Skip to main content

What is the Course about?

Biomedical electronics involves the application of electronic circuits and technologies for treating medical conditions, monitoring health problems and improving the quality of life for patients.

Major advances have occurred which have led to highly sophisticated medical devices, e.g.:

  • Medical implants (cardiac defibrillators, pacemakers, deep brain neuro-stimulators, gastric stimulators, cochlear implants & insulin pumps).
  • Medical monitors (ECG, EEG, & blood pressure);
  • Diagnostic equipment (ultrasound, MRI, PET, CT, & X-ray);
  • Life support (ventilators, incubators, anaesthetic machines);
  • Surgical equipment (endoscopy & electrosurgical).

Course Structure

A blended mix of theory classes, practical experiments and laboratory sessions combined with project-based learning (PBL) elements (hands-on)with medical device equipment and software tools.

Is this course for you?

  • Learn electronic circuit design, & analysis techniques for medical devices,
  • Master problem-solving and critical thinking,
  • Knowledge of treatment methods of medical conditions & disorders,
  • Develop practical abilities in prototyping, design, & teamwork skills.

If you want to work in a high-tech industry that is advancing medical devices for state-of-the-art healthcare, then this is the course for you.

Special Features:

  • This course strikes the perfect balance between theory, practical laboratory classes (electronics/biology) and hands-on project-based learning exercises.
  • State-of-the-art laboratory equipment and resources on campus as well as computer software, tools & simulation labs, e.g. Proteus, Cadence, Vivado and MATLAB.
  • Work placement and project collaboration opportunities exist with leading global medical device companies which are based here in Ireland, examples include Boston Scientific, Medtronic, BD, Stryker, Cook Medical & Abbott.

Year 1

Module Name Semester
Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals Semester1
Mathematics and Computer Applications 1 Semester1
Physiology and Cell Biology 1 Semester1
Programming Systems Semester1
Electrical and Electronic Circuits Semester2
Mathematics and Computer Applications 2 Semester2
Physiology and Cell Biology 2 Semester2
Prototyping Semester2
Technical Communications Semester2

M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject

Year 2

Module Name Semester
Fundamentals of Microbiology 1 Semester1
Analogue and Digital Electronics 1 Semester1
Computer Programming Semester1
Engineering Mathematics 1 Semester1
System Design and Test Semester1
Analogue and Digital Electronics 2 Semester2
Embedded Systems 1 Semester2
Engineering Mathematics 2 Semester2
Fundamentals of Microbiology 2 Semester2
Medical Devices and Instrumentation Semester2

M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject

Year 3

Module Name Semester
Analysis of Analogue Circuits Semester1
Digital Communications Semester1
Embedded Systems 2 Semester1
Engineering Mathematics 3 Semester1
Molecular Biology and Immunology 1 Semester1
Medical Device Standards and Regulations Semester2
Work Placement Semester2
Development Project (Engineering) Semester2
Molecular Biology and Immunology 2 Semester2
Network Programmability and Automation Semester2
Software Defined Radio Semester2
Spectroscopy for Biosciences Semester2

M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject

Year 4

Module Name Semester
Hardware Description Language Semester1
Microelectronic Design 1 Semester1
Power Electronics for Biomedical Systems Semester1
Research Project (Engineering) Semester1
Signals and Systems 1 Semester1
Biomedical Signal Processing Semester2
Digital Systems Semester2
Professional Studies Semester2
Signals and Systems 2 Semester2

M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject

What are the minimum entry requirements?

  • 2H5 & 4O6/H7
  • English or Irish at O6/H7
  • Mathematics at O6/H7

What follow-on study opportunities are available?

Graduates can progress to taught masters (NFQ Level 9) in Master of Science in Medical Device Regulatory Affairs or postgraduate research study at Masters (NFQ Level 9) or Doctorate(NFQ Level 10) level.

What will I be able to do when I finish the course?

Excellent career prospects exist for graduates within the medical devices sector in Ireland and abroad:

  • The global medical devices market in 2020 was valued at 390 billion
  • Ireland is one of Europe's largest Med Tech hotspots, which is home to 300+ companies that employ over 32,000 people, which is the highest number of Med Tech personnel per-capita in Europe
  • Exports of medical devices and diagnostic products now represent 8% of Ireland's total merchandise exports, which is worth 12.6 billion in exports annually
  • Med Tech companies require a continuous supply of graduates with electronic engineering skills and domain knowledge of the medical devices sector

Employment roles include:

  • Research and development (R&D)
  • Design of electronic circuits and systems for medical technologies
  • Advanced manufacturing processes
  • Specialist rehabilitation engineering
  • Wearable and connected health products
  • Clinical medicine & pharmaceutical products
  • Engineering consultancy on biomedical technologies