📖Program Curriculum
Bioengineering encompasses a broad range of knowledge and skills combining aspects of biology physics chemistry maths and engineering. These are attractive to a wide range of employers including hospitals universities medical device manufacturers pharmaceutical companies regulatory agencies research institutes or laboratories.
Our programme offers two study pathways – Molecular Cellular and Tissue Engineering (MCT) or Biomedical Engineering (BME). These pathways enable you to tailor your study according to your interests and aspirations but do not form part of the official award title of ‘MRes Bioengineering’.
As a research-focused course the bulk of your study (120 credits) is devoted to your research project which you will begin preparing in the first semester and work on throughout the course under the supervision of an expert in an agreed field of interest. The research project offers an exciting opportunity for you to demonstrate advanced knowledge and writing skills in your chosen research theme preparing you to pursue a research career or further research study such as a PhD.
Experimental Research Methodology which is taught across the first two semesters is designed to equip you with advanced academic study and research skills. You will learn more about research ethics health and safety issues within a laboratory setting for example and how to conduct a literature review and how to use statistics to analyse data.
You will study a further two (MCT) or one (BME) core modules which are tailored to your pathway. In addition you will choose one (MCT) or two (BME) optional modules which you can select to match your chosen pathway. These pathways and optional modules will be selected early on in the course following discussion with your supervisor and course director.
The MRes Bioengineering can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course with start dates in September. The taught modules run over Semesters 1 and 2 with the research project (including write up) running over all three semesters. You will complete 180 credits to obtain the master’s qualification including the core Project Dissertation (120 credits).
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Semester 1
CORE MODULE (MOLECULAR CELLULAR AND TISSUE ENGINEERING PATHWAY)
PHA-40236 Biotechnology & Omics (15 credits)
Recent trends in biomedicine and bioengineering apply advances in biotechnology and molecular data science (omics) towards personalized medicine. This module explores concepts and technology to manipulate genes proteins cells or the information from them to understand biology or diseases and provide therapies. In addition learning through this module exposes students to Omics approaches such as genomics proteomics and metabolomics that have changed the landscape of different diseases. This module therefore aims to educate students on identifying current methods for development of personalized medicine.
MTE-40033 Cell and Tissue Engineering (15 credits)
Cell and tissue engineering is a rapidly evolving component of the Regenerative Medicine discipline which promises to change the way clinicians deliver therapies and treat traditionally incurable diseases and disorders including; osteoarthritis diabetes liver failure stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Highlighting the latest research findings in engineering various cells tissues and organs you’ll be introduced to current concepts and methods used to apply and evaluate stimulus to cells to construct bioartificial tissues in vitro or alter cell growth and function in vivo by implanting donor tissue or biocompatible materials
CORE MODULE (BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING PATHWAY)
MTE-40026 Physiological Measurements (15 credits)
Learning why and how physiological processes of humans are measured and monitored this module aims to improve your analytical skills in different physiological measurement diagnostics and therapy techniques. Studying the basic principles of biological sensing within research and clinical environments you’ll be given demonstrations and hands-on use of devices commonly used for physiological measurement such as ECG and EEG devices. To help you better understand how to select appropriate biological tests and devices you will discuss and evaluate the different instrumentation used to assess specific anatomical structures such as the heart and lungs to measure their physiological properties by medics and in biomedical research.
OPTIONAL MODULES (BOTH PATHWAYS)
MTE-40024 Human Physiology and Anatomy (15 credits)
Setting the foundation in a biological context in preparation for the study of more advanced topics this module provides you with a broad knowledge of human physiology and anatomy. You’ll develop your understanding of the structure and function of major tissue types organs and systems. You’ll also start to look at the treatment and diagnosis of diseases affecting human body systems including the respiratory system and the circulatory system as well as anatomic and physiological disorders such as stoke and kidney failure.
MTE-40023 Biomechanics (15 credits)
Biomechanics is the science of investigating the effects of forces on biological tissues organs and systems. It thus covers a wide field ranging from the application of statics and dynamics to analyse forces and moments in the body through to the application of mechanics of materials to analyse the constitutive behaviour of cells tissues and organs in the body. Biomechanics helps to understand why tissues organs and systems have the structure and shape they have and provides basic knowledge for designing medical devices. After completing this module you should be able to: (1) Analyse forces at skeletal joints for various static and dynamic human activities (2) Identify relationships between structure and function in tissues and the implications and importance of these relationships (3) Recall general characteristics material properties and appropriate constitutive models for a given tissue or organ and (4) Analyse stresses and strains in biological tissues given the loading conditions and material properties. In addition you will participate in a practical workshop measuring mechanical properties of a skeletal tissue such as bone.
OPTIONAL MODULES (MOLECULAR CELLULAR AND TISSUE ENGINEERING PATHWAY)
MTE-40028 Stem Cells: Types Characteristics and Applications (15 credits)
The field of stem cell biology is fast-paced with state-of-the-art research being competitively conducted across the world. On this module you’ll draw on up-to-date international research in stem cell biology to build your knowledge from basic principles of stem cell isolation and differentiation right through to the latest therapeutic use of stem cells for example for the treatment of arthritis. The lecture series is delivered by leading academic researchers. To cement your understanding of the knowledge learned in class you’ll undertake practical stem cell laboratory work.
OPTIONAL MODULES (BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING PATHWAY)
MTE-30003 Engineering for Medical Applications (15 credits)
You will cover the fundamentals of mechanics electronics and electromagnetism necessary to understand the application of relevant physical and engineering principles to medicine and biology. Ideal if you are transitioning from a non-physics maths or engineering background you’ll learn to apply mathematical concepts to engineering and numerical modelling including differential calculus indices exponentials and logarithms. Applying the theory you learn to practical measurement you’ll take part in a workshop-based project.
MTE-40029 Medical Equipment and Technology Services Management (15 credits)
Medical devices play a key role in healthcare vital for diagnosis therapy monitoring rehabilitation and care. Effective management and maintenance is critical to ensure high quality patient care and satisfy clinical and financial governance. You will gain an insight into technology management processes that allow healthcare providers to make the best use of their medical equipment and technology services limiting clinical and financial risk. You’ll learn about the lifecycle of medical equipment and the roles of clinical engineers in ensuring its safe and effective management comparing and evaluating different models of equipment maintenance. You’ll also be introduced to the legislation and obligations of the various health professionals involved as part of good clinical governance.
PHA-40236 Biotechnology & Omics (15 credits)
Recent trends in biomedicine and bioengineering apply advances in biotechnology and molecular data science (omics) towards personalized medicine. This module explores concepts and technology to manipulate genes proteins cells or the information from them to understand biology or diseases and provide therapies. In addition learning through this module exposes students to Omics approaches such as genomics proteomics and metabolomics that have changed the landscape of different diseases. This module therefore aims to educate students on identifying current methods for development of personalised medicine.
Semesters 1 and 2
CORE MODULE (BOTH PATHWAYS)
MTE-40039 Experimental Research Methodology (15 credits)
Developing the academic skillset required for your master’s research and future scientific career you’ll gain a strong grounding in appropriate level literature search academic writing statistical analysis and processing of data. From learning how to take notes in research seminars to managing your time efficiently in written examinations and writing a comprehensive literature review this module addresses your personal and professional development. Research seminars provide direct access to innovative research with students recently introduced to advanced topics of research seminars. Classes on statistics are also provided to support other theoretical and practical aspects of your course.
Semesters 1 2 and 3
CORE MODULE (BOTH PATHWAYS)
PHA-40196 Research Project (120 credits)
This MRes research project is intended to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen topic making you aware of current research in the field and enabling you to confidently discuss research issues in an academic context. Your dissertation topic needs to be considered and agreed in the first semester the programme so that you can choose the most relevant taught modules. You will then plan and produce a substantial and extended piece of written work (25000-30000 words) under supervision incorporating a literature review description of methods your analysis and findings relating to previous findings and making conclusions. You will also be expected to verbally present and discuss your discoveries.
Semester 2
OPTIONAL MODULES (BOTH PATHWAYS)
You will choose one module from a choice of four modules two of which are available for both pathways and two selected for the pathways.
MTE-40030 Nanomagnetics in Nanomedicine (15 credits)
The application of nanotechnologies in particular the use of nanoparticles to improve the behaviour of drug substances is being used globally to improve the treatments for patients suffering from disorders including cancer kidney disease fungal infections and more. Now the sub-field of nanomagnetics is playing a major role in the development of new technologies for the assessment and therapeutic treatment of biological tissues. For example rapidly reversing the magnetic field of nanoparticles injected into a tumour generates enough heat to kill cancer cells. Delivered through a series of lectures from multidisciplinary experts working at the interface of physics and biology this module introduces you to the theoretical concepts of nanomagnetism and the state-of-the-art research in this field.
MTE-40036 Biomaterials (15 credits)
Taking a multidisciplinary approach this module provides an overview of all types of materials natural and synthetic used in biological environments to support enhance or replace damaged tissue or a biological function. It explains the fundamental aspects of biomaterials from a materials perspective but with particular focus on their use and potential wear within a biological ‘host’. You will develop a systematic knowledge ranging from the physical structure and chemical properties of biomaterials to how they interact with biological tissues during implantation for example in the case of heart valves and hip replacements. This will help you learn how materials are assessed within the clinic and how material properties can be altered/engineered to produce biomaterials with enhanced abilities for instance antibiofilm and osteogenic activity.
MTE-40022 Bioreactors and Growth Environments (15 credits)
The global bioreactors market is predicted to grow 14% between 2022 to 2029; fuelled by increases in conditions like cancer and diabetes and the resulting demand for effective vaccines and treatments. This module covers the design principals and functionality of bioreactors used for example to grow organisms for cell development and product formation. As well as demonstrations on the workings of a range of research laboratory and good manufacturing practice (GMP) grade bioreactor systems used in academia and industry you’ll be introduced to current real-world applications of bioreactors in regenerative medicine through a series of seminar-style presentations from national and international renowned researchers.
OPTIONAL MODULES (MOLECULAR CELLULAR AND TISSUE ENGINEERING PATHWAY)
MTE-40034 Cell Biomechanics (15 credits)
Research into the relationship between the biological function and architecture of cells and their behaviour is providing new perspectives on the role of biomechanics in disease. You’ll be given an overview of modern techniques for both clinical and in vitro cell biomechanics giving you a firm knowledge and understanding of the interrelationship between mechanics and cell biology. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply constitutive models to experimental data gaining some direct insight into the application of cell biomechanics in cell/tissue engineering and biomedical engineering.
OPTIONAL MODULES (BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING PATHWAY)
MTE-40038 Medical Device Design Principles (15 credits)
You will develop your understanding of the systems engineering approach to medical device design including the role of ergonomics in the design of safe and reliable medical devices. You’ll learn the importance of standards and regulations for medical device design gaining an overview of aspects of the mechanical electrical and software components of medical devices. This module is taught by Professor Peter Ogrodnik who has founded two medical devices companies and is a named inventor on numerous patents. He has literally written the book on Medical Device Design first published in 2012 with a second edition in 2019 which is a core text in R&D departments.
MTE-40031 Biomedical Signal Processing and Analysing (15 credits)
All living things from cells to organisms deliver signals of biological origin which can be electric mechanical or chemical. Analysing these signals can provide clinical biochemical or pharmaceutically relevant information to improve medical diagnosis either for patient monitoring and biomedical research. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of signal and image processing applying theory to practical examples learning to filter signals of interest from noisy redundant background data. Using an advanced software package MATLAB in your analysis you’ll interpret complex signals in the context of physiological functions.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
This degree is designed for those individuals with a Bachelor’s degree (or above) in bioengineering biotechnology chemical physical or life sciences medicine or professions allied to medicine are welcomed. We also encourage enquiries from people with other professional qualifications acceptable to the University.
