UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Engineering and Informatics

School of Engineering
Programme title: MSc/PGDip/PGCert Medical Engineering

Awarding and teaching institution: / University of Bradford
Final and interim awards: / Master of Science (MSc)/Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)/Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7]
Programme title: / Medical Engineering
Programme accredited by: / Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Duration: / 1 year full time
UCAS code: / N/A
Subject benchmark statement: / Engineering
Date produced: / December 2008
Last updated : / October 2013

Introduction

Medical Engineering is the application of engineering principles to the medical and healthcare sector. It combines engineering expertise with biology to solve medical problems and improve the wellbeing of patients. Although less established than more traditional specialties such as electrical or mechanical engineering, it is nonetheless a growing discipline which is increasing in importance. Indeed, many significant diagnostic and therapeutic advances have been pioneered by medical engineers.

Medical engineering is a fast evolving interdisciplinary field, which has been at the forefront of many medical advances in recent years. As such, it is a research-led discipline, which sits at the cutting edge of advances in medicine, engineering and biology. It is highly interdisciplinary in nature and requires engineers who are flexible, able to acquire new skills, and who have a broad knowledge base. In particular, given the research-lead nature of the discipline, there is demand for engineers who can work effectively in a research-lead environment and who can push forward technological boundaries. Consequently, there is need for people with advanced knowledge and skills, who have a good appreciation of developments in the clinical and biological fields. Thus, this MSc programme at the University of Bradford is designed to provide an advanced medical engineering education and to give students an opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and understanding in specialist subject areas. In particular, the programme contains a large project component which allows students to develop advanced knowledge and research skills in their specialist area.As such, the programme also aims to develop a multidisciplinary understanding of the subject, which can be applied in a variety of clinical, biomedical and industrial settings.

The School of Engineering and Informatics places emphasis on both teaching and research, believing them to be mutually dependent. This MScprogramme has grown out of the internationally recognised research activity of the Medical Engineering Research Team which has a long andestablished record of delivering Bachelors level teaching in the medical and healthcare field. As such, the programme draws on the broad range of expertise within the Medical Engineering Research Team and integrates this in a coherent programme of study. The Medical Engineering Research Team has particular research strengths in Human movement analysis; Biomaterials science; Biophysics; and Infection control and Hospital epidemiology. It has research links with local hospitals in Yorkshire and works closely with clinicians from these establishments. It has also conducted collaborative research with various commercial organizations, including, Smith and Nephew Ltd, DePuy Plc, and Dyson Ltd.

With reference to teaching and learning, the School aims to produce postgraduates who aspire to challenging careers in industry, commerce and the public sector or to developing their own enterprises. You should therefore be able to move directly into responsible roles in employment with a minimum of additional training. This aim is achieved by:

  • Providing a supportive, structured environment in which students are encouraged to develop independent learning and research skills;
  • Developing subject knowledge and understanding, developing discipline skills and developing personal transferable skills, to enable graduates to pursue programmes of advanced study, or to move directly into responsible employment.

Programme Aims

The Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate programmeaims to:

  • provide students with the advanced theoretical knowledge, concepts and skills necessary for original thought and problem analysis related to medical, clinical and biomedical engineering.
  • provide students with the academic and technical skills necessary to carry out research in medical, clinical and biomedical engineering.

An additional aim of the Master in Science programme is:

  • To enable students to carry out independently, but under supervision, a specific research project in medical, clinical and biomedical engineering.

It is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and will provide those possessing an adequate undergraduate accredited degree the Further Learning educational requirements (in compliance with UK-SPEC) to permit progression to Chartered Membership of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and registration with the Engineering Council (UK) as a Chartered Engineer.

Programme Learning Outcomes

On completion of the programme at PG Certificate and/or PG Diploma level you will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

LO1.Demonstrate a high level of knowledge and understanding of the engineering principles underpinning medical engineering; the core scientific principles in medical engineering; the synoptic multidisciplinary approaches to medical engineering; and the current challenges and new insights in the field of medical engineering.

LO2.Demonstrate an ability to develop solutionsto multi-disciplinary problems and work with knowledge at the forefront of the discipline.

Intellectual Abilities

LO3.Apply engineering principles and inter-personal skills to the critical analysis of multi-disciplinary complex problems in order to create innovative solutions to these problems.

LO4.Demonstrate intellectual capabilities of formulation, conceptualisation and reflection of complex non-routine problems.

LO5.Develop research skills for further detailed investigation, of complex non-routine problems, critically evaluate and interpret newly developed data and argue alternative approaches.

LO6.Integrate engineering understanding and apply insight to the solution of real problems.

LO7.Demonstrate self direction and originality in problem solving.

Practical Skills

LO8.Apply standard laboratory methods to obtain accurate data.

LO9.Use software packages in the analysis, modelling, simulation, and design of complex engineering systems.

General Transferable Skills

LO10.Use critical thinking; evaluation and integration of scientific and technological information from a variety of sources.

LO11.Evaluate and interpret experimental data, plan a research programme of work, conduct corresponding experimental and theoretical work with minimum guidance and report findings in a critical thesis.

LO12.Work in a team and demonstrate good written and oral communication skills.

On completion of the programme at Masters Level, including all of the above, you will be able to:

LO13Adopt an autonomous approach to their own learning and continuing professional development

LO14Plan, design, execute and communicate a sustained piece of independent work using appropriate media to communicate the findings.

Curriculum

The map of the curriculum shows the core (C) and optional (O) units for this programme, which extends over 12 months. The taught element is structured in the form of modules carrying 10 credits arranged within the two semesters forming the academic session. Full time students will complete the taught modules while also developing a plan of research to use to complete their MScproject; which is undertaken by those students who have satisfied the progression requirements in Semesters 1 and 2. Where appropriate, the project can be completed in industry, at a hospital, or at an overseas university.

Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study Period
ENG4094M / Genomic Coding / C / 10 / 7 / 1
ENG4068M / Tissue Engineering and Wound Repair / C / 10 / 7 / 1
ENG3027M / Biomaterials / C / 10 / 6 / 1
ENG3077M / Medical Ethics & Regulations / O / 10 / 6 / 1
ENG4029M / Design Optimisation / O / 10 / 7 / 1
ENG3076M / Materials Failure Analysis / O / 10 / 6 / 1
ENG4050L / Interdisciplinary Competitive Design / O / 10+10 / 7 / 1,2
ENG4031M / Advanced Numerical Methods / O / 10 / 7 / 1
ENG4087M / Manufacturing Planning and Control / O / 10 / 7 / 1
ENG4092M / Clinical Signals / C / 10 / 7 / 2
ENG4076M / Infection Control / C / 10 / 7 / 2
ENG4096M / Clinical Biomechanics / C / 10 / 7 / 2
ENG4122D / Advanced Project Skills / C / 20 / 7 / 2
ENG4093M / Rehabilitation Engineering / O / 10 / 7 / 2
ENG4115M / Wireless Embedded Technology in Healthcare / O / 10 / 7 / 2
ENG3020M / Medical Instrumentation & Imaging / O / 10 / 6 / 2
ENG4025M / Finite Element Methods / O / 10 / 7 / 2
ENG4073M / Advanced Solid Mechanics / O / 10 / 7 / 2
ENG4064M / Sustainable Energy / O / 10 / 7 / 2
ENG4072M / Risk Management / O / 10 / 7 / 2
ENG 4013Z / MSc Project / C / 60 / 7 / DISS

NB. No more than 20 credits of Level 6 modules may be taken. Students who completed their undergraduate studies at the University of Bradford are not allowed to repeat modules that they have already taken. However, such students may under special circumstances be allowed to take Level 7 modules that are not on the above list in consultation with the programme team.

The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.

Assessment Regulations

Whilst this Programme conforms to the general principles set out in the standard University Assessment Regulations which are available at the link below, following exception(s) apply to these regulations:

  1. The MSc project must be passed at 1st attempt
  1. To gain an accredited MSc award, 160 credits must have a minimum mark of 50% with the remaining 20 credits with marks at a minimum of 40%.

This requirement can be met with supplementary assessment (on one occasion only) in any number of taught subjects. You may therefore re-sit a module that has a mark in the 40% to 50% range for the purpose of remaining on the accredited award.

If the above requirement is not met, but the University’s postgraduate regulations are complied with, then a non-accredited MSc will be awarded.

Admission Requirements

The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.

If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.

We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these

Master's Degree programme:In addition to satisfying the general admissions requirements of the University of Bradford, you must have a first degree in relevant discipline; normally a Second-class Honours degree or equivalent in Science, Engineering, or Technology. Candidates who do not fulfil the normal entry requirements but have extensive engineering, clinical, biomedical or related experience will be considered on an individual basis. Those applicants seeking to use this MSc, if it is accredited by the IMechE, as Further Learning to satisfy the educational base requirements for CEng must also bein possession of an appropriate accredited degree.

English Language Requirements

All students must satisfy the English language requirements for admission as described in If your native language is not English, you will have to pass a test in English approved by the University before you can be admitted.

The following qualifications are acceptable as satisfying this requirement. Both are available internationally:

  • The International English Language Testing Service Test (IELTS) administered by the British Council is the test, which is preferred by the University. You will need to achieve an Overall Band of at least 6, with at least 5 in each of the four sub-tests. Testing facilities are available at most British Council overseas offices. When you take your test, you should ask for a copy of your Test Report Form to be sent to the University.
  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, USA. You will need to score at least 550 (220 on the computer-based test). If you take this test, you should enter the University's code 0828, on your answer sheet.

Should you not be able to offer these grades then you should contact the Admissions Tutor for further advice.

Teaching and Assessment Strategies

The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes, progression through the stages of study, the nature of the subject and the student intake, and the need for students to take greater responsibility for their own learning as they progress through the programme. The strategies and methods implemented are:

  • The teaching and learning methods implemented to engage students in developing their knowledge and understanding of the programme include formal lectures (including those from Visiting Lecturers), case studies, tutorial exercises, practical demonstrations, directed learning and individual work. The method of assessment is by written examination and both analytical and experimental coursework.
  • The methods implemented in developing students’ intellectual skills include engaging with them during tutorial exercises, case studies, practical demonstration and supervised research or project work. The methods of assessment of intellectual skills are implicit in the written examinations, analytical and experimental coursework and more particularly in the MSc project.
  • The methods implemented in developing the students’ practical skills include demonstrations and practicals linked with the taught modules. MSc students will also design and operate equipment and use control and measuring instruments under supervision during the initial phase of their research project. At the PG Dip stage, students will operate analytical instruments under supervision during the initial phase of their research project. The methods of assessment of practical skills include feedback on laboratory work linked with the taught modules.
  • The methods implemented in developing the students’ transferable skills are implicit in the programme. The University of Bradford is well known for attracting students from a wide variety of background, experiences and countries. This and the learning facilities available to all students provide the conditions for students to develop and manage their learning. The University of Bradford modus operandi, Making Knowledge Work, is imbedded in the philosophy of this programme, particularly in the area of Engineering, Design and Technology, which is well equipped with practical and computational facilities.
  • The methods of assessment of transferable skills are built in the structure of the examinations, case studies, laboratory demonstrations and research or project work.

Learning Resources

The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly.

Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our journals are available online (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way.

Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available.

Student Support and Guidance

Programme Team

Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.

Students’ Union

We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of student representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.

The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union.

Employability and Career Development

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan.

Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site

Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’ website