Biomedical Engineering PgDip, MSc

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, Medical Device Technology, Defibrillators, 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. Students will study the following modules; Note: This course is currently in the process of renewing its Professional Body Accreditation. It is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described. Biomaterials 1 This module provides the student with the core skills required to critically appraise the composition, properties and function of synthetic biomaterials in the context of the relevant materials science considerations. Issues relating to the regulation of biomaterials, as used in relevant medical devices and the implications of the relevant FDA (USA) and Medical Device Directives (EU) legislation are also covered. Students will also develop skills to enable them to provide a considered opinion regarding the choice of biomaterials for specific clinical applications by considering a number of case studies. Bioinstrumentation This research led module provides students with the necessary skills to understand develop medical engineering devices, providing context and knowledge of the clinical need, details of underpinning hardware/software platforms and regulatory procedures governing implementation. Tissue Engineering This module provides the student with the skills required to critically appraise the composition, properties and function of tissue engineered products within the context of the relevant biological and materials science considerations. Issues relating to the ethics and regulation of tissue engineering and the implications of the relevant FDA (USA) and Medical Device Directives (EU) legislation are also covered. Students will also develop skills to enable them to provide a considered opinion regarding the choice of scaffolds, cells, stimulatory factors and bioreactor environment for specific applications by considering a number of case studies. Research Methods & Facilities The module proves the underpinnings in research methods required to design and conduct original postgraduate level research programmes. in addition the module aims to develop in-depth knowledge and advanced expertise in the use of specific advanced research facilities. Composite Engineering This module is optional At the end of the module the student should have acquired a high level of competence the many facets of composite materials and their processing methods leading to an active role as a member of a Production Management or Research team. The student should have the ability to select between competing 'composite' technologies for specific applications and hence be in a position to devise conversion systems and associated quality assurance procedures, having regard to maximising cost effectiveness and product reliability. Mechanics of Sheet Metal Forming This module is optional An introduction to the theory of engineering plasticity applied to common sheet metal forming processes. The relevant theories are presented and their application to real industrial processes are emphasised. Embedded Systems RTOS Design This module is optional This module enables the student to design and implement cost-effective reliable real-time embedded systems that can be shown to meet the current industry performance, reliability and safety standards. Digital Signal Processing This module is optional This module enables the student to understand, design apply and evaluate digital signal processing algorithms. Micro- & Nano-Scale Devices This module is optional The course provides an in depth knowledge of micro-nanodevices, as well as micro and nanofabrication techniques using elements from nanoscience and nanotechnology. Nanoscale Analysis & Metrology This module is optional This module focuses on nano and micro-scale analysis and metrology. The principle of operation and limitation of each technique are explained, the applications to the nanotechnology arenare described. Manufacturing systems This module is optional This module provides a concise review of modern manufacturing, time compression methodologies and current manufacturing systems - their specification, implementation and development. The flow of data within a product lifecycle is analysed from design through to manufacture and the effective utilisation of advanced manufacturing technology addressed. Work based learning 1 This module is optional A Work Based Learning module is defined as a period of work based learning, normally of not less than 150 hours, supervised by a member of academic staff of the University. Part-time students working as professionals in industry are often required to do work which is academically challenging. As a result they frequently gain knowledge, techniques and skills, and acquire expertise, which is equivalent to work at post-graduate level. This module is designed to provide a framework within which such personal development and achievement can be recognised by the award of academic credit. Finite Element Analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics This module is optional An introduction to continuum modelling approaches will enable students to understand the concepts and applications of finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. Specific skills will be developed using commercially available software in both FEA and CFD.An introduction to continuum modelling approaches will enable students to understand the concepts and applications of finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. Specific skills will be developed using commercially available software in both FEA and CFD. Quality Improvement This module is optional This module considers modern approaches to Quality Improvement. The context of product or service is set for the interpretation of Quality from different perspectives. The Quality topics are considered under the themes of definition, measurement, actions, improvement and control. Modern and traditional management approaches are evaluated and techniques appropriate to product or service characteristics and organisation performance are considered. Entrepreneurship (Engineering) This module is optional In this module students are engaged in applying their knowledge of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process in resolving some of the practical problems inherent in enterprise development and new venture creation. Work based learning 2 This module is optional A Work Based Learning module is defined as a period of work based learning, normally of not less than 150 hours, supervised by a member of academic staff of the