Biomedical Engineering (Taught)

The MSc Biomedical Engineering will build on your engineering and physical science knowledge to build a unique competence in the fields of applied biomedical engineering. The masters programme is taught through a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh, offering you a bespoke learning experience at the forefront of the discipline, and the opportunity to expand both your knowledge and your networks.

You will explore multiple disciplines and take advantage of the academic expertise in biological and clinical sciences, and engineering to emerge a true multidisciplinary graduate. The programme will introduce you to engineering technologies and applications within the biomedical industry and provide you with knowledge of medical technologies and their application, with a focus on integrated medical devices, design and manufacture skills, and an understanding and practice of key concepts in biosensing and biofabrication. You’ll have the opportunity to follow one of two themes and specialise in either bioelectronics, or biomedical manufacturing.

You will complete various individual and group research and design projects to develop your subject specific and transferable skills. Upon completion of the Master of Science degree, you will have the necessary knowledge and expertise to enter a wide range of careers in the medical technologies and biomedical industries. Careers available to you will include mechanical engineer, technical lead, technical salesforce, government, charity or policy advisor, medical physicist, and roles in research and design.

Customise your learning

You can customise your degree to match your specific interests or desired career pathway by specialising in either bioelectronic or biomedical manufacturing. If you choose the bioelectronic stream, you will explore Lab-on-Chip technologies, sensors and instrumentation, bioelectronics and biosensors, and design and use bioelectrodes. By studying medical manufacturing, you will investigate technologies for biosystems, deep-dive into biofabrication, and explore the regulatory frameworks for medical devices.

In semester three, you will build upon your specialism in either bioelectronics or medical manufacture and undertake an extensive and specialised investigation through your dissertation. You will be required to demonstrate your mastery of the biomedical engineering by applying design, manufacture and characterisation techniques to develop new insights and responses to current issues in biomedical engineering.  You’ll also undertake an extensive and specialised investigation into your chosen area of biomedical engineering through your dissertation. You’ll be required to demonstrate your mastery of the subject area by applying design and evaluation techniques to develop new insights and responses to current issues in biomedical engineering.

Course content

Year 1
Mandatory September
The Engineering-Biology Interface
Manufacture in Bioengineering

Mandatory AY
Multidisciplinary Biomedical Engineering Group Design Project

Mandatory January
Technology Entrepreneurship 5
Critical Analysis and Research Preparation

Optional September
Introduction to Bioelectronics
Technologies for Biosystems

Optional January
Sensors and Instrumentation
Lab-on-Chip Technologies
Regulation of the Safe and Sustainable Development of Substances
Biomaterials

Mandatory May
Masters Dissertation