South East Technological University (SETU), has announced that it is to offer two CAO degree course opportunities in biomedical electronics at its Carlow campus NFQ Level 8 SE709 and NFQ Level 7 SE727.
Biomedical electronics is suitable for students interested in working in high-tech industries that are advancing medical devices for state-of-the-art healthcare.
Combination of theory classes, practical experiments, projects and laboratory sessions
These courses comprises of a combination of theory classes, practical experiments, projects and laboratory sessions, and will include work placement and project collaboration with leading global medical device companies based in Ireland.
The course has been welcomed by the Irish Medtech Association. Senior executive Adrienne McDonnell said: “This programme comes at a time when the medical technology industry is looking to address current skills shortages and prepare the next generation for the demands of tomorrow.
"These new programmes are a blended mix of physiology and cell biology and applied electronics for medical devices, and really complement the fostering of collaboration between education institutions and the medtech industry to strategically enable lifelong learning and develop the workforce with the skills areas that are in most demand now and in the future.
"Ireland is one of the top five global medtech hubs, with more than 450 companies, and is ranked as the most innovative in the EU with 14,200 EU patent applications in 2020."
“Biomedical electronics involves the application of electronic circuits and technologies for treating medical conditions, monitoring health problems and improving the quality of life for patients. Ireland is one of Europe’s largest medical technology hotspots," said Dr Chris Kufazvinei, course director of the bachelor of engineering (Hons) in biomedical electronics.
"All of these companies require a continuous supply of graduates with skills in electronics and domain knowledge and expertise of medical devices and healthcare applications.”
Medical devices
Major advances have occurred which have led to highly sophisticated medical devices. Examples include medical implants (cardiac defibrillators, pacemakers, deep brain neuro-stimulators, gastric stimulators, cochlear implants & insulin pumps); medical monitors (ECG, EEG, & blood pressure); diagnostic equipment (ultrasound, MRI, PET, CT, & X-ray); life support (ventilators, incubators, anaesthetic machines); surgical equipment (endoscopy & electrosurgical); connected health at home.
Knowledge and skillsets
- Learn electronic circuit design, and analysis techniques for medical devices;
- Master problem solving and critical thinking;
- Knowledge of treatment methods of medical conditions and disorders;
- Develop practical abilities in prototyping, design, and teamwork skills.
Special features
This course strikes the perfect balance between theory, practical laboratory classes (electronics/biology) and hands-on project-based learning exercises.
State-of-the-art laboratory equipment and resources on campus as well as computer software, tools & simulation labs, e.g. Proteus, Cadence, Vivado and MATLAB.
Work placement and project collaboration opportunities exist with leading global medical device companies which are based here in Ireland, examples include Boston Scientific, Medtronic, BD, Stryker, Cook Medical & Abbott.
Career prospects
- Excellent career prospects exist for graduates within the medical devices sector in Ireland and abroad: the global medical devices market in 2021 was valued at €505bn;
- Ireland is one of Europe’s largest medtech hotspots, which is home to 300+ companies that employ over 32,000 people, which is the highest number of medtech personnel per capita in Europe;
- Exports of medical devices and diagnostic products now represent 8% of Ireland’s total merchandise exports, which is worth €12.6bn in exports annually;
- Medtech companies require a continuous supply of graduates with electronic engineering skills and domain knowledge of the medical devices sector.
Employment roles
- Research and development (R&D);
- Design of electronic circuits and systems for medical technologies;
- Advanced manufacturing processes;
- Specialist rehabilitation engineering;
- Wearable and connected health products;
- Clinical medicine and pharmaceutical products;
- Engineering consultancy on biomedical technologies.
Further information
Contact Dr Chris Kufazvinei on chris.kufazvinei@itcarlow.ie or visit www.setu.ie