Biomedical Engineering MEng

2024-25 entry
Biomedical Engineering

Be inspired to help shape the future of healthcare technology on this flexible course. Beginning with a broad-based introduction to biomedical engineering, you'll learn about biology, physiology and anatomy, and begin to understand how traditional engineering principles can be applied to the human body.

Key details

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    Course description

    Three bioengineering students working around a microscope and taking notes

    Advance the field of sustainable healthcare technology with this flexible and well-established Biomedical Engineering MEng.

    Our expert academic team, composed of industry experts, clinicians and academics, has been teaching biomedical engineering at Sheffield for over a decade. They’ll show you how traditional engineering principles can be used to heal the human body, by integrating disciplines from across the field of engineering.

    Tissue engineering, biotechnology, mechanics and robotics – we teach you how to use technology to give people a healthier and more fulfilling life.

    By choosing to take an MEng, you’ll be taking a longer period of study with an integrated masters. Your first year gives an introduction to bioengineering, at the end of which you’ll begin to broadly tailor the course towards a specialism, by choosing one of the following four specialisms for the rest of the course:

    • Biomedical Engineering: use engineering principles to help safeguard and enhance human health.
    • Medical Devices and Systems: develop novel devices and improve clinical engineering systems.
    • Biomaterials Science and Tissue Engineering: apply materials engineering and cell biology principles to repair damaged body tissues and organs.
    • Biomanufacturing: apply chemical engineering and cell biology principles to the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and other biologically active substances.

    Because the MEng is a year longer than the BEng, you’ll have more opportunity to complete project work – sometimes in groups – tackling industrial problems and developing your management skills.

    In the third year you'll work on a group project, and in the final year you'll complete a major piece of individual research related to your chosen specialism.

    Why study this course?

    • Top 5 for bioengineering and biomedical engineering - as rated by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024. We're also one of the longest-running biomedical engineering departments in the country.
    • Unique, state-of-the-art facilities - use unique biomedical spaces such as the Bio mammalian and Bio bacteria labs, along with the Microfabrication room, Electronics clean room and the Pilot Plant in the Diamond.
    • Wide choice of specialisms - from your second year you can choose between four specialisms: Biomedical Engineering, Medical Devices and Systems, Biomaterials Science and Tissue Engineering, or Biomanufacturing.
    • Global Engineering Challenge - join teams of students to solve engineering problems in developing countries – pushing you to develop you as a professional engineer and enhancing your career prospects.

    This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM).

    The MEng satisfies all the academic requirements needed for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

    Modules

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:

    Title: Biomedical Engineering MEng course structure 2022 and 2023
    UCAS code: H675
    Years: 2022, 2023
    First year

    Core modules:

    Introduction to Electric and Electronic Circuits

    This module introduces the concepts and analytical tools for predicting the behaviour of combinations of passive circuit elements, resistance, capacitance and inductance driven by ideal voltage and/or current sources which may be ac or dc sources. The ideas involved are important not only from the point of view of modelling real electronic circuits but also because many complicated processes in biology, medicine and mechanical engineering are themselves modelled by electric circuits. The passive ideas are extended to active electronic components; diodes, transistors and operational amplifiers and the circuits in which these devices are used. Transformers, magnetics and dc motors are also covered.

    20 credits
    Modelling, Analysis and Control

    This module will introduce principles of modelling of simple continuous dynamical systems. This module also introduces analysis of linear models. It includes a detailed analysis of the dynamical behaviour of 1st and 2nd order systems linking behaviour to physical parameters, e.g. Rise time, settling time, overshoot, steady-state. Damping and damping ratio and resonance. Frequency response is also discussed. We will introduce control and feedback as a topic by providing examples of open-loop and closedloop control, and undertake detailed analysis of linear models with a focus on 1st and 2nd order systems. Students are introduced to simple practical feedback mechanisms, including PID controllers and performance criteria such as offset, stability, poles and zeros. You will learn about the principles of how to use Laplace Transforms to solve linear differential equations, and for system representation, using transfer functions and block diagram algebra. You will also develop an appreciation of frequency-domain implications of system analysis through the use of Fourier series. MATLAB is used to reinforce the simulation and analysis of all module contents and coursework assignments.

    20 credits
    Systems Engineering Mathematics I

    This module contains the core mathematical competencies required by students for a systems engineering programme. This covers basic algebra and functions, elementary calculus (differentiation and integration), solution of low order differential equations, Taylor series and iterative methods, matrix algebra and simultaneous equations, vectors and complex numbers. The content is delivered within a systems engineering context. Student learning is encouraged by regular formative assessment and supportive resources. 

    20 credits
    Biomaterials I

    This module introduces the human body from an engineering perspective; looking at it as a structure, a mechanism and a sensor. It then introduces both natural and replacement biomaterials discussing properties in relation to function using Ashby charts. Finally, the course discusses lessons that can be learnt from biomaterials by materials engineers in general (biomimetics). 

    10 credits
    Engineering with Living Systems 1

    As we face some of the emerging challenges of this century, from global pandemics, the environment to energy, water and health, it has become increasingly evident that engineering biological systems represent some of the most sustainable and advanced solutions. To progress these innovative approaches, there is an increasing need to train the next generation of engineers with knowledge of fundamental science applied with chemical engineering principles.  

    This module will provide students with knowledge of fundamental biological processes, whilst enabling a clear link to how these are exploited within industry for biomanufacturing. More specifically,  this module is an introduction to biological engineering covering the basics of host cell systems (e.g. yeast, E. coli) exploited within the biomanufacturing industry i.e. cell types, structure, function. The working of the cell will be introduced; cell chemistry (biochemistry) and cell structure (macromolecules). These will be described in terms of products (e.g. protein biopharmaceuticals, fatty acid fuels), cell cultivation (basic and industrial microbiology, fermentation) and methods to improve cell productivities e.g. metabolic engineering, synthetic biology. Modelling of fermentation processes will be expanded through enzyme catalysis and Michelis Menten kinetics and linked to applications e.g. departmental relevant research. The concepts described in the module will be reinforced through labs embedded at relevant points of the semester.

    By taking this course students will be: 

    1. Introduced to biological engineering.

    2. Shown that manufacturing can be achieved using living systems.

    3. Introduced to microorganisms and microbiology. 

    4. Introduced to novel products such as biopharmaceuticals, and new environmental processes such as bioremediation.

    5. Introduced to enzymatic catalysis.

    6. Introduced to the key process of fermentation.

    7. Introduced to synthetic biology and metabolic engineering.

    10 credits
    Introduction to Biomedical Engineering

    This module will introduce the application of engineering principles to biological and medical problems and give the student an appreciation of the breadth of biomedical engineering and identify to students what knowledge areas and skills are needed in order to contribute to the development of the fast growing field of biomedical engineering. It will also help create links with students and draw on the other modules that students will take in year 1.

    10 credits
    Materials Under Stress

    The module will provide you with a basic understanding of the mechanics of materials relevant to bioengineering practice with application to simple components. You will learn about how structures behave under load and how to analyse them using equilibrium equations; free body diagrams; the concepts of stress and strain; and elastic and plastic response.  You will gain knowledge of a wide range of engineering materials, their properties and behaviour in tension, compression, bending, shear and torsion. You will reinforce your academic understanding of the mechanics of materials through laboratory experiments. The module will highlight bioengineering relevant examples of the mechanical behaviour of materials.

    10 credits
    Physics of Living Systems 2

    The aim is to introduce biomechanical descriptions of the human body. We look at its structure and its performance as a physical machine. The structural characteristics of human bones and tissue are investigated, together with the mechanical functions of the skeleton and musculature. Simple fluid dynamic characteristics of the body are introduced, including descriptions of blood-flow in the arteries and veins and air-flow in the lungs.

    10 credits
    Tissue Structure and Function

    This course introduces students to the tissues of the human body. The principal tissues that make up the body will be described including the cells, proteins and other extracellular components that make up the tissue. The structure of the tissue will be discussed in detail, in particular how it relates to its specific function in a healthy human body. Basic anatomy - how tissues combine to create organs and where each organ can be found in the human body will be studied. Practical classes on human anatomy and histology will be used to demonstrate tissue structure. Finally, how tissue damage causes loss of function will be considered. This course should enable students to understand enough about human tissues so that they can progress to understanding how engineering techniques are used to support, monitor and repair damaged human tissues. 

    10 credits
    Global Engineering Challenge Week

    The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme. The project has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills as well as widen their horizons as global citizens. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of 5-6, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, Waste Management, Energy and Digital with scenarios set in an overseas location facing economic challenge. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Engineering for people design challenge*.

    *The EWB challenge provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects identified by EWB with its community-based partner organisations.

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    You'll learn and be taught through:

    • lectures
    • tutorials
    • practical activities
    • coursework assignments (including oral, video and poster presentations)
    • Individual Investigative Project (final year)
    • design projects
    • online resources

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 online access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    Assessment

    Students are assessed via a mix of the following:

    • examinations
    • coursework assignments
    • lab work
    • online tests
    • reports
    • group projects
    • presentations
    • design projects
    • dissertations

    Programme specification

    This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.

    Find programme specification for this course

    Entry requirements

    With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

    Standard offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    AAA
    including Maths and a science

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    AAB, including Maths and a science + A in a relevant EPQ; AAB, including Maths and a science + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths
    International Baccalaureate
    36, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and a science
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths
    BTEC Diploma
    DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths
    Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers
    AAABB + AA in Maths and a science
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    A + AA in Maths and a science
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject (covering sufficient Maths and science units), with 45 credits at Level 3, including 39 at Distinction and 6 at Merit
    Other requirements
    • Science subjects include Chemistry, Physics, Biology/Human Biology, Electronics, Engineering, Technology, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Further Mathematics or Statistics

    Access Sheffield offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    AAB
    including Maths and a science

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    AAB, including Maths and a science + A in a relevant EPQ; AAB, including Maths and a science + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths
    International Baccalaureate
    34, with 6,5 (in any order) in Higher Level Maths and a science
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in Engineering or Applied Science + B in A Level Maths
    BTEC Diploma
    DD in Engineering or Applied Science + B in A Level Maths
    Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers
    AABBB + AB in Maths and a science
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AA in Maths and a science
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject (covering sufficient Maths and science units), with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit
    Other requirements
    • Science subjects include Chemistry, Physics, Biology/Human Biology, Electronics, Engineering, Technology, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Further Mathematics or Statistics

    English language requirements

    You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for an International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

    Graduate careers

    Biomedical Engineering

    Our graduates have become professional engineers who design medical instruments, repair body tissue and solve clinical problems through research. They work closely with materials scientists, physicians, dentists, therapists and technologists to help benefit human health. The transferable skills gained on the course have also enabled graduates to take up careers in law, finance, scientific writing and other fields.

    Biomedical Engineering

    Like the industry, biomedical engineering at Sheffield is interdisciplinary. You'll be taught by experts in materials, mechanical, control, electrical, chemical and biological engineering, computer science, medicine and biology.

    From 3D printing and biophotonics, to tissue and bone engineering, we're helping to develop products that improve medical care and quality of life. Our research-led teaching produces multi-skilled graduates who can carry on that work.

    You will develop the knowledge and skills employers are looking for by working closely with partners in the healthcare profession and in industry such as Philips, Johnson and Johnson and the NHS.

    Learning and teaching takes place in one of the best biomedical engineering teaching spaces in the UK. The Diamond has industry-standard equipment for culturing and analysing cells, measuring the activity of the human body, mechanical and electrical testing of materials, 3D printing and customised software packages for developing biomedical engineering models.

    Biomedical Engineering

    Why choose Sheffield?

    The University of Sheffield

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
    StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    Additional costs

    The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    Funding your study

    Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

    Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

    Placements and study abroad

      Placement

    You may have the opportunity to add an optional placement year as part of your course, converting the four year course to a five-year Degree with Placement Year.

    A placement year will help you to:

    • gain an insight into possible careers
    • develop a range of transferable skills
    • build a professional network
    • get a feel for what you do and don’t like doing
    • add valuable work experience to your CV
    • gain experience of applying for jobs and interview practice
    • apply elements of academic learning in the workplace

    Study abroad

    Spending time abroad during your degree is a great way to explore different cultures, gain a new perspective and experience a life-changing opportunity that you will never forget.

    You can apply to extend this course with a year abroad, usually studying abroad between the second and third year at Sheffield. Or you can apply to replace a year of your time at Sheffield with a period abroad without adding an additional year to your course. 

    We have over 250 University partners worldwide. Popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. 

    Find out more on the Global Opportunities website.

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    Offer holder days

    If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

    Campus tours

    Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Apply

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2024-2025

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    Be inspired to help shape the future of healthcare technology on this flexible course. Beginning with a broad-based introduction to biomedical engineering, you'll learn about biology, physiology and anatomy, and begin to understand how traditional engineering principles can be applied to the human body.