BEng Biomedical Engineering

Duration: 3 years full-time or 4 years with additional masters' year completed via distance learning

UCAS Code: H542 (BEng), H541 (MEng)

Intake: Up to 40 students per year. Smaller classes means more time can be spent on you.

Please note:

• You do not need to apply for both the MEng and BEng courses on UCAS. Students can choose to swap between the two at any time during the course, subject to satisfactory performance.
  
• All applicants are considered on an individual basis based on all previous and predicted qualifications, experience, references and motivation. Whilst the grades listed here are our entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are only an estimate. We will therefore consider applicants with predicted grades of CCC if the application is of a high standard, (however, initial offers will not be lower than stated below).

• Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. Find out more about our English language requirements.

• GCSE requirements: A Level: BBB-BBC. Maths or Physics required (consideration may be given to Design Technology, Engineering Science and Electronics if Physics is not studied at A Level)

• All applicants receiving offers will be invited to an Applicant Visit Day to discover more about the course and Aston University.

• Find out more about our admissions policy.

• The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
  

• Take a look at our FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Typical offers:

• A Levels
• IB
• BTEC
• Access to Higher Education
• International and other qualifications

BBC-BCC. You must also pass the practical element of any Science course you take. Maths or Physics are required subjects.(consideration may be given to Further Maths, Design Technology, Engineering Science and Electronics if Physics is not studied at A Level).

A Level applicants who select this course as their Firm UCAS choice may be eligible for our lowered offer scheme. This means that the grades that you will need in order to be accepted on to the course will be reduced.

We welcome applications from students who have tried to improve their examination grades by taking a maximum of one set of resits. We treat these applications in exactly the same way as other applications. However, if you have had more than one attempt at improving your grades, your application will be considered on an individual basis and we reserve to make an amended (higher) offer, or not make an offer.

28 points overall, to include 544 at HL, which must include either Maths or Physics at 5

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma : D*DD in a relevant Engineering National Diploma

We welcome applications from students who have taken BTEC qualifications as a first option and who achieved five or more GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grade C or above.

We do not consider applications from students who are unsuccessful in obtaining the required number and/or standard of A-levels for admission to our programmes and subsequently embark on a BTEC as a second option. Instead we would encourage you to resit your A-levels.

Please contact us for further details

Other qualifications: If your qualification is not listed, please contact us using the form at the bottom of the page.

International qualifications: International students can discover more about the qualifications we accept on our international pages.

International Foundation Programme in Science (Aston University): We also welcome international students with equivalent qualifications to apply for our courses. For international students without equivalent qualifications, it is also possible to gain entry to this course by completing an International Foundation Programme at Aston University, although please note the progression requirements to our courses. International applicants expected to gain foundation diplomas from other providers are welcomed and will be considered on a case by case basis.

Foundation Programme in Science (Aston University): For students with good A-level (or equivalent) grades, but who narrowly miss our standard requirements, it is also possible to gain entry to this course by completing a Foundation Year, although please note the progression requirements.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

For 2017 entry:

• UK / EU students: £9,250 per year (£1,250 during placement year)

• International students: £17,200 per year (£2,500 during placement year)

Explore the costs involved in university and the financial support that may be available to you.

• As a Biomedical Engineer, you will be entering the profession at a time of exciting change and innovation. Biomedical Engineers have the skills and flexibility to be involved in a wide number of activities from the development of novel devices to the delivery of expert services directly to patients. As well as supporting clinical staff, personnel and financial governance of medical equipment, ranging from the analysis and reporting on incidents involving medical devices to the assessment of new technologies, is also a vital need of the constantly growing healthcare sector.

  Discover more in this short video.

  The BEng:
  • The BEng and MEng courses are taught together for years one to three.
    
  • The curriculum is designed to provide a sound academic and practical understanding of engineering systems and applications in the medical field. You will develop a deep understanding of the human physiology and the biological functions of the body. Specific emphasis is put on engineering knowledge and practical skills including: mathematics, electronics, software engineering, biomechanics, biomaterials, simulation and modelling of biological systems, clinical practice and research methodologies.
    
  • You will experience hands on development of real-world devices from the very first year of the course to emphasise the “learning by doing” ethos we embrace.
    
  • By the final year of the BEng course, you will be able to undertake significant independent work as evidenced by a large project. This will become a key part of a portfolio of projects that you will develop across the course as a whole, which will become a showcase for potential employers of your newly acquired skills as a biomedical engineer.
  The MEng:
  • This is an optional additional year, making the course four years in duration.
  • The fourth year will take a form of placement. The placement is different to most other courses as typically students undertake a placement between their second and third year and then return for an additional year to finish their studies. The Aston Biomedical Engineering placement takes place in the fourth year, and students take final year MEng modules via distance learning. This allows you to take up employment at an earlier stage (or to undertake an internship) while gaining a master’s degree in 4 years.
    
  • You can opt to take the 4 year MEng course at any point during the course (subject to satisfactory performance).

  Year 1

  In the first year you will gain a thorough and ‘hands-on’ grounding in the principles and practises of engineering with a healthcare focus. You will cover s ubjects such as:

  • Biomedical Engineering Project 1: Develop some of the technical, enquiring, analytical and managerial skills required to successfully produce a product which is both functional and sustainable. A practical insight into medical product design and development.
  • Electronic Engineering Foundations : Introduction to electronics and electronic engineering; develops the experimental skills required for building and testing electronic circuits.

  • Engineering Science: Fundamental knowledge of physics and obtain skills necessary for higher-level engineering courses. Apply fundamental principles of mechanics, thermo-fluids, energy conversion/transmission and electromagnetism in the analysis and solution of engineering problems.

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology for Engineers: Lay a foundation for the study of bioengineering, with a focus on learning terminology and concepts essential to the understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Topics will include the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, the nervous systems, visual and hearing systems, skeletal and support structures, with an emphasis on measuring and quantification of core body functions in a practical and applied way.

  • Mathematics for Engineers: Core mathematical skills required for biomedical engineering ans establish a firm foundation for further study of mathematics. Practical sessions will provide a hands-on introduction to matrix manipulation software.

  • Software Engineering: Develop a problem solving approach and computational thinking to conceptualise, develop abstractions and design systems. Begin to design, develop, maintain, test and evaluate software.

  
  Year 2

  You will develop your biomedical engineering skills and knowledge further. You will cover s ubjects such as:

  • Biomaterials: Engineering properties of the new classes of materials used for biomedical applications and their micro-structures. Their clinical use will be considered for different biomedical applications such as orthopedics, vascular, dental, surgery, plastic and maxilla-facial surgery.
  • Biomechanics: Logical and comprehensive theory of biomechanical concept. Mathematical and physical modelling skills used for human movement analysis and principal techniques/tools used nowadays. Students will face practical applications of the theory on real biomechanical scenarios.
  • Biomedical Engineering Project 2: Design, test and build an integrated medical device under the supervision of academic supervisors using the knowledge gained during prerequisite modules.
  • Biomedical Engineering Project 3: Medical product design and development engineering, defining and examining the key factors involved in the plan, design, implementation and commercialization. Mechanical, electronic and electrical, software and firmware elements will be designed, tested and built by the students.
  • Mathematical Applications: Advanced engineering mathematics skills (i.e., tume-domain analysis, frequency domain analysis, signal analysis, state-space analysis) necessary to understand, manage and facilitate different engineering applications.
  
  Year 3

  Expand your understanding even further. You will cover s ubjects such as:

  • Biomedical Engineering Research Elective: Conceptualizing, designing, refining, creating and testing a medical device under the supervision of your academic supervisor. Develop a solution for a real world medical need and acquire new skills and readiness for the workplace.
  • Biotechnology and Regenerative Medicine: Develop an understanding of the key concepts and knowledge associated with bioprocessing and manufacture of biological products. An emphasis is placed on the importance and relevance of working at the life/science interface.
  • CFD/FEA for Biomedical Engineering: Develop an understanding and context for the use of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in engineering design applied to Biomedical Engineering.
  • Kinematics and Prosthetics: The principles of the mechanics and physics applied to the human movement analysis for rehabilitation purposes and prosthetic applications. Emphasis is placed on practical applications in a variety of diseases (stroke, Parkinson, peripheral neuropathy).
  • Medical Imaging: Introduce the fundamentals of medical imaging systems including imaging theory, radiography, tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and ultrasonography.
  
  Year 4 MEng Integrated Placement (optional)
  

  You spend this year in the biomedical engineering industry on an internship, work placement or in employment. During this time you will take modules delivered via distance learning. You will learn via online narrated lectures and reflective coursework: applying what you learn to your real life work. Assessment is in the form of reflective coursework - applying the academic content to what you are doing in your place of work.

  Students are responsible for gaining their own internship, work placement or employment, with the support of the University careers service. An average mark of at least 50% needs to have been achieved in the third year of the program to enter the MEng (you can convert to this programme at any time during the BEng).

  Subjects covered:

  • Research Methods and Statistics: Hypothesis development, scientific literature searching, protocol development and clinical statistics.
  • Leadership Skills and Research Tools: Knowledge and reflection of leadership theories and application of them to the student’s working / placement environment.
  • Clinical trials and Medical regulations: Clinical trial registration, design and strength of evidence. Understanding medical regulations such as from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Agency (MHRA) in the UK and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA.
  • MEng Master’s Year Project: A substantive healthcare project related to the students working/placement environment with support from an academic and industrial supervisor developing a research grade solution to a novel problem.