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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
Electronics and automation (M) Semester1
Mathematics (M) Semester1
Sports (M) Semester1
Electronics and automation (M) Semester1
Electronics and automation (M) Semester2
Mathematics (M) Semester2
Sports (M) Semester2
Electronics and automation (M) Semester2
Engineering & Engineering Trades (M) Semester2

M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject

Year 2

Module Name Semester
Biology and biochemistry (M) Semester1
Electronics and automation (M) Semester1
Electronics and automation (M) Semester1
Electronics and automation (M) Semester1
Electronics and automation (M) Semester1
Electronics and automation (M) Semester2
Electronics and automation (M) Semester2
Electronics and automation (M) Semester2
Combined Life Science (M) Semester2
Electronics and automation (M) Semester2

M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject

Year 3

Module Name Semester
Electronics and automation (M) Semester1
Electronics and automation (M) Semester1
Electronics and automation (M) Semester1
Electronics and automation (M) Semester1
Combined Life Science (M) Semester1
Electronics and automation (M) Semester2
Engineering & Engineering Trades (M) Semester2
Mechanics and metal work (E) Semester2
Combined Life Science (E) Semester2
Electronics and automation (E) Semester2
Electronics and automation (E) Semester2
Combined Life Science (E) Semester2

M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject

Year 4

Module Name Semester
Electronics and automation (M) Semester1
Electronics and automation (M) Semester1
Electronics and automation (M) Semester1
Engineering & Engineering Trades (M) Semester1
Electronics and automation (M) Semester1
Electronics and automation (M) Semester2
Electronics and automation (M) Semester2
Business & Management (M) Semester2
Electronics and automation (M) 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