Biomedical engineering combines engineering with an appreciation of the functioning of the human body, whether healthy, injured or diseased. The medical device sector in Ireland is very strong; there are 300+ medical technology companies in Ireland, exporting €12.6b worth of product annually and employing 32,000 people, contributing 8% of Ireland’s total merchandise exports. Products include prosthetic devices to improve quality of life, disposable plastic and wound care products, and precision implants including pacemakers, microelectronic devices, orthopaedic implants, diagnostics, contact lenses and stents. In the clinical context, biomedical engineers play a key role in designing, sourcing and maintaining equipment, facilities and services within hospitals.
The course covers topics from the design and development of artificial joints, to equipment for medical diagnosis and treatment, to the implanting of biomaterials or biomedical devices in the human body. Biomedical engineers are therefore required at all stages from product design, product manufacture, technical support and interfacing with medical users in clinical environments. Biomedical engineering uses engineering principles to understand and control biological systems and requires a working knowledge of physiology, anatomy, and biological science.
This course integrates the study of biological systems, biomedical devices and clinical engineering with traditional mechanical, electrical and manufacturing engineering. Projects are carried out in conjunction with industry, with medical practitioners, and with the Biomedical Engineering Unit of Cork University Hospital.
Students have the opportunity to get work placement or internship in industry in Ireland or abroad or in a research laboratory in Ireland or with one of our partner institutions abroad (France, Germany, Italy, UK, etc.).
