Biomedical Engineering
Students using motion capture technology in the Biomechanics Lab.
Qualifications
Overview
Biomedical Engineering involves designing and creating medical and healthcare technology. As a priority industry in the 21st century, there is a growing need for life-changing engineering solutions that restore function and aid in diagnosis, monitoring, rehabilitation, and delivery of care.
This field of study builds awareness and addresses challenges encompassing global health issues, for example our increasingly aging population, and a rise in illnesses from sedentary lifestyles. Biomedical Engineers will develop current and emerging devices, such as prosthetics, implants, heart-rate monitors, mobility equipment, medical imaging scanners, and assistive technologies.
Students will carry out practical work in biomechanics, ergonomics, usability, concept design, prototyping, and testing. The programme also examines bioethics and medical regulatory compliance, and includes an introduction to intellectual property.
Students study towards the Biomedical Engineering minor alongside Mechanical Engineering in the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours.
- Students take advantage of the Centre for Bioengineering on campus, as well as equipment from UC’s Biomechanics Lab, which includes motion capture software, thermal cameras, performance monitors, and more.
- There are a variety of summer work experience opportunities in industry, hospitals, and clinics, both locally and overseas, to help design, repair, maintain, and implement medical equipment.
- See the Engineering subject page for many other reasons why UC's Te Rāngai Pūkaha | College of Engineering is a world-class destination for engineering studies.
UC offers a minor in Biomedical Engineering as part of the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours. Students intending to complete this minor must also complete the Mechanical Engineering discipline.
Biomedical Engineering minor
The following courses are required for the Biomedical Engineering minor throughout the degree:
- ENME 351 Biomedical Design and Production Management
- ENME 401 Mechanical Systems Design
- ENME 408 Honours Research and Development Project
- MDPH 401 Anatomy and Physiology
The compulsory courses must be taken with a biomedical engineering focus approved by the Director of Studies.
Plus one course from the following:
- DATA 430 Medical Data Informatics
- ENME 409 Physiological Modelling
- ENME 419 Biological Fluid Dynamics
- ENME 451 Biomechanics
- MDPH 406 Medical Imaging
Students must also meet the requirements for the Mechanical Engineering discipline.
Biomedical engineers have the opportunity to improve the health and well-being of the world’s population. Their cross-disciplinary knowledge in science and engineering fulfils a growing need in the medical industry which relies on innovative technologies.
Graduates will find work in not-for-profits, industry, government, research institutes, iwi and indigenous health services, and research and development (R&D) departments. They may also carry out rewarding careers in developing countries in need of better healthcare systems.
Other examples include equipment technicians, data information scientists, product designers, quality assurance (QA) testers, advisors, researchers, and biostatisticians.
The Aotearoa New Zealand government has identified health research and innovation as a national priority and area of investment, which will lead to more career opportunities in the medical industry in the near future.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Contact us
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Phone +64 3 369 2229
Email engdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
Level 5, Civil-Mechanical Engineering building – see campus maps
Postal address
Te Rāngai Pūkaha | College of Engineering
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
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