Biomedical Engineering

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FBE - Flinders Biomedical Engineering - is a separate but collaborating unit that delivers a comprehensive range of biomedical engineering services to the Flinders Medical Centre and the School of Medicine at Flinders University.

Biomedical engineering involves the application of engineering techniques to improve health care and health services to enhance the quality of human life. It covers a range of fields including medical devices, biomechanics, medical imaging, physiological signal processing 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.

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 our biomedical degrees have gone on to win both Fulbright and Menzies Scholarships, a Churchill Fellowship, the ACPSEM/EA/SMBE prizes (a number of times) and  a number of Institution of Engineering and Technology prizes over the years.

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 a premed course in preparation for postgraduate medical schools.

For more information about a career as a biomedical engineer have a look at the following sites:

 

Research and Higher Degrees

Flinders research in biomedical engineering is centred on the Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) . 

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 involves groups such as the Medical Device Partnering Program, and the Medical Device Research Institute.

Current opportunities for higher degree study are outlined on the Research Higher Degrees page.

Further Information

If you would like more information about the courses or research opportunity in biomedical engineering please contact Professor Karen Reynolds.

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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.

Courses in biomedical engineering therefore contain study in fundamental science and engineering topics including digital and analog electronics, materials, computer programming, mathematics and human physiology and then build on this base with topics dealing with a variety of areas including biomechanics, biomedical instrumentation, further medical science topics, biomedical material. The courses also include a major biomedical research project.

Biomedical courses generally focus on a specific area. For example, our undergraduate degrees have two sequences that allow students to specialise in an area of interest

  • Electronics-focussed (that adds additional electronics material to the degree) and
  • Biomechanics (that adds an emphasis on biomechanical systems).

All undergraduate students undertake Flinders' nationally recognised 20-week industry placement that provide 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.

Undergraduate Courses

The University also offers a specialisation in Biomedical Engineering in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology and the Bachelor of Engineering Science.  The Bachelor of Engineering Science degree provides a pathway into the undergraduate degrees for applicants without the necessary prerequisites.

Postgraduate Courses

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