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).
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
Semester 1
Semester 2
Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals
Electrical and Electronic Circuits
Mathematics and Computer Applications 1
Mathematics and Computer Applications 2
Physiology and Cell Biology 1
Physiology and Cell Biology 2
Programming Systems
Prototyping
Technical Communications
M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject
Year 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Fundamentals of Microbiology 1
Analogue and Digital Electronics 2
Analogue and Digital Electronics 1
Embedded Systems 1
Computer Programming
Engineering Mathematics 2
Engineering Mathematics 1
Fundamentals of Microbiology 2
System Design and Test
Medical Devices and Instrumentation
M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject
Year 3
Semester 5
Semester 6
Analysis of Analogue Circuits
Medical Device Standards and Regulations
Digital Communications
Work Placement
Embedded Systems 2
Development Project (Engineering)
Engineering Mathematics 3
Molecular Biology and Immunology 2
Molecular Biology and Immunology 1
Network Programmability and Automation
Software Defined Radio
Spectroscopy for Biosciences
M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject
Year 4
Semester 7
Semester 8
Hardware Description Language
Biomedical Signal Processing
Microelectronic Design 1
Digital Systems
Power Electronics for Biomedical Systems
Professional Studies
Research Project (Engineering)
Signals and Systems 2
Signals and Systems 1
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
