Student studying vertebrae
DC197

Biomedical Engineering

Course Details

CAO Code:
DC197
Course Type:
Undergraduate
NFQ Level:
8 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Placement:
Yes
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Minimum Points
533
Duration:
4 yr
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
7005104

From realistic and powerful prosthetic limbs to individually engineered implants, and from high-tech scanners to tiny cameras that can explore blood vessels, biomedical engineers work to develop products at the cutting edge of what is possible to heal and help the human body.

Overview

Overview Icon

When you study Biomedical Engineering, you not only learn how the body works and becomes injured, but you come to understand how medical devices are developed to treat injuries and disease, and how we can help the body heal itself. You’ll use state-of-the-art labs and tools such as 3D simulations and machine learning as you study.

Make a real difference
If you’re creative, analytical, inquisitive, and innovative, and keen to work in a fast-growing field with real human impact, this could be the course for you. You’ll get biological and medical knowledge, and technical engineering expertise, so you can solve problems in biomedicine. You’ll study advanced biology, biomaterials, biomechanics, tissue engineering, medical device design, surgical technology, rehabilitation engineering and much more besides.

In third year, you’ll do a 6-to-10-month INTRA work placement to put what you’ve learned into practice. And you can also opt to study abroad. Both the healthcare and medical devices industry have strong demand for qualified graduate engineers. Typically, our graduates end up working as biomedical engineers, consultants, research and development engineers or data scientists.

DCU People

Profile picture of Megan Shanny-Doyle
Megan Shanny Doyle
Student

My name is Megan and I’m a 5th year Masters Student in Biomedical Engineering.


Read more about Megan Shanny Doyle
Profile picture of Ahmed Saber Taha
Ahmed Saber Taha
Alumni

I chose this course because during the first year of common engineering, the modules linked to it interested me the most.


Read more about Ahmed Saber Taha
Profile picture of Angelo Eluvathingal
Angelo Eluvathingal
Alumni

I chose Biomedical Engineering for its versatile career opportunities and the chance to explore various sectors within engineering. The course exceeded my expectatio


Read more about Angelo Eluvathingal
Profile picture of Danail Pavlov
Danail Pavlov Tsanov
Student

I chose this course because during the common first year of engineering, the subjects linked to it interested me the most.


Read more about Danail Pavlov Tsanov

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

With the strong state of the Irish industrial sector and DCU’s active connections with the medical sector, Biomedical Engineering students can feel confident about their job prospects. The increasing harmonisation of European standards and US regulations also ensures that graduates will be employable worldwide.

Our Engineering degree programmes have international recognition through agreements with Engineers Ireland. This enables graduates to practice as professional engineers in many countries, both in the EU and in the signatory countries to the Washington Accord.

Current signatories to the Washington Accord include: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland (Engineers Ireland), Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, The UK & The USA.

Integrated Masters

This course also includes the option to study an integrated masters. The integrated masters provides students with the option to do one additional year of their studies, lengthen their INTRA work experience placement, and graduate with a master’s degree.

  • Healthcare Industry
  • Medical Device Companies
Clinical Engineer
Product Development Engineer
Project Engineer
Quality Engineer
Research and Development
Clinical Engineer
Product Development Engineer
Project Engineer
Quality Engineer
Research and Development

"DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path."

Go to our Careers Service site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements Icon

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

Minimum of H4 Mathematics or H4 Applied Mathematics with H5 Mathematics

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

GCE A Level C Mathematics

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

 

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

 

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

 

Applicants that have completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 7 or 8 at another institution may apply to continue their studies on a similar programme at DCU. There should be substantial overlap in content between the two programmes to be considered for a transfer. Results and other supporting documentation must be submitted to CAO by the closing date of 1st July. This is a competitive application process for a small quota of advanced entry places. Offers are made on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Early application is advised. Please note: Applicants should also consider applying through the appropriate route for first year entry to the programme they are interested in. This application process is only for advanced entry.

Additional Criteria

Priority will be given to applicants with performance above the levels indicated and to applicants who demonstrate a high level of competency in mathematics/applied mathematics. An interview may be required. 

For applicants holding a compatible Level 7 qualification or equivalent, the minimum standards for application are: 

Second Year: Minimum Second Class Honours or equivalent. 

Third Year: Minimum First Class Honours or equivalent. 

Applicants currently completing a compatible Level 8 programme in another HEI can apply for entry into Second Year if they meet one of the following conditions: 

- Successful completion of 1 year of a highly compatible Level 8 programme achieving a minimum of Second Class Honours (or equivalent grade) 

or 

- Successful completion of 2 years of a compatible Level 8 programme in another HEI achieving a minimum Second Class Honours (or equivalent grade). 

Applicants currently completing a compatible Level 8 programme in another HEI can apply for entry into Third Year if they meet one of the following conditions: - Successful completion of 2 years of a highly compatible Level 8 programme achieving a minimum Second Class Honours (or equivalent grade) 

or 

- Successful completion of 3 years of a compatible Level 8 programme in another HEI achieving a minimum Second Class Honours (or equivalent grade).

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. Click here for further information on international applications.

Course Structure

Course Structure Icon
  • Professional Development
  • Project & Technical Drawing
  • Software Development
  • Mechanics-Statics
  • Electronics
  • Numerical Problem Solving
  • Materials Engineering
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Basic Sciences for Engineering
  • How life works
  • Circuits
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Mechanics of Machines
  • Thermodynamics
  • Strength of Materials
  • Design and Solid Modelling
  • Thermofluid Mechanics
  • Human Movement
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Immunology & Cell Biology
  • Mechanics of Machines
  • Measurement & Signal Processing
  • Product Design
  • Fundamentals of Control
  • Manufacturing
  • Product Development
  • Data Analytics
  • Intra Work Placement (6 -10 months)
  • Image Processing
  • Biomaterials
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics
  • Operations Research Methods
  • Rehabilitation Engineering
  • Surgical Device Technology
  • 4th Year Project

Fees and Funding

Fees Icon

Fees

Student Contribution.
€3,043 (Year 1- 4)
EU Status Fee
€6,679 (Year 1 - 4), €6,450 (Year 5 Integrated Masters)
Non EU Fee.
€16,000 (Year 1 - 4), €18,600 (Year 5 Integrated Masters)

How To Apply

How To Apply Icon

Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

To apply for this programme:
Candidates should apply directly here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.

Please provide 

  • Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
  • If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.  Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to 1st July. All Non-EU candidates are advised to apply early, as places are limited.

 

All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February. For further information and for special application procedures for mature students, please click here

Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 6th November of to 1st July.

Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at www.cao.ie
 

Life On Campus

Life on Campus
DCU Campus Glasnevin

DCU Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

FAQ Icon

I am interested in studying Biomedical Engineering, but I am not sure. If I go into common Entry Engineering, am I guaranteed to get my favourite discipline at the end of first year?

To date, we have had sufficient places in all of our programmes to be able to accommodate all students on their preferred programmes. If this isn't possible we will allocate students their 2nd choice. However, If you know you are interested in Biomedical Engineering you should apply for Biomedical Engineering as your first choice on the CAO to guarantee your place on the programme in second year (should there be too many students who choose Biomedical Engineering). 

If you choose Biomedical Engineering as your first choice on the CAO and after year one you feel it is not for you, you can move into one of the other engineering courses.  

All of our Engineering courses are 4-year programmes. It is also worth noting, that we have an integrated 5th-year option. Our integrated degree allows students to lengthen their paid work experience, complete one final year project and graduate with a masters degree (a necessary requirement to become a chartered engineer). Students can transfer into our 5-year programme in year 3. 

 

Should I study Biomedical Engineering or Physics with Biomedical Sciences?  

Biomedical science and biomedical engineering share a common foundation of knowledge in biology. Students on both courses develop an intensive understanding of the complexities of the human body. Biomedical engineering focuses on creating devices and tools that improve people’s health. Biomedical science is the study of the life sciences areas such as stem cell biology, virology, molecular genetics, cellular biology, structural biology, developing a deeper understanding of how these areas function. 

Within Biomedical Engineering you will study how devices are made, what materials to use, how to programme them and how they improve a patient’s life. This is a very exciting rapidly expanding area and Ireland has a lot of companies working in this space. Many of our students get a 3rd year placement with Biomedical companies.

 

I was wondering do you have an extra Maths exam for entry to Biomedical Engineering for Leaving Cert students who do not score a H4

We do not offer an extra Maths exam, you need to meet the DCU and Biomedical Engineering entry requirements. In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university, the following entry requirements apply: Minimum of H4 Mathematics or H4 Applied Mathematics with H5 Mathematics.

 

I am interested in a career in sustainability. Does DCU offer any engineering modules in sustainability?

There are a number of modules in first year and second year where sustainability and energy systems are introduced and discussed. Our INTRA work placement gives students the option to apply for a period of work with companies in the sustainability, energy and transport areas. Students in their final year can develop their thesis in sustainability, energy and transport areas. 

DCU also offers a BEng in Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering for students who care deeply about the environment, but would also like to finish university as a mechanical engineer with additional skills in sustainability.

 

I don’t study Engineering for the Leaving Cert, would this put me at a disadvantage to the other people in the course?

No, you do not need engineering for the Leaving Cert and you will not be at any disadvantage. Any skills from the Leaving Cert engineering course that are required on the programme will be covered in the first year.

 

How many hours a week would you generally spend in lectures for the Engineering courses?

The Engineering programmes are busy and focused. Our students spend 25 - 35 hours a week on the Glasnevin campus (Monday – Friday) attending a combination of lectures, lab work and tutorials and working on their projects.

 

I am interested in studying Engineering and was wondering which courses have a work placement module?

All of our Engineering courses have a paid work placement of at least 6 months (10 months if you are doing the five-year integrated master's degree). 

Work placement commences in third year and constitutes an important part of the programme of study. You will liaise with our INTRA office to organise a suitable placement for you that fits within the programme you are studying. In the past, many students have been hired by their work placement companies after they have graduated.  It is a wonderful learning experience and gives students the opportunity to put their learning into practice.  

 

Is the Maths in Engineering similar to the Maths for higher level Leaving Cert?

First-year Maths builds on Leaving Cert higher level Maths and then more advanced topics are covered in subsequent years. That said, you will have degree options available to you with different levels of Maths content, so you can choose whatever suits you best.  

DCU has a Maths Learning Centre on campus for those students who need help working through mathematical problems; it is free of charge and provides great support to students struggling with this subject.