Studying Bioengineering
Bioengineering in the Mechanical Engineering Department is finding and creating solutions for real-world problems in applications of life-sciences using engineering cost-efficient methodologies and fabrication techniques.
Studying Bioengineering at undergraduate level (at UC) would come under the degree of BE (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering with core compulsory courses in Mechanical Engineering and elective courses in Bioengineering.
Courses structure
The following courses are specifically related to bioengineering, which can be chosen from in higher professional years and degrees.
Undergraduate
ENME409 - Physiological Modelling
ENGR401 - Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics
ENME417 - Advanced Composite, Polymeric and Ceramic Materials
ENME480 - Independent Course of Study (this is an open subject course regularly offered and taught by experts in the field, often visiting research fellows)
Other relevant subjects relevant to bioengineering include courses offered by other departments and programs, such as
Biology
BIOL463 Cell Biology
BIOL462 Medical Biochemistry
Mathematics
MATH406 Mathematical Models in Biology
MATH416 Numerical Solutions of Partial Differential Equations
Medical Physics
MDPH401 Anatomy & Physiology for Medical Physicists
MDPH406 Medical Imaging
Psychology
PSYC451 Human Factors - Ergonomics
Final-year Research & Development Projects are part of UC’s unique ways to early engagement with real-world engineering problems and industry. Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) students employ their knowledge and skills to provide solutions to industry-driven research and development needs. By engaging with a realistic engineering problem they develop professional skills that help them transition into the workforce.
The bulk of the projects come from industry, with many described as 'back burner' or 'pushing the envelope'. A good third of the amount of Mechanical Engineering projects would be either entirely or related to bioengineering applications.
Find out more about final-year Research and Development Projects and view recent projects completed in collaboration with our industry sponsors.
The BE(Hons) with bioengineering flavor is the best possible degree design for students entering the New Zealand career market. In particular, the New Zealand market values broadness very highly. Following a BE(Hons), students have a variety of options. The most popular options are a career in industry or further study at a postgraduate level. However, other options may include humanitarian work, entrepreneurship, or applications to continue with other study (medicine, finance, etc).
Local and national medical technology companies frequently employ our top BE(Hons) graduates. Such companies include Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Ossis, Enztec, and more. We have found that the broad skill set that come with a BE(Hons) degree caters well for the needs of bioengineering industry. Equally, our degree also provides graduates with the ability to shift careers to more traditional mechanical and mechatronics engineering disciplines if the heat comes off the bioengineering market. Hence our degree is very well regarded by industry and also offers the necessary agility to succeed in the smaller New Zealand market. Some have noticed a trend that companies in Europe and the US increasing desire to recruit those with prior research experience. Hence postgraduate study is becoming a prerequisite for a career in those markets.
Bioengineering within the context of Mechanical Engineering
In the Department of Mechanical Engineering we recognize that bioengineering is an application field, not a series of defined subjects or skill sets. Hence, we ensure that all graduates in our BE(Hons) programme are qualified for a broad range of careers offered in New Zealand, including Bioengineering. Furthermore, we recognize that almost all subjects under the mechanical and mechatronics streams are applicable in various types of bioengineering practice or research. For example, orthopedic implants require materials science and design; medical decision support often requires control engineering or dynamics; bio fluid intervention requires fluid dynamics; et cetera.
Grow with the market
A BE(Hons) with bioengineering flavor is the best possible degree design for students entering the New Zealand career market. In particular, the New Zealand market values broadness very highly. Following a BE(Hons), students have a variety of options. The most popular options are a career in industry or further study at a postgraduate level. However, other options may include humanitarian work, entrepreneurship, or applications to continue with other study (medicine, finance, et cetera).
Apply your skills and knowledge
Local and national medical technology companies frequently employ our top BE(Hons) graduates. Such companies include Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, Ossis, Enztec, and more. We have found that the broad skill set that we offer in our BE(Hons) caters well for the needs of bioengineering industry. Equally, our degree also provides graduates with the ability to shift their career to more traditional mechanical and mechatronics engineering disciplines if the heat comes off the bioengineering market. Hence our degree is very well regarded by industry and also offers the necessary agility to succeed in the smaller New Zealand market.
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