sensors

• Industrial Management

• Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

• Nanotechnology

• Object Orientated Programming and

• Research Project.

What Careers Are Open to You After Graduation?

Biomedical engineers from Ulster have taken up employment in a range of different areas (due

to its interdisciplinary nature). These include:

• The medical device industry (e.g., Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, Heartsine,

Intelesens) and the Pharmaceutical Industry (e.g. Almac, Randox, Norbrook, etc)

• Hospital trusts (e.g., NHS, Ramsey Healthcare, Australia)

• Government and regulatory agencies and

• Universities (e.g., University of Ulster, QUB).

Other students have went on to work for other engineering companies such as Intel, FG

Wilsons, Sepha and Andor, as engineers or scientists.

A significant number of students have also gone on to complete further studies (MSc/PhD) in

the field of biomedical engineering and related subject areas (e.g., University College London

(UCL), Imperial College London, Strathclyde, Queen Mary College London, University of

Sheffied, University of Liverpool, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University of

Ulster and QUB).

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Biomedical Innovation at NIBEC (Advanced Medical Sensors).

Entry Requirements for the Course

Please go the University of Ulster Prospectus for up-to-date information on the current entry

requirements (www.ulster.ac.uk/prospectus)

Outreach Activities for Prospective Students and Schools

Within the School of Engineering we have a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

(STEM) Forum. Our key aims are to rationalise and improve the provision of support

for students of all ages and to engage with the Schools Teaching and Research staff. This will

include organising short projects in our world class laboratories. We host student placements

and student projects, as well as visit schools in order to present guest lectures on topics ranging

from bioengineering to nanotechnology. The main contact is Dr. Alan Brown: Tel:

+442890368814 Email: a.brown@ulster.ac.uk

Nuffield bursary student at NIBEC.

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History of Biomedical Engineering at Ulster

The Biomedical Engineering degree started at the University of Ulster in 1996 and was the first

course of its kind in Ireland. Indeed, innovation in medical technologies is not something new to

the University of Ulster, where world leading research work has been ongoing within the School

of Engineering for over 25 years now.

A rich history of innovation.

Some of this early research work was undertaken by Prof. John Anderson in the area of

portable defibrillation, who was the head of Bioengineering at the Royal Victoria Hospital in

Northern Ireland when the world’s first mobile coronary care unit was launched in 1967. Since

then Prof. Anderson has went on to publish over 300 papers in the area of biomedical

engineering, holds 40 patents and has been responsible for 10 start-up companies in medical

engineering.

This rich history of medical innovation has laid the foundation for the development of this

innovative and exciting degree programme, which has grown from strength to strength over

the years developing highly skilled graduates for the medical device sector worldwide.

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Student Achievements and Testimonials

David Bishop BSc Hons Biomedical Engineering with DIS 2011

Having graduated with First Class Honours in the summer, David commenced doctoral study

with the Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research group in the Nanotechnology and

Integrated Bioengineering Centre. His research will investigate various methods to try and

increase the bioactivity of different biomaterial surfaces in order to manipulate and control the

differentiation pathways of adult mesenchymal stem cells. David’s undergraduate years are a

catalogue of high achievement. On placement with Boston Scientific Corporation (BSC), Galway,

he won a Silver Value Improvement Project (VIP) Award due to savings of $800,000 per year on

a coat weight variation project. He also designed a stent handling tool and his placement

experience and nomination led to BSC winning the 2011 University Placement employer of the

year award. David was also a Nuffield Research Scholar and, during his final year, tutored

mathematics to students on Ulster’s Step-Up programme. David’s results and experience at

undergraduate level, particularly in the final year project, have provided the stepping stone to

his current research in the field of biomaterials.

Dr Rebecca Di Maio BSc Hons Biomedical Engineering with DIS 2004

Double graduate Rebecca has gone a long way from her Ballymena home and undergraduate

studies at Jordanstown – literally. She is now Clinical Research Manager at HeartSine

Technologies Ltd, overseeing the conduct of multicentre clinical trials on defibrillator and CPR

technology. Rebecca has travelled to Moscow, Belfast, London, San Diego, Copenhagen,

Chicago, New Orleans to present the results of the company’s studies and overview the

technology. “I studied BSc Hons Biomedical Engineering with DIS, gaining First Class Honours

and then undertook my PhD in defibrillation and resuscitation. It was a follow on from a very

successful final year project supervised by Professor John Anderson, who has an international

reputation in the field of defibrillation and resuscitation research. He is also now my manager

as CTO of HeartSine Technologies Ltd. I have also lectured at Ulster in maths and electronics.”

Rebecca has trained and supervised a number of students at HeartSine Technologies, some of

whom have gone on to complete summer programmes at Harvard.

Tracey Leonard BSc Hons Biomedical Engineering with DIS 2011

Tracey is currently a Renal Technologist with the NHS . Her job involves the maintenance,

calibration, repairs and modifications of medical equipment used to perform kidney dialysis.

Dialysis machines are extremely important for the survival of patients who suffer from kidney

disease. Renal Technologists ensure that this vital equipment works efficiently and safely at all

times. Tracey undertook her work placement at Ulster’s Centre for Rehabilitation Research

where she had the opportunity to work alongside a team comprising both local and

international collaborators to complete a research study on Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve

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Stimulation (TENS ). She was the investigator of the laboratory trial and the information

collected was used to compile a journal submission. The paper, of which Tracey is a co-author is

titled ‘Does the Stimulation Intensity of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Influence

Hypoalgesia?’ and was published in the European Journal of Pain in August 2011. Tracey hopes

to gain invaluable experience within this role through hands on experience and training

courses. Tracey is keen to incorporate her background in medical research into her current role

which could possibly lead to new techniques or equipment being developed which could

improve the treatment of dialysis patients.

Dr Lindsay McManus BSc Hons Biomedical Engineering with DIS 2008

Lindsay graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering with a commendation in a Diploma

of Industrial Studies in 2008. In the same year she began a three-year PhD based in the

Nanotechnology and Integrated BioEngineering Centre, funded by the Department of Education

and Learning, Northern Ireland. Lindsay has worked on collaborative projects with Tyndall

National Institute in Cork and also with Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland. Throughout her

time as a PhD student she has been successful in various funding applications for attending

international conferences, including the I J Shelley travelling fund, the Andrew Carnegie

research travel fund and the Royal Society of Engineering travel grant. Recently Lindsay was

also successful in securing a National Access Programme research grant (NAP 303) which is

funded by Science Foundation Ireland. Lindsay became the Irish regional winner for the Young

Persons’ Lecture competition, which is sponsored by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and

Mining (IO M3). This competition is a test of the competitors’ ability to convey technical

information in an enthusiastic and understandable way, in the form of a short presentation. She

then went on to participate in the 7th world final that was sponsored by the Companhia

Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração in São Paulo, Brazil. She has also published a number of

papers in peer reviewed journals on her pioneering work on monitoring Human Stem Cells

using Raman Spectroscopy. Lindsay has recently taken up a post within Heartsine Technologies

in Belfast (NI)after completing her PhD in NIBEC, University of Ulster.

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Information for companies /organisations requiring placement students and/or graduates

The University of Ulster prides itself on the high standard of graduates who successfully

complete the Biomedical Engineering course at the University of Ulster.

Over the years our students have taken up employment in some of the world’s leading

companies including Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, Intel, Almac, Randox, Norbrook,

Heartsine, Intelisens and the NHS (but to name a few organisations).

One of the most important aspects of the Biomedical Engineering degree at the University of

Ulster is the requirement for students to undertake a one year period of paid work experience

(or internship) in a company, hospital/clinic or laboratory during their third year of studies (the

course is four years long). This year is a critically important part of the student’s education and

allows them to develop from being the student to the junior engineer. This sets out our

students from the rest. There is no better way to learn than actually doing the job and getting

direct experience in an industrial or clinical setting.

The development of new point of care sensors.

If you are an employer requiring students to undertake a period of paid placement or internship

for up to one year then please contact the course director for further details. We have a wealth

of experience of dealing with industry directly and have online systems in place to manage the

placement process from recruitment right through to the end of placement which is free and

available for any company to use. The software developed within the School of Engineering at

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the University has now been adopted by other Universities around the world and is well utilised

by established placement providers with the University of Ulster.

Likewise, the course director keeps in contact with recent graduates of the course and is very

happy to forward details of vacancies with these students if your company requires high quality

graduates who already have at least one year of industrial or clinical experience.

Contact Details if Further Information is required

If you would like any further information on the Biomedical Engineering course please do not

hesitate to contact Dr. Adrian Boyd, the Course Director for Biomedical Engineering at the

University of Ulster.

Course Director Contact Details:

Dr. Adrian Boyd

Course Director for Biomedical Engineering.

Tel: +44 (0)2890 368924

E-mail: ar.boyd@ulster.ac.uk

Room 25B14

Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC)

School of Engineering

Faculty of Computing and Engineering

University of Ulster (Jordanstown Campus)

Shore Road, Newtownabbey.

Co. Antrim

BT37 0FX

Northern Ireland (UK).