Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering involves the application of electronics and computer systems to improve health care and health services to enhance the quality of human life. It covers a range of fields including medical devices, medical imaging, physiological signal processing, biomechanics and biomaterials.
Biomedical engineering results in products such as diagnostic devices, biocompatible prostheses, medical devices, and imaging equipment such as MRIs and EEGs. It also assists in the development of tools for the training of medical professionals.
Covering the design and problem solving skills of engineering with medical and biological sciences to improve healthcare diagnosis and treatment, BME courses are not only career pathways in their own right but are increasingly being seen as premed course in preparation for postgraduate medical schools.
Flinders has had a particular strength in biomedical engineering since our first Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical) was accredited in 1994 (the first in Australia). Graduates from this award have gone on to win both Fulbright and Menzies Scholarships, win a Churchill Fellowship, won the ACPSEM/EA/SMBE prizes (a number of times) and won the IET Rex Johns Prize and the South Pacific Present Around the World (SPPAW) Prize (again many times).
For more information about a career as a biomedical engineering have a look at the University's careers site for biomedical engineering and to get a professional view have a look at the pages of the Society for Medical and Biological Engineering (SMBE) South Australia. Finally, the Wikipedia page for biomedical engineering may be useful.
Research in Biomedical Engineering
Flinders research in biomedical engineering is particularly impressive and is one of ten areas designated by the University as a strategic strength. Focussing on areas such as biomedical devices, biomechanics and medical image processing, Flinders has an enviable record and students wishing and capable of undertaking postgraduate research in the area are particularly welcomed.
Research in biomedical engineering is included in strengths such as:
Courses in Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering students need a solid education in Engineering and Medical Science and need to develop skills to investigate, plan, design, manufacture and maintain the systems
and equipment used in various aspects of health care. Graduates commonly work in multi-disciplinary teams with health professionals and medical specialists. All students undertake Flinders' nationally recognised 20-week industry placement.
Course Length: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time.
Prerequisites: Mathematical Studies or Mathematical Methods.
Accreditation Body: Engineers Australia
Applications through: SATAC
SATAC Code: 214771 | 2009 Cutoff: 88.45
The first year contains study in fundamental science and engineering topics including digital and analog electronics, computer programming, mathematics and biology. The second year then builds on this base with topics dealing with a variety of areas including biomechanics and biomedical instrumentation.
The third year then provides further biomedical material and incorporates our nationally recognised industry placement program which provides students with 20 weeks of structured industry work experience with one of 100 local, national and international organisations. Students gain specialist knowledge in key areas, graduating with a proven on-the-job performance.
The final year provides further biomedical topics and provides scope to take electives in computer science and engineering. It also includes a major biomedical research project.
The first year of this award is similar to the first year of our other Engineering awards allowing students to transfer between awards with minimal loss of time. For students without the necessary prerequisites, the Bachelor of Engineering Science award provides a pathway into this award.
Course Length: 5 years full-time or equivalent part-time.
Prerequisites: Mathematical Studies or Mathematical Methods.
Accreditation Body: Engineers Australia
Applications through: SATAC
SATAC Code: 214881 | 2009 Cutoff: 95.35
This awards combines both undergraduate and postgraduate work into a dual, 5 year award leading to both a Bachelors and a Masters in Biomedical Engineering.
Course Length: 5 years full-time or equivalent part-time.
Prerequisites: Mathematical Studies or Mathematical Methods.
Accreditation Body: Engineers Australia
Applications through: SATAC
SATAC Code: 214772 | 2009 Cutoff: 88.45
This awards combines both engineering and science study into a dual, 5 year award leading to both a Bachelor of Engineering and a Bachelor of Science. This combination makes particular sense in Biomedical Engineering where science majors in biology and/or physics are particularly useful.
Course Length: 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate Engineering Degree
Applications through: SATAC GradStart
SATAC Code: 2CM011
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