Engineering (Biomedical)
Postgraduate Coursework in Engineering (Biomedical) - Mid-year entry only
(Closing date 25th July 2008)
- Graduate Certificate in Engineering (Biomedical)
- Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Biomedical)
- Master of Engineering (Biomedical)
The expansion of the field of biomedical engineering over the last decade
is being driven by two main, and seemingly incongruous, groups - elite athletes
and the aged. Consumer demand is increasing the profile and extent of the first
group and the arrival of the first of the 'baby boomers' at retirement age
signals another boom for biomedical expertise.
| Fast Facts |
| Course Level: |
Postgraduate |
|
| Course Length: |
Graduate Certificate - 6 months full-time or part-time equivalent
(18 units). Note: Only offered in Semester 2 each year.
Graduate Diploma - 1 year full time or part-time equivalent (36 units)
Master - 2 years full time or part-time equivalent (72 units) |
| Location: |
Taught on-campus at Flinders |
| Available To: |
Australian (Commonwealth Supported) and international students |
| Entry Requirements: |
Applicants for the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma
and Masters in Engineering (Biomedical) normally must hold an approved
undergraduate Engineering degree with appropriate electronic content, or
equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. Some basic
knowledge of biology and chemistry will be assumed. An applicant who has
not previously studied electronics may be required to undertake appropriate
bridging studies |
| Course Program Details: |
A program of study is available for the Graduate
Certificate, Graduate
Diploma and
Master
in Engineering (Biomedical) in the University's Course Information
Handbook |
About the Course
Why Study Biomedical Engineering?
Biomedical engineering is about applications to improve quality of life. These
courses will help fill growing opportunities in biomedical engineering to satisfy
the demand for increasingly sophisticated medical technology that supports
the quality of life of an ageing population, and the demand for devices to
improve health and fitness particularly among the sports elite. Many sports
organisations are now using biomedical engineers to maintain and enhance the
performance of their athletes.
Students who choose this direction for their engineering career will be able
to direct their studies towards their own professional requirements and aspirations.
There are outstanding challenges for the profession in, for example, instrumentation,
signal processing, materials development and biomechanics.
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What Will I Study?
Graduates with expertise in electronic engineering who would like to introduce
biomedical skills into their professional expertise could consider the Graduate
Certificate in Engineering (Biomedical). Those who complete this course will
have a high knowledge of the engineering and biomedical principles underlying
the application of biomedical engineering. They will have the capacity to develop
applications and a range of technical skills for using applications. Skills
in communication, problem solving and critical thinking are also a focus of
the course.
The Graduate Diploma extends those studies to further professional knowledge
and skills in the research and development of biomedical engineering. The Masters
will extend students still further to a significant and substantial advanced
knowledge of and skill in the field of biomedical engineering. Masters students
undertake research and development by selecting appropriate methodology, analysing
and reviewing research literature, and completing an advanced development or
similar research-oriented project.
You will be put to work on real projects that are trying to solve real problems
in an area of your choosing. Current research projects are: designing and building
a device that measures the stiffness of cartilage; accessing information that
would not be otherwise available from organs; and assessing the effects of
hip joint replacements on walking and other parts of the body. A new surgery
screwdriver has in-built intelligence so it can assess the type of bone it
is screwing through and adjust accordingly. Some wireless applications help
both the aged and the disabled to stay in their houses longer.
Honours students in engineering have had much success both in prizes awarded
and in having their products commercialised. We encourage international students
to bring ideas for Masters projects from their own country. The courses articulate and the sequentially developed topics allow progression
through the three awards. Candidates who have completed the Graduate Certificate
are awarded credit towards the Graduate Diploma. Candidates who have completed
the Graduate Diploma are awarded credit towards the Masters.
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How can I use Biomedical Engineering in my career?
These biomedical engineering courses are designed to train engineering graduates
and practising engineers in an area that is set to expand. The baby boomer
generation will ensure that the work will continue on for some time yet. The
courses will help fill the increasing demand for biomedical expertise across
the widening array of applications.
New graduates can set themselves for a rewarding new career. Electronic engineers
who graduated some time ago can up skill to forge a changed career path.
The Masters can also be a pathway to a PhD for those who don’t have an
honours degree and want to pursue a research career. The research possibilities
are varied and challenging.
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Why come to Flinders University in Adelaide?
The postgraduate courses in biomedical engineering are small, intimate and
focused on the needs and the future of each individual student. At Flinders,
our postgraduate courses have low numbers, small class sizes and that’s
the way we like it. It gives our staff time to devote to students; it gives
students a more interactive atmosphere in which to embrace creative excellence.
The staff teaching these courses are at the forefront of biomedical research.
They consult with their clinician colleagues at the nearby, prestigious, Flinders
Medical Centre who can inform them of new problems and areas of interest as
they arise. This gives the researchers a basis in reality that also guides
the teaching and projects that students attempt.
The strong and active research and development program in this area within
the School of Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics often collaborates with the Biomedical
Engineering Department within the School of Medicine. The school also hosts
the University’s Area of Strategic Investment in Medical Devices and
Technologies, which brings together engineers, IT people, clinicians, chemists,
nanotechnologists and others. And students have access to this wealth of knowledge
and skill as well. The school has strong links with industry and with national
associations for disabled people and aged people.
Flinders was the first university to have an undergraduate biomedical engineering
course. The School of Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics is very experienced in dealing
with part-time students and provides a support base that caters to the onerous
demands of working while studying part time. Full-time students also benefit
from our approach. Computer facilities are available remotely and are strongly
backed by a 24/7 help desk.
Surveys have ranked Flinders University highly among Australian universities
for student satisfaction, teaching quality, teaching and research links, employer
satisfaction with students and research spending and publication rate. The
student population is about 15,600, with international students making up about
12%. The campus boasts halls of residence and off-campus, affordable accommodation
is available nearby. Regular and frequent public transport services the campus
on several routes.
Affordable Adelaide, capital of the state of South Australia, is a city of
about 1 million people with an eye to the future – a future you can
be part of, for the time of your course or the rest of your life. It has
the lowest cost of living of all major Australian cities. The state government
has a focus on developing, in collaboration with private enterprise, a vibrant,
innovative culture that looks forward to a bright future in the 21st century
and beyond. The emphasis is on quality of life in a sustainable environment.
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Entry Requirements
All Applicants
Applicants for the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters in Engineering
(Biomedical) normally must hold an approved undergraduate Engineering degree
with appropriate electronic content, or equivalent qualification from an approved
tertiary institution. Some basic knowledge of biology and chemistry will be
assumed. An applicant who has not previously studied electronics may be required
to undertake appropriate bridging studies.
Students who complete the Flinders University Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical
and Electronics) may receive up to 36 units of credit towards the Masters degree,
and may complete both programs in 5 years or the equivalent part-time, according
to a special program to be advised. Progress to the Masters year will be subject
to an entry requirement of a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5 or more in their
undergraduate degree.
The Graduate Certificate & Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Biomedical)
are not available to graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical and
Electronics), the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical)
or of equivalent undergraduate courses from other tertiary institutions. Students
who have completed the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (or other qualifications
deemed equivalent) receive credit when progressing to the Graduate Diploma
or Masters.
Australian Students
Australian students should contact:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: (08) 8201 2515 or 1800 803 131 (freecall within Australia)
Fax: (08) 8201 3399
Email: soak.up.science@flinders.edu.au
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International Students
CRICOS Provider Code: 00114A
See the Why choose Flinders section for the following information about this and other Flinders courses:
- Tuition fees
- Course entry requirements
- English language requirements
- Australian visa and health cover requirements
For further information about studying in Australia:
The
International Office
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel (+ 618) 8201 2727
Fax (+ 618) 8201 3177
Ask Flinders - International enquiry form
Apply Now!
If you've read enough and want to apply for entry into this course then:
International Students:
Australian Students:
Three easy steps:
- Visit the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) website
- Link via the GradStart button. Click on 'Want to Apply?' to begin your
application
- Submit your application. You will be sent a confirmation e-mail
You can apply for admission at any time during the year and GradStart
applications are free.
If you receive any correspondence from SATAC requesting further information you
will need to supply what is requested. Your application cannot be processed
until all requested information is received. Note: you must be a citizen or
permanent resident of Australia to apply through GradStart.
Credit Transfer
Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (or
other qualifications deemed equivalent) receive credit when progressing to
the Graduate Diploma or Masters.
An Application for Credit form
and relevant policies are available on the web.
Course Fees
In 2008 these courses have been approved to have Commonwealth Supported (CS)
places.
These courses are also offered on a fee-paying basis.
See the appropriate fee schedule for Australian
students and
International
Students. Contact
the relevant faculty office for further information.
Australian citizens, and those holding an Australian permanent humanitarian
visa who meet eligibility criteria, are eligible to defer their fees through
the Higher Education Loan Program (FEE-HELP). Contact Student Finance Services
on (08) 8201 3143 for details.
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Further Information
Flinders Web Resources
The following are additional links within the University of Flinders website
where you will find information on costs, financial assistance, and other courses
offered by the University.
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about this course, or any of our other
courses, please contact us:
Admissions Office
Science & Engineering
Course Co-ordinator
Last reviewed April 2008.
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