Program Overview

Fundamentals of Human Structure (AN6020)

Course Fact File

• Code: AN 6020
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Fees: €750 - HCI Subsidy Initiative
• Closing Date: 05/09/2025
• Venue: Blended delivery
• Credits: 5
• Start Date: Mid-September 2025

Outline

Module Goal

This micro-credential has been designed in collaboration with industry experts in the MedTech and medical device fields to upskill or reskill engineers in this expanding sector. Support has also come from the region where many companies are based and looking to recruit or retain staff.

Module Content

Learners seeking to balance their work commitments with learning are fully supported in the structure of this micro-credential with lectures and tutorials in full-day sessions every 3-4 weeks, mostly on a Saturday. Diseases and disorders associated with the systems are outlined and how they relate to design features of the relevant biomedical equipment.

The micro-credential involves a blend of simulated and lab sessions all supported by anatomical and surgical knowledge. The micro-credential blends online with access to the world class ASSERT Research Centre. Understanding of the complexities of human body as so much more than another machine better prepares engineers to innovate in such an evolving field. Innovation and understanding to improve surgical and patient outcomes is the basis for skilling engineers in this often overlooked area.

Additional Teaching Mode Information

• 20 x 1 hr(s) Lectures
• 2 x 1 hr Tutorials
• 2 x 3 hr Laboratory Sessions

Practicalities

Continuous Assessment - 100 marks

• E-tivities - 4 x MCQ/SAQ quizzes - 80 marks
• Discussion Board(s) - discussion to apply module content in an appropriate way relevant to medical device design and development - 20 marks

Why Choose

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Use appropriate anatomical terminology in discussion of the human body in relation to medical technology design and development
2. Describe the major body systems: Cardiovascular, Digestive, Musculoskeletal, Nervous, Respiratory, Integumentary, Lymphatic, Immune and Urogenital systems.
3. Identify important features of organs
4. Describe the function of organs.
5. Display critical thinking in the discussion of structure-function relationship of organs and systems in the context of medical technology design and development

Requirements

This micro-credential has been designed in collaboration with industry experts in the MedTech and medical device fields to upskill or reskill engineers in this expanding sector. Support has also come from the region where many companies are based and looking to recruit or retain staff.

Fees and Costs

The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy has been introduced to enable more learners to address critical skills gaps and engage with lifelong learning.

The fee for this micro-credential is €750 but applicants who meet the subsidy requirements can attend this micro-credential for €375.

Check your eligibility on the HEA Website

How To Apply

Please select the following options during your online application (once you have created your profile):

• Start a new Micro-credentials application by selecting as below
• At the application level tab select the College of Medicine and Health and then the module you'd like to apply for