Program Overview
Introduction to the Bionics Engineering Program
The Master's Degree Course in Bionics Engineering is designed to train highly qualified professionals who can advance research in the field of bionics by integrating the principles of biomedical engineering, biorobotics, and neural engineering. The program aims to develop a new generation of biorobotic and biomimetic devices, as well as new, more patient-centered healthcare technologies.
Course Description
The course is divided into two curricula: Neural Engineering and Biorobotics. The Neural Engineering curriculum focuses on the design and development of new neuroprostheses and innovative sensory systems, as well as the development and operation of robotic systems capable of interacting with humans. The Biorobotics curriculum focuses on the development of human and animal robotic models, robotic devices for surgery, and robotic rehabilitation.
Admission Requirements and Procedures
Admission to the course requires the possession of specific curricular requirements, including a minimum of 90 CFUs distributed across various academic disciplines. Proficient knowledge of English at least at level B2, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, is also required. A personal preparation test will be carried out as specified in the Academic Regulations of the Course of Study.
Course Evaluations
Student evaluations and graduating students' evaluations are conducted to assess the effectiveness of the program.
Study Plan
The study plan for students enrolled in the academic year 2025/2026 is outlined below:
Biorobotics
First Year
- Required courses:
- Neuroanatomy and cognitive neuroscience (6 CFU)
- Bioinspired and soft robotics (12 CFU)
- Analysis of bionic and robotic systems (12 CFU)
- Bioinspired computational methods (12 CFU)
- Statistical signal processing (6 CFU)
- Free choice courses (12 CFU):
- Robot programming frameworks and IoT platforms (6 CFU)
- Advanced materials for bionics (6 CFU)
- Artificial intelligent systems for human identification (6 CFU)
- Probability and biostatistics (6 CFU)
- Neuromorphic engineering (6 CFU)
- Electronics for bionics engineering (6 CFU)
Second Year
- Required courses:
- Wearable robotics (12 CFU)
- Final dissertation (15 CFU)
- Lab training (3 CFU)
- Advanced interventional and therapeutic technologies (12 CFU)
- Design principles for bionic tissue engineering (6 CFU)
- Rehabilitation and assistive technologies (12 CFU)
Neural Engineering
First Year
- Required courses:
- Applied brain science (12 CFU)
- Neuroanatomy and cognitive neuroscience (6 CFU)
- Analysis of bionic and robotic systems (12 CFU)
- Bioinspired computational methods (12 CFU)
- Statistical signal processing (6 CFU)
- Free choice courses (12 CFU):
- Robot programming frameworks and IoT platforms (6 CFU)
- Advanced materials for bionics (6 CFU)
- Artificial intelligent systems for human identification (6 CFU)
- Probability and biostatistics (6 CFU)
- Neuromorphic engineering (6 CFU)
- Electronics for bionics engineering (6 CFU)
Second Year
- Required courses:
- Final dissertation (15 CFU)
- Lab training (3 CFU)
- Neural signal processing and measurement techniques (12 CFU)
- Human-computer interaction and affective computing (12 CFU)
- Neural prostheses (12 CFU)
- Bionic senses (6 CFU)
Career Opportunities
Graduates are able to carry out professional activities in:
- Industry for the design, development, and operation of neuroprosthetic, biorobotic, and biomimetic platforms and devices
- Public and private healthcare companies
- Research, focusing on the development of new frontier topics in biorobotics and neural engineering
Enrolment
The selection process is managed by the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna.