Understanding the Course:

Biomedical Engineering

Where engineering meets healthcare for the good of mankind

The world of medicine is evolving and expanding rapidly, with new treatments and new diseases appearing all the time. Similarly, the range and sophistication of medical devices needed to apply these treatments and fight these diseases is growing. From cameras that explore blood vessels to scanners that analyse the entire human body, biomedical engineering expertise is in greater demand than ever before.

Traditionally, medical device companies have relied on employing engineers from such disciplines as mechanical and electronic engineering, and then providing additional training in bioengineering. This course now integrates the necessary aspects of biology and medicine with the technical engineering aspects required to engineer medical devices.

The School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, in co-operation with the School of Biotechnology and the School of Electronic Engineering, has designed this degree in consultation with the healthcare industry and medical community, ensuring you will receive a relevant, up-to-date and exciting education.

About You:

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the University the following entry requirements apply: HC3 in Mathematics or HC3 in Applied Mathematics with HD2 in Mathematics.

Course Structure:

Year 1

In Year 1 you will cover the fundamentals of mathematics, physics, engineering and computing. A major group project involves the design and build of a radio-controlled device. Year 2

You will cover a combination of mechanical engineering, biological and bioengineering subjects. The design-related modules are continued and further developed as they are of primary importance in linking the disciplines of engineering and healthcare.

Year 3

You will learn to develop products in accordance with relevant regulatory requirements of the medical-device industry and join other DCU mechanical engineering students in a design competition. This is then followed by your 6-month INTRA placement, generally in a medical device company. This period of industrial training will provide you with an insight into the structure and functioning of healthcare companies, and will be invaluable in your future career.

Year 4

You will learn about advanced technologies in the fields of rehabilitation engineering, bio-materials, computer vision and robotics, and how to apply sophisticated computer modelling software in the design process. Your fourth year project will allow you to work on a substantial design or research project in an area related to biomedical engineering.

There is an option to exit the course after Year 4 with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Degree.

Year 5 (optional)

The modules in Year 5 will expand your design skills further and your knowledge of biomedical technologies across a range of fields. You will learn the skills needed for advanced research and put them into practice in a major research project.

DCU has always been at the forefront of running accredited engineering courses which meet the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer status. Through Engineers Ireland international agreements, Chartered Engineer accreditation is recognised by the IET (UK) and by EU nations through FEANI. It is also recognised by the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia and many other countries through the Washington Accord. After 2012, only Masters awards can achieve Engineers Ireland Chartered Engineer accreditation and DCU has the first Masters programmes in Ireland to achieve provisional accreditation status.

Upon successful completion of your four year B.Eng. (Hons) degree, and subject to meeting the relevant entry requirements, you will have the option to continue your studies on DCU's Masters programme in Biomedical Engineering

To view the year 5 modules click here

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

Why DCU?

• Great employment prospects upon graduation.
• Ireland is home to 15 of the world's top 20 Medical Technologies companies.
• The chance to make a big improvement in people's quality of life.
• Small class sizes and lots of hands-on project work.
• A varied curriculum covering a wide range of science and technologies.
• Option to complete a 5th year and obtain a Masters degree.

International Students

Non-native English speakers may be eligible to apply to the International Foundation Certificate (IFC) course, which will help you to achieve the English language requirements necessary for entry to this course as well as preparing you for adjustment to university learning in the Irish context. Please click here for full details of the IFC course.

Career Prospects:

The focused nature of your degree, combined with the continued growth of this important and very successful Irish industrial sector, will ensure that you are in pole position to gain employment. The increasing harmonisation of European standards and US regulations also ensures that graduates will be employable worldwide. You will find careers as Research and Development Engineers, Project Engineers, Quality Engineers, Systems Engineers, Clinical Engineers or Product Development Engineers.

The support of world-leading companies in medical-device production provides direct links to the industry for students seeking work placement and employment.

Entry Requirements:

Leaving Certificate
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

HC3 in Mathematics or HC3 in Applied Mathematics with HD2 in Mathematics

GCE A Level
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

GCE A-Level C in Mathematics.

FETAC Level 5
No Entry Paths

Transfer Applications
The Faculty of Engineering and Computing consider transfer requests based on the performance of the candidate up to the time of the request.
The overall set of guidelines which is in use for HETAC/NCEA equivalent qualifications is:

Relevant HETAC/NCEA Higher Certificate/National Certificate (Distinction) - possible entry to Year 1.
Relevant HETAC/NCEA Higher Certificate/National Certificate (Merit plus experience) - possible entry to Year 1.
Relevant HETAC/NCEA Bachelor (Ordinary) Level/National Diploma (Merit or better) - possible entry to Year 2.
Relevant HETAC/NCEA Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree/National Diploma (Distinction plus a possible interview) - possible entry to Year 3.


International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

How to Apply and Closing Dates

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Fee information