Biomedical engineering

What is Biomedical Engineering?

Biomedical engineering is at the intersection of engineering, the life sciences and healthcare. Biomedical engineers take principles from applied science (including mechanical, electrical, chemical and computer engineering) and physical sciences (including physics, chemistry and mathematics) and apply them to biology and medicine. Although the human body is a more complex system than even the most sophisticated machine, many of the same concepts that go into building and programming a machine can be applied to biological structures and systems leading to new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. The goal is to better understand, replace or fix a target system to ultimately improve the quality of healthcare.

Biomedical engineers become involved in research and development, spanning a broad array of subfields: biofabrication, bioprinting, biomechanics, biomaterials, tissue engineering, neural engineering, medical devices, clinical engineering, medical imaging. Prominent biomedical engineering applications include the development of biocompatible prostheses, various diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices ranging from clinical equipment to micro-implants, advanced imaging methods such as MRIs and EEGs as well as development of regenerative materials, engineered tissues and artificial organs.

Biomedical engineering is a challenging professional discipline, requiring knowledge of biology and medicine, as well as understanding of a range of engineering subjects. It is also a very exciting field in which new methods and products are constantly being developed, using the latest technology in materials, mechanics, electronics, mathematical analytical methods and manufacturing processes.

Leaving Certificate:

H4 Mathematics

Advanced GCE (A Level):

Grade C Mathematics

International Baccalaureate:

HL Grade 5 Mathematics

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.

Applicants for the Trinity International Foundation Programme require IELTS 5.0 overall, with 5.0 in Writing and no band below 4.5.

Applicants for all Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes must present one of the following English language qualifications.

Biomedical engineering is the fastest-growing career and this trend is expected to continue over the next decade. Ireland’s medical technology sector has evolved into a global leader for medical device and diagnostic products, with more than 450 companies involved in developing, manufacturing and marketing medical devices. These include Abbott, Bayer, Becton Dickinson, Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson, Guidant, Medtronic and Stryker. These companies have a strong demand for high quality graduates at Masters and PhD level because of the high technical level of their products.