BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Technology

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Technology

Biomedical technology involves the application of the principles of engineering and biomedical science to the design, development and manufacture of medical devices and components. It also involves the development of new materials for biomedical applications. Examples include dental materials, artificial skin, cardiovascular materials and devices, prosthetic devices and drug delivery.

The medical devices/healthcare sector in Ireland is thriving and is recognised as one of the fastest developing in the world. There are currently over 140 medical technology companies in Ireland, exporting €6.2bn worth of product annually and employing 24,000 people – the highest number of people working in the industry in any country in Europe, per head of population.

This biomedical technology honours degree course offers a novel blend of bioscience, materials science and polymer engineering, and is designed to equip graduates with the required skills and knowledge base for employment in the rapidly expanding medical device/healthcare sector in Ireland. You will gain practical experience of the workplace through a six-month industrial placement with a medical device company in Year 3.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate

Grade HC3 in two higher level papers, together with Grade OD3 in four other subjects of the Leaving Certificate Examination, to include Mathematics, and English or Irish. (The Mathematics requirement must be met by passing Ordinary or Higher level Mathematics. Foundation level Mathematics will not suffice to meet the requirement.)

FETAC

FETAC applicants to this programme must hold the following award: Laboratory Techniques (CASLT). They are also required to have the module Mathematics (C20139) at minimum Merit level included in their award and they must possess distinctions in three modules.

Modules

Year 1

Mathematics, Physiology/Anatomy, Chemistry, Technology, Physics, Communications & Computer Applications.

Year 2

Toxicology, Mathematics, Biomedical Technology, Materials, Polymer Physics, Computer Aided Design, Analytical Techniques.

Year 3

Biomedical Materials, Polymer Physics, Regulatory Affairs & Validation, Organisational Behaviour, Manufacturing Systems, Industrial Placement.

Year 4

Biocompatibility Testing, Advanced Biomedical Materials, Advanced Biomedical Technology, Project Management, Engineering Design, Biomedical Project.

Progression

As a graduate from this honours degree, you are also eligible to apply to join the Master of Science in Applied Polymer Technology at AIT or other appropriate Level 9 programmes. Alternatively, you may wish to continue working towards an advanced degree (MSc and PhD level) through specialist postgraduate research at AIT or other higher education institutions.

Professional Recognition

N/A

Career Opportunities

The medical devices sector will become increasingly reliant over the next decade on the availability of specially trained and skilled personnel who understand the synthesis, properties and processing of biomedical materials. As a graduate, you can expect to find employment as senior development technologists, validation engineers, project development engineers, manufacturing/process engineers, quality assurance managers, etc within the medical device/healthcare sector.

Additional Information

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