Joint Degree Master in Biomedical Engineering

The contents of the 1^st semester of the program strongly depend on the individual student’s background. Thus students with a medical background undergo a deep dive into basic engineering. Conversely, students with an engineering/natural science background are exposed to the fundamentals of human medicine. In parallel to this tailored education, early fundamentals of biomedical engineering are introduced.

The 2^nd semester develops general biomedical engineering skills and knowledge up to master’s level and focuses on one of two study tracks: either Medical Systems Engineering or Biomaterial Science and Engineering. This is accompanied by a wide range of elective biomedical engineering modules.

During the 3^rd semester, the tracks progress towards our specialization foci, including Computer Assisted Surgery, Image Acquisition and Analysis, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologies, and Implants and Regenerative Technologies. All specializations are complemented with a wide range of elective courses. The 3^rd semester culminates with hands-on training. As a result, our students acquire the skills required to move forward to the Master’s Thesis in the last semester.  

The fourth semester is devoted to the Master’s Thesis, where students work independently on a scientific project of their choice, supervised by one of our Professors. The Thesis ends with a public defense.

Students graduating within this program will obtain a joint degree as “Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering”.

Focus areas of teaching and research
During their studies students can choose between two tracks (2^nd Semester) and four specializations (3^rd Semester).

Track I - Medical Systems Engineering
This track focuses on medical devices using electronics and digitalization and covers topics from signal processing and control theory. It includes general aspects of modelling and simulation in biomedical engineering and develops students’ knowledge of applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, computer assisted surgery and imaging systems.  This track sets the stage for 3^rd semester specializations in computer assisted surgery, image acquisition and analysis, or diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.

Track II – Biomaterials Science and Engineering
This track puts the focus on medical devices and technologies involving mechanical or biological materials for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. It provides knowledge and skills in material sciences and fabrication technologies, in particular with biological materials, all supplemented with relevant aspects of tissue regeneration technologies. This track leads to 3^rd semester specializations in implants, regenerative technology, and diagnostic and therapeutic technology.

Specialization A: Computer Assisted Surgery
Students who major in Computer Assisted Surgery gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals required to operate complex imaging techniques. This covers magnetic resonance or ultrasound for instance, as well as methods relating to navigation systems used during patient treatment in a medical environment. Courses include:

• Computer-Assisted Surgery
• Robotics
• Medical Robotics

Specialization B: Image Acquisition and Analysis
This module is on developing and applying medical imaging techniques and image analysis. Biomedical imaging complemented with optical or magnetic stereotactic tracking devices guide surgeons during surgery; research in this field aims to improve treatment outcomes through improved diagnostics and reduced complications, morbidity and surgery time. Courses include:

• Digital Dentistry
• MR Imaging
• Forensic Imaging Methods

Specialization C: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologies
This specialization deepens knowledge of electronic and digital devices for specific applications such as neural and deep brain stimulation, brain computer interfaces, hearing aids and implants, and biomechanical tracking systems for functional anatomy and gait analysis. Students learn about bioelectrical and other natural signal sources, digital signal analysis and therapeutic stimulation. 

Courses include:

• Biomedical Acoustics
• Neurotechnologies
• Clinical Biomechanics
  

Specialization D: Implants and Regenerative Technologies
This module focuses on the design and manufacturing of medical implants, considering their dimensions and surface properties, as well as on the characterization of tissues. It covers a broad range of design, manufacturing and characterization starting at macroscopic scale to reflect device properties, down to the atomic level to identify associations between nanostructure and function. Regenerative medicine fosters and stimulates interdisciplinary scientific discoveries and the development of advanced therapeutic strategies. Topics include: biomaterial-based control of stem cell function, engineering technologies for tissue and implant manufacturing, and translational challenges towards industrial exploitation and clinical implementation.
Courses include:

• Regenerative Surgery
• Biointerface Engineering
• Implant Design and Manufacturing

Each specialization is accompanied by a number of elective courses, either within the same field of specialization or from any other field, depending on students’ individual interests.

The Master of Science degree is a postgraduate degree that requires a successfully completed Bachelor’s program. The specialized Biomedical Engineering Master’s degree program awards 120 credit points of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and is a so called “mono-course” consisting of only one core subject.

There is no possibility to combine this MSc with other Master’s programs.

We offer flexibility to support part-time students with prolongation of the study time.

Our Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering provides a world-class education to pursue an industrial or scientific career. It combines an industrial attitude with a strong scientific foundation within a single program, and enables participants to pursue either an industry-oriented or a scientific career (e.g., doctoral program). Employability options of our graduates include supporting medical experts in clinical settings and health care institutions.