MSc (Medical Electronics & Digital Health)

Course Overview

The MSc in Medical Electronics & Digital Health provides students with a combination of electrical/electronic/computer skills relevant to digital and connected health: software development signal processing and machine learning electronic circuit design digital systems design introduction to regulatory considerations.

Indicative Programme Learning Outcomes

At the end of this program, students will be able to:

(1 Develop critical thinking skills problem-solving skills appropriate to electronic/computer-based medical device design.

(2 Design and develop signal processing algorithms for the analysis of a range of bioelectronic signals, e.g. ECG, EEG.

(3 Select appropriate machine learning strategies for applications in digital health and develop diagnostic support systems for such applications.

(4 Design electronic circuits for a range of sensing applications in medical applications.

(5 Develop a range of transferable skills, including e.g. project management, research methods, and innovation and entrepreneurship.

(6 Apply domain-relevant design standards for the design of electronic systems for medical applications.

Application to the programme is open to individuals who have Second Class Honours, Grade 1 (H2.1) or equivalent in a Level 8 BE, BSc or equivalent degree in Electrical/Electronic/Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, from a recognised university or third-level college. Applications from those holding a primary degree in a cognate discipline (e.g. biomedical engineering with a substantial electrical engineering content) will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Factors taken into account in determining admission will include the specific content of the undergraduate degree, the applicant’s performance, post-graduate industrial experience, and the availability of places.

With the increasing need for “intelligence” in medical devices, including developments in implantable and wearable devices, there is a growing demand for professionals who can design, implement, and manage these systems. The programme syllabus has been developed with input from the medical device industry (which is highly concentrated in the Galway region), which has emphasised the need for graduates with strong electronic and computer engineering skills, as well as relevant knowledge of how these skills can be applied in medical device development. The programme will allow students to explore cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, communications systems, and sensor technologies, and learn how these are contributing to advancements in healthcare practices. The course offers many career opportunities in a range of high-tech industries, in both multi-national and small/medium sized companies. While you will exit the programme with skills that are applicable in many areas, the programme aims to give you a “fast track” to a career in the medical device industry, where you will contribute electrical, electronic and computer engineering design skills in the design of future generations of medical devices.