Engineering - Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering innovations that have transformed clinical treatments include stents, heart valve replacements and new technologies for resurfacing and replacement of joints and intervertebral discs. Biomedical engineers also develop futuristic instrumentation for keyhole surgery, nanotechnology for targeted drug delivery, and new techniques for disease diagnosis.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years / 5 years
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements: Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 Level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Agricultural Science or Computer Science) or Technology, and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.
In addition, students must obtain a minimum of Grade H4 in the Higher Level Leaving Certificate paper in Mathematics or, alternatively, obtain a pass in the Engineering Maths Qualifying Exam (held in the University).
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
For holders of the Leaving Certificate, six subjects are required, with a minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and at least Grade O6/H7 in four other subjects.
An applicant may combine the results of the Leaving Certificate examinations obtained in different years for matriculation purposes for all programmes with the exception of Medicine (see section 1). This concession applies to matriculation only; it does not apply to the calculation of points for admission.
Acceptable Subjects
All subjects of the current Leaving Certificate examination are accepted for matriculation purposes, with the following exceptions:
Gaeilge–Bonnleibhéal (Irish, Foundation Level) will not be accepted for matriculation or points purposes.
Mathematics (Ordinary Alternative/ Foundation Level) will be accepted for matriculation purposes, but not as a substitute for the subject Mathematics in programmes for which the subject Mathematics is currently an entry requirement. Neither will a score be awarded for a grade in this subject.
Home Economics (General), which has been discontinued from 2004, is not an acceptable matriculation subject for admission to University of Galway. However, Leaving Certificate Home Economics–Scientific and Social is an acceptable matriculation subject for admission.
The combining of the following subjects is not permitted:
• Physics with Chemistry (joint) may not be presented with either Physics or Chemistry
• Only two of History, Economic History and Economics may be presented
• Music and Musicianship may not be presented with Music
• Agricultural Economics may not be presented with Economics
• Classical Studies may not be presented with Latin or Greek.
Laboratory Science Subjects:
The following subjects in the Irish Leaving Certificate are recognised laboratory science subjects:
• Agricultural Science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics and Chemistry (joint)
• Physics.
For Engineering and Science programmes, Computer Science is a recognized Laboratory Science subject. For Engineering programmes, Technology, Engineering, Design and Communication Graphics or Construction Studies may be accepted in lieu of a Laboratory Science subject.
Bonus Points for Maths
A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who achieve grade H6 or above in Higher Level (HL) Mathematics. This means that the maximum cumulative Leaving Certificate points total will increase from 600 to 625 (existing maximum points plus bonus points).
The bonus points will only be relevant in cases where the subject HL Mathematics (including bonus points) is scored as one of the candidate’s six best subjects for points purposes. Consequently, if HL Mathematics (cumulative points score) is not among these six subjects, the bonus points will not be included in the total points score.
The maximum possible adjusted points score for applicants to Medicine will increase from 560 to 565. (For all scores over 550, each 5-point band equals one extra point.) The baseline score of 480 points will still apply but can include the bonus points if HL Mathematics (cumulative points) is among the best six subjects.
Age
Students must normally have attained the age of 17 by 15 January following entry, for example, for entry in 2024, date of birth must be on or before 15 January 2008. If a student under that age seeks to enter the University, special application must be made to the President of the University.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28
Note: While Link Modules are acceptable for points scoring purposes, they may not be counted as one of the six subjects to satisfy minimum entry/matriculation requirements. Students will have the opportunity to use their points allocation for the Link Modules as one of their six subjects for the purposes of calculating points.
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
Biomedical Engineering offers a wide variety of exciting high-tech career opportunities such as medical device research and development (R&D), advanced manufacturing and product design, development of next-generation noninvasive delivery methods for therapeutics, and technical innovations for minimally invasive surgical intervention. With eight of the world’s top ten medtech companies based in Ireland—the majority of which are in Galway— there are excellent career prospects in the exciting area of biomedical engineering).
Further Study
PhD in Biomedical Engineering
MSc in Biomedical Engineering
Further information
Mature—Applying on the Grounds of Mature Years
If you are at least 23 years of age on or before 1 January 2024 and if your school leaving examination results do not meet normal matriculation and entry requirements, you may apply on the grounds of mature years. In general, applicants are selected on the basis of academic aptitude, which may include certain Leaving Certificate subjects, relevant work and life experience, and evidence of motivation and interest in the programme area. These areas should be addressed in the written application.
It is strongly advised that intending applicants consult the Mature Students Guide, prior to making an application, for information on the application process and assessment criteria. Full details are available from October 2022 in the Mature Students Guide, which can be accessed online or by emailing University of Galway.
In addition, University of Galway will host a Mature Students Information Evening on Wednesday 10 January 2024. This special information evening is designed for anyone aged 23 or over who may be considering studies at University of Galway in 2024. To attend this evening please sign up now at:
All applicants intending to apply for Medicine in 2024 on the grounds of mature years will be required to take the HPAT Test. Registration closing date for the test is 20 January 2024 and the test date is Friday 16 February–Monday 19 February. Mature applicants must also have an Honours Science subject to H4 Leaving Certificate standard prior to taking the HPAT test. Successful candidates will be invited to the MMI interview in May.
Applications must be made by 1 February through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Please note that a late application cannot be made by those applying on grounds of mature years. The applicant must ensure that copies of all relevant information—for example, certificates, transcripts and a personal statement—are included with the CAO application.
Admission on the grounds of mature years is competitive. Applicants who are successful in gaining admission on the grounds of mature years are also assessed on the basis of their school leaving qualifications (if any) in competition with other applicants.
Find out more Access Centre
e. maturestudents@universityofgalway.ie
w. universityofgalway.ie/mature
CAO w. cao.ie
HPAT Test Information w. hpat-ireland.acer.edu.au/
Further advice and guidance t. +353 91 49 2695 w. universityofgalway.ie/mature
Average intake: 60
Entry 2024
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm
Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Why choose this course?
• University of Galway is Ireland’s leading university for Biomedical Engineering.
• Biomedical engineering innovations that have transformed clinical treatments include stents, heart valve replacements and new technologies for resurfacing and replacement of joints and intervertebral discs. Biomedical engineers also develop futuristic instrumentation for keyhole surgery, nanotechnology for targeted drug delivery, and new techniques for disease diagnosis.
• Galway is a global hub for the medical technology sector, with several leading multinationals established here. Many locally based start-up companies have grown to become world leaders and innovators.
Work Placement
All students undertake a paid work placement of between four and eight months. All leading Ireland-based medical technology companies participate in our work-placement programme, providing students with valuable real-world experience. Companies range from large multinationals (such as Medtronic, Boston Scientific, DePuy) to start-ups (such as Veryan, Aerogen, Neuravi). In the unlikely event that no external placement is available, students will be given projects on campus. We also provide opportunities for students to pursue international work placements. For students on the BE+ME pathway, placement will be from January to August in year four. For those exiting with a BE, placement will be for four months at the end of year three.
Study Abroad
Our degree programme has strong international links with Purdue University (Indiana, USA), Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, USA), Politecnico di Milano (Italy) and RWTH Aachen (Germany), all of which are international centres of excellence in Biomedical Engineering. A number of our students are selected to spend a year studying abroad in the USA, through our exchange agreement with Purdue University and Georgia Institute of Technology.
Your course year by year
Year One
• Engineering Calculus
• Engineering Mathematical Methods
• Engineering Mechanics
• Engineering Chemistry
• Engineering Physics
• Fundamentals of Engineering
• Engineering Graphics
• Engineering Design
• Engineering Computing
Year Two
• Human Body Structure
• Introduction to Biomaterials
• CAD and Design Project
• Machine Design and Manufacturing Technology
• Electronic Instrumentation and Sensors
• Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
• Materials 1
• Strength of Materials
• Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
• Engineering Statistics
Year Three and Four Topics
You make your decision at the start of year three whether to remain on the five-year integrated BE+ME programme or to exit with a BE at the end of year four. In year three several core biomedical engineering topics such as Medical Device Design, Biomaterials, and Biotransport are studied. Students also take clinical modules such as Pathology and Physiology. In year four modules such as Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering are introduced, in addition to Computer Simulation of medical devices and biomedical systems. Students apply their knowledge and creativity through group design projects and individual research projects. In such projects students will design new medical devices and perform experiments to develop new engineering solutions for medical problems. Students will also take modules such as Introduction to Regulatory Affairs in Manufacturing and Project Management in preparation for a four- or eight-month work placement in the medical technology sector.
Year Five Topics
In year five of the integrated BE+ME programme students develop advanced skills and understanding in core biomedical engineering topics such as Biomechanics, Tissue Engineering, Bioelectronics, Biomaterials, Manufacturing, and Computational Modelling.
Students have a large choice of modules to tailor their ME degree to match their career ambitions. Year five includes a major thesis project in partnership with the internationally acclaimed BioInnovate Ireland programme. In this project, students work interactively with clinicians and industry partners to develop new innovative medical devices and technologies.
Find out more
Biomedical Engineering
College of Science and Engineering
t. +353 91 49 2723
e. biomedeng@universityofgalway.ie
w. universityofgalway.ie/gy408