Course description
Graduates with expertise in electronic engineering who would like to introduce biomedical skills into their professional expertise could consider the Graduate Certificate in Engineering (Biomedical). Those who complete this course will have a high knowledge of the engineering and biomedical principles underlying the application of biomedical engineering. They will have the capacity to develop applications and a range of technical skills for using applications. Skills in communication, problem solving and critical thinking are also a focus of the course.
The Graduate Diploma extends those studies to further professional knowledge and skills in the research and development of biomedical engineering. The Masters will extend students still further to a significant and substantial advanced knowledge of and skill in the field of biomedical engineering. Masters students undertake research and development by selecting appropriate methodology, analysing and reviewing research literature, and completing an advanced development or similar research-oriented project.
You will be put to work on real projects that are trying to solve real problems in an area of your choosing. Current research projects are: designing and building a device that measures the stiffness of cartilage; accessing information that would not be otherwise available from organs; and assessing the effects of hip joint replacements on walking and other parts of the body. A new surgery screwdriver has in-built intelligence so it can assess the type of bone it is screwing through and adjust accordingly. Some wireless applications help both the aged and the disabled to stay in their houses longer.
Honours students in engineering have had much success both in prizes awarded and in having their products commercialised. We encourage international students to bring ideas for Masters projects from their own country. The courses articulate and the sequentially developed topics allow progression through the three awards. Candidates who have completed the Graduate Certificate are awarded credit towards the Graduate Diploma. Candidates who have completed the Graduate Diploma are awarded credit towards the Masters.
What will I study?
Refer to the program of study:
* Graduate Certificate in Engineering (Biomedical)
* Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Biomedical)
* Master of Engineering (Biomedical)
Why study Biomedical Engineering at Flinders?
* The postgraduate courses in biomedical engineering are small, intimate and focused on the needs and the future of each individual student. At Flinders, our postgraduate courses have low numbers, small class sizes and that’s the way we like it. It gives our staff time to devote to students; it gives students a more interactive atmosphere in which to embrace creative excellence.
* The staff teaching these courses are at the forefront of biomedical research. They consult with their clinician colleagues at the nearby, prestigious, Flinders Medical Centre who can inform them of new problems and areas of interest as they arise. This gives the researchers a basis in reality that also guides the teaching and projects that students attempt.
* The strong and active research and development program in this area within the School of Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics often collaborates with the Biomedical Engineering Department within the School of Medicine. The school also hosts the University’s Area of Strategic Investment in Medical Devices and Technologies, which brings together engineers, IT people, clinicians, chemists, nanotechnologists and others. And students have access to this wealth of knowledge and skill as well. The school has strong links with industry and with national associations for disabled people and aged people.
* Flinders was the first university to have an undergraduate biomedical engineering course. The School of Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics is very experienced in dealing with part-time students and provides a support base that caters to the onerous demands of working while studying part time. Full-time students also benefit from our approach. Computer facilities are available remotely and are strongly backed by a 24/7 help desk.
* Surveys have ranked Flinders University highly among Australian universities for student satisfaction, teaching quality, teaching and research links, employer satisfaction with students and research spending and publication rate. The student population is about 15,600, with international students making up about 12%. The campus boasts halls of residence and off-campus, affordable accommodation is available nearby. Regular and frequent public transport services the campus on several routes.
How can I use Biomedical Engineering in my career?
These biomedical engineering courses are designed to train engineering graduates and practising engineers in an area that is set to expand. The baby boomer generation will ensure that the work will continue on for some time yet. The courses will help fill the increasing demand for biomedical expertise across the widening array of applications.
New graduates can set themselves for a rewarding new career. Electronic engineers who graduated some time ago can up skill to forge a changed career path.
The Masters can also be a pathway to a PhD for those who don’t have an honours degree and want to pursue a research career. The research possibilities are varied and challenging.
The Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Biomedical) is a 36-unit program offered by the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering on a Commonwealth Supported basis.
The course articulates with the Graduate Certificate in Engineering (Biomedical) and the Master of Engineering (Biomedical), and the sequentially developed topics allow progression through the three awards.
Candidates who have completed the Graduate Certificate are awarded credit towards the Graduate Diploma.
PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2008]
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Biomedical), a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.
36 units comprising:
ENGR8102
Biomaterials GE *
6
ENGR8103
Biomedical Systems A GE *
3
ENGR8123
Biomechanics GE *
6
ENGR8126
Bioedical Instrumentation 1 GE *
6
ENGR8129
Introduction to Biomedical Engineering GE *
6
ENGR9000
Research Methods for Engineering
3
Plus 6 units selected from the following:
ENGR8122
Rehabilitation Engineering GE *
6
With the permission of the course coordinator students may also select topics from the Master of Disability Studies.
* A student will not normally be permitted to enrol in the postgraduate topic if they have passed the related undergraduate topic.
