FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the Learning Outcomes?
- What is the course duration?
- What are the entry requirements
- Is an excellent level in engineering mathematics necessary to undertake this course?
- Is a good level of computer programming necessary to undertake this course?
- Is this the right course for me?
- How do I apply?
- What are the Course Fees?
- How is the course structured and delivered?
- What are the BioEngineering jobs in Ireland?
- What are my career options on completing the course?
- I am working fulltime, can the MSc be done in conjuction with my current job?
What are the Learning Outcomes?
This programme aims to give engineers and scientists the education needed to practice bioengineering in the medical devices industry in Ireland. Specifically the aims are:
- To give students a broad understanding of the key subjects of bioengineering, viz., biomechanics, biomaterials, bioinstrumentation, cell and tissue engineering and healthcare informatics.
- By way of case studies and assignments, to give students a familiarity with bioengineering applied in the main surgical disciplines; e.g. orthopaedics, cardiology, gastroenterology, ENT Surgery.
- To give students a sound understanding of how to apply the scientific method to research in an industrial context.
- To give students the ability to exploit information technology for monitoring the performance of medical devices and related issues.
- To give students a knowledge of how the medical device industry is regulated and of how to obtain acceptance of new products onto the market.
What is the course duration?
This is a one year full time course commencing 30 September 2013 and ending 30 August 2014. It is possible to complete the course on a part-time basis over two years.
What are the entry requirements?
The minimum requirement for entry is an Upper Second Class Honours Degree (2.1 or higher)or equivalent in engineering, physical sciences or mathematics. Applicants from a medical or life sciences background are also encouraged to apply provided they have proven mathematics ability.
Is an excellent level in engineering mathematics necessary to undertake this course?
The course is designed for graduate engineers. As such, it is assumed that all have a solid foundation in engineering analysis, specifically signal and system analysis; partial differential equations and optimization.
Is a good level of computer programming necessary to undertake this course?
The course assumes that students have a knowledge of computer programming so that they can implement numerical calculations. This is necessary for some of the projects and some of the assignments. Most programming is based on Matlab and a knowledge of this or similar analysis platform (Octave, MathCad etc.) would be an advantage.
Is this the right course for me?
The MSc programme will provide a high quality bioengineering education with a focused, coordinated education geared towards enabling our graduates to pursue careers in the Medical device sector. The course is primarily aimed at graduates in mechanical and electrical engineering, and graduates with suitable degrees in technology and applied scientific disciplines who intend to pursue a career in the Bioengineering industry. The intake will include both recent graduates and working engineers released from their employment to complete the course.
back to topHow do I apply?
Applications for this course must be made online through www.tcd.ie/courses. Simply click the Apply Now tab.
Closing Date: 30 June 2013
Course Code
Fulltime: PTEG-BIOE-IF
Partime: PTEG-BIOE-IP
Application queries will be dealt with by the Graduate Studies Office:
See http://www.tcd.ie/Graduate_Studies
The Graduate Admissions Office,
Trinity College, Dublin 2.
Email gradinfo@tcd.ie
Phone (01) 8961166
Informal enquiries may be made by contacting the Trinity Centre for Bioengineering: tcbe@tcd.ie
How much does it cost to do the MSc in Bioengineering?
Full fees for non-EU students is €14,585.
Fees for full-time EU students for 2014-2015 will be approx. €5500. The MSc in Bioengineering is partly funded by the HEA Postgraduate Skills Conversion Programme. Please note this fee explicitly applies only to EU students and only applies for this academic year. Without this funding, the fee for EU students would be €7,335.
Fees for part-time EU students for 2014-2015will be Eur5835 per year for the two year programme.
back to topHow is the course structured?
The MSc in Bioengineering consists of taught modules and a project focusing on medical devices and important clinical needs. The taught component consists of the following modules:
Medical Device Design
Biomechanics
Physiological Measurement
Biomaterials
Research Methods
Neural Engineering
Rehabilitation Engineering
Neural Signal Analysis
Form & Function of the Nervous System
Implantable Neural Systems
Neuroimaging Technology
Research Methods in Neural Engineering
Cell and Tissue Engineering
Research Methods in Cell and Tissue Engineering
Cellular Biology
Cell Signalling Mechanisms
Students must take two of the three optional modules which include Cell & Tissue Engineering, Neural Engineering and Rehabilitation Engineering.
Students who complete the examination requirements and the Research methodology module only, may, on the recommendation of the examiners, be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Bioengineering (60 credits).
Full-time or part-time options
Students can take the course full-time over one calendar year or part-time over two calendar years. Part-time students take modules and projects by agreement with the course coordinator.
Those wishing to take one module may be awarded a Certificate.
back to top
What are the bioengineering jobs in Ireland?
The highest per capita of Medical Technology personnel in Europe is employed in Ireland, which is home to 15 of the world’s top 20 MedTech companies and a proven location for research, design and manufacturing. The majority of the companies in the healthcare and medical device industry are international, and as such, opportunities to work both home and abroad are available in product development, manufacturing, management, research and teaching. BioEngineers will find that they work in interdisciplinary environments, and often have direct contact with physicians. Job titles include R&D Engineer, Medical Equipment Engineer, Medical Device R& D Engineer, Engineering Design Manager, Materials Engineer, Business development manager, Tech Transfer engineer.
What would my prospects be on completion of the course?
The success and impact of this course makes our highly skilled graduates employable around the world. Our graduate bioengineers work in the design and manufacture of medical devices with market leading companies including Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson; in hospital and clinical environments; on the regulatory practice of medical devices with the Irish Medicines Board and research laboratories including Stanford University. This M.Sc. programme is an excellent foundation for further research and many graduates are currently doing PhD research in Medical Device Design. To see a selection of current research opportunities go to www.tcd.ie/ bioengineering/opportunities/ Notably some of our Bioengineering graduates have started their own companies translating their research into providing excellence in human health. Read more on this at www.tcd.ie/bioengineering/research-innovation/. There are many enticing graduate engineering positions and our MSc in Bioengineering programme is very highly recognised in industry.
Throughout the MSc programme you will have invaluable access to potential employers and clinical collaborators to help further your career. You will have the opportunity to meet with renowned international experts in the bioengineering field as well as enterprise & innovation seminars, visits to hospitals and lectures from leading surgeons and clinicians.
I am working full-time, is it possible to do the course on a part time basis?
The course can be taken over two years and you select which modules you will complete in each year. It is important to note that course fees must be paid each year in advance and full fees apply. While the HEA funding is applicable for this coming academic year it is not guaranteed for 2013-2014 so full fees may apply for your second year.
How would I schedule working full-time and doing the course on a part time basis?
You would need to schedule days off work to attend module lectures which are delivered in batches of 2-5 working days except for Basic medical sciences which takes place once a week in Michaelmas Term and this module must be taken in year 1. Email tcbe@tcd.ie to request the annual schedule.