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 is delivered through formal lectures, tutorials, practical and project work. There are a number of dedicated biomedical engineering laboratories containing leading edge technology. These facilitate teaching and research both at undergraduate and postgraduate level and include
Gait analysis laboratory
Biomaterials laboratory
Hurley helmet testing rig
Instron dynamic testing machine
Non-contact 3D light scanner
Rapid prototyping machine
Projects are carried out in conjunction with industry including medical device companies, with medical practitioners and with the Biomedical Engineering Unit of Cork University Hospital.
