Overview
Biomedical engineering combines engineering with an appreciation of the functioning of the human body, whether healthy, injured or diseased. The medical device sector in Ireland is very strong; there are 300+ medical technology companies in Ireland, exporting €12.6b worth of product annually and employing 32,000 people, contributing 8% of Ireland’s total merchandise exports. Products include prosthetic devices to improve quality of life, disposable plastic and wound care products, and precision implants including pacemakers, microelectronic devices, orthopaedic implants, diagnostics, contact lenses and stents. In the clinical context, biomedical engineers play a key role in designing, sourcing and maintaining equipment, facilities and services within hospitals.
The course is delivered through formal lectures, tutorials, practical and project work. There are a number of dedicated biomedical engineering laboratories containing leading edge technology. These facilitate teaching and research both at undergraduate and postgraduate level and include
- Gait analysis laboratory
- Biomaterials laboratory
- Hurley helmet testing rig
- Instron dynamic testing machine
- Non-contact 3D light scanner
- Rapid prototyping machine
Projects are carried out in conjunction with industry including medical device companies, with medical practitioners and with the Biomedical Engineering Unit of Cork University Hospital.
Accreditation
This course in Biomedical Engineering is fully accredited by Engineers Ireland for Associate Engineer eligibility.