Program Overview

Overview of Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering is at the intersection of engineering, the life sciences, and healthcare. Biomedical engineers take principles from applied science (including mechanical, electrical, chemical, and computer engineering) and physical sciences (including physics, chemistry, and mathematics) and apply them to biology and medicine. The goal is to better understand, replace, or fix a target system to ultimately improve the quality of healthcare.

Description of the Program

Biomedical engineers become involved in research and development, spanning a broad array of subfields: biofabrication, bioprinting, biomechanics, biomaterials, tissue engineering, neural engineering, medical devices, clinical engineering, medical imaging. Prominent biomedical engineering applications include the development of biocompatible prostheses, various diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices ranging from clinical equipment to micro-implants, advanced imaging methods such as MRIs and EEGs, as well as the development of regenerative materials, engineered tissues, and artificial organs.

Skills and Career Opportunities

Biomedical engineering is the fastest-growing career, and this trend is expected to continue over the next decade. Ireland’s medical technology sector has evolved into a global leader for medical device and diagnostic products, with more than 450 companies involved in developing, manufacturing, and marketing medical devices. These companies have a strong demand for high-quality graduates at Master’s and Ph.D. levels.

Biomedical engineers also find employment in clinics and hospitals, where they work as clinical engineers, responsible for complex, expensive diagnostic equipment and laboratories.

Course Details

• Duration: 5 Years Full-Time
• CAO Points: 556 (2024)
• CAO Code: TR032
• Awards: (NFQ Level 8) and 5 year (NFQ Level 9)

Course Structure

• First and Second Years: Students take a range of modules in general engineering, as well as approved modules in other relevant areas.
• Third and Fourth Years: Students study technical courses in both mechanical/manufacturing engineering and electronic engineering, along with courses in anatomy and physiology.
• Final Year and Optional Master’s Year: Students study a range of technical subjects in greater depth.

Projects

Project work is an important aspect of this degree, with an extensive research facility available to students. Students carry out several projects, including a major Capstone research project in their final year. Examples of final-year projects include:

• Design of a branch stent for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• Finite element modelling of 3D printed scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
• Determination of the effect of freezing on the mechanical properties of decellularised arteries.
• Head kinematics in contact sports.

Admission Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: H4 Mathematics
• Advanced GCE (A Level): Grade C Mathematics
• International Baccalaureate: HL Grade 5 Mathematics
• English Language Requirements: All applicants are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language, meeting Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section.

Graduate Skills

Biomedical engineers develop a range of skills, including:

• Analyzing problems and formulating solutions
• Working with mathematics and numbers
• Understanding biological systems and applying engineering principles to improve healthcare

Research Areas

Biomedical engineering research areas include:

• Biofabrication
• Bioprinting
• Biomechanics
• Biomaterials
• Tissue engineering
• Neural engineering
• Medical devices
• Clinical engineering
• Medical imaging

Conclusion

The Biomedical Engineering program at Trinity College Dublin offers students a comprehensive education in the principles of engineering, biology, and medicine, preparing them for careers in research, development, and industry. With its strong focus on project work, research, and industry connections, this program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this rapidly growing field.