Triangle

Course overview

Whether it's biomechanics and biomaterials, bioimaging and biosensing, or a combination of both, this 12-month course aims to provide science and engineering graduates from diverse backgrounds with a solid grounding in modern bioengineering technologies.

This multidisciplinary masters covers practical and theoretical aspects of bioengineering, including:

  • Medical imaging
  • Medical device design and regulation
  • Cell-biomaterial surface interactions
  • Materials characterisation
  • Functionalisation of surface
  • Biomechanics

The course will prepare students for a wide variety of careers within industry, hospitals, clinical or research environments, independent learning, or for further education within postgraduate research.

Why choose this course?

Academic expertise

Course content relates directly to the active research interests of staff delivering them

Tailored to you

The range of modules enables the course to be tailored to your individual interests

Summer projects

provide an opportunity for research, working alongside postgrad and postdoc researchers.

Course content

The course is made up of core and optional modules. The range of optional modules enables students to tailor the course towards a particular interest.

Modules

Core modules

Cell Structure and Function for Engineers (autumn) 10 credits

This module will introduce the following topics:

  • Structure and function of cells and cell organelles
  • Protein and enzyme structure and function
  • Biosynthesis of cell components
  • The role of cell membranes in barrier and transport processes.

Examples relating to biomaterials and medical devices will be given where appropriate.

Human Structure and Function for Engineers (autumn) 10 credits

This module considers aspects of human structure and function, and relevant terminology, pertaining to organ systems of interest to bioengineers including:

  • Basic anatomical and medical terminology
  • Cardiovascular system
  • Gastrointestinal system
  • Reproductive and excretory system
  • Nervous system
  • The skeletal system will be considered in greater depth with examples of normal and pathological function and engineering-based interventions.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 2 week 1 hour

 

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Exam 1 100.00 2-hour written examination
Advanced Materials Research and Communication (autumn) 10 credits

This module requires personal engagement in the classes and there is no examination. In this way this module is like the Individual Project. It has three cycles each comprising students individually preparing a talk, and report, on a topic within a theme and with a title that has been negotiated with the Advanced Materials Teachers (Professor AB Seddon, Dr X Hou and Dr I Ahmed) straight after the teachers have delivered an introductory lecture on that theme.

The point of the module is to improve oral presentation and engineering report-writing skills using advanced materials as a vehicle. The classes are seminars, where good practice is openly discussed and materials' advantages and disadvantages are openly debated. Not to attend classes is not an option or failure of the module at the end is very likely to ensue.

This module is designed to deal with a wide range of materials (including advanced metallic, ceramic, glass, composite and polymeric-based materials) for a wide range of applications. Also it considers materials' themes such as: aerospace materials, medical materials, coatings, carbon-based materials and so on.

The module deals with the underlying principles behind the suitability of material properties for the targeted applications, the processing of these materials, the effects of processing on their subsequent structure and properties and ultimate performance.

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Seminar 12 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours


Method of Assessment:

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 1 30.00 Case study 1, 2000 word report and oral/visual presentation
Coursework 2 35.00 Case study 2, 2000 word report and oral/visual presentation
Coursework 3 35.00 Case study 3, 2000 word report and oral/visual presentation
Advanced Engineering Research Project Organisation and Design (spring) 10 credits

A project-oriented module involving a review of publications and views on a topic allied to the chosen specialist subject. The module will also involve organisation and design of the main project. Skills will be acquired through workshops and seminars that will include:

  • Further programming in MATLAB and /or MSExcel Macros
  • Project planning and use of Microsoft Project
  • Measurement and error analysis
  • Development of laboratory skills including safety and risk assessment

Students will select a further set of specialist seminars from, e.g.:

  • Meshing for computational engineering applications
  • Modelling using CAE packages
  • Use of CES Selector software
  • Specific laboratory familiarisation
  • Use of MSVisio software for process flow
  • Use of HYSYS process modelling software
  • Use of PSpice to simulate analogue and digital circuits

The specialist seminars will be organised within the individual MSc courses.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Seminar 12 weeks 1 week 3 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 1 40.00 Project planning
Coursework 2 20.00 Literature review
Coursework 3 20.00 Experimental Design
In-Class Test 20.00 Stats test
Health and Safety test   Pass required.
Individual Postgraduate Project (summer) 60 credits

This project involves students undertaking an original, independent, research study into an engineering or industrial topic appropriate to their specific MSc programme. The project should be carried out in a professional manner and may be undertaken on any topic which is relevant to the MSc programme, as agreed by the relevant Course Director and module convenor.

The project has several aims, beyond reinforcing information and methodology presented in the taught modules; the student is expected to develop skills in research, investigation, planning, evaluation and oral and written communication.

Final reporting will take the form of a written account including a literature review and an account of the student's contribution. A presentation will be made to academic staff towards the end of the project.

Method and Frequency of Class:

There will be a one hour introductory session/session via Moodle . All other activities are arranged on an individual basis between the student and the project supervisor.

Method of Assessment:

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 1 10.00 Interim Report (Marked by project supervisor)
Coursework 2 15.00 Supervisor assessment of student input and professionalism (marked by project supervisor)
Coursework 3 10.00 15 minute oral presentation (peer marked and with 1 staff)
Coursework 4 65.00 Dissertation (10,000 word limit)

The project area is flexible and will be supervised by an academic member of staff

Optional modules

Biomedical Applications of Biomaterials (autumn) 20 credits

This module is concerned with the biomedical application of materials. It addresses three key areas: 

  1. The clinical need for materials in medicine. An outline of cases where disease and trauma can be treated using materials and the tissues involved. 
  2. The biological responses to materials in the body. Specifically the effect of the biological environment on materials and the effect of implantation of materials on the body. 
  3. The application of materials in medicine. The material requirements, surgical procedures and expected biological performance of biomaterials. The advantages and disadvantages of using different types of materials and the importance of the design of medical implants.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Practicum 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

 

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 1 20.00 Laboratory report
Coursework 2 20.00 Clinical observation report
Exam 1 60.00 Closed book exam. 2 hours.
Biomechanics (spring) 10 credits

This module considers aspects of experimental and theoretical biomechanics including:

  • Mechanical properties of biological tissues
  • Hard tissues including bone
  • Soft tissues including cartilage, tendon, disc and blood vessels
  • Time dependent behaviour
  • Experimental techniques
  • Impact mechanics
  • Modelling
  • Custom implants

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 10 weeks 2 week 1 hour


Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Exam 1 100.00 2-hour written exam
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing 10 credits

This module will cover design, processing and material aspects of additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies, as well as the current and potential applications of the technology in a wide variety of sectors. Topics include commercial and experimental systems, material requirements, design for additive manufacturing, software and systems, as well as case studies in industry and society.

Digital Signal Processing (autumn) 20 credits

This module introduces the principles, major algorithms and implementation possibilities of digital signal processing at an advanced level.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours
Computing 10 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 60%

Part 1: weight 30%, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module's learning outcomes.

Part 2: weight 30%, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module's learning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.

Exam 40%  
Sensing Systems and Signal Processing (spring) 10 credits

The module provides students with the necessary background knowledge so that they can understand sensors and their applications.  The module covers a selection of topics where information is acquired from sensors and subsequently electronically processed. Applications will typically include, optical, acoustic, non-destructive evaluation, medical and bio-photonics.

Computational Fluid Dynamics 20 credits

This module consists of:

  • Introduction
  • Fundamental CFD theory
  • Turbulence
  • Multiphase
  • Reactive Flow
  • Quality Assurance

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Computing 8 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Lecture 11 weeks 2 week 1 hour
Un Assign 5 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester.

Method of Assessment:

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 1 50.00 Individual project up to 4000 words
Exam 1 50.00 2-hour written examination
Functional Medical Imaging (spring) 10 credits

The techniques for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) are explored. The course aims to introduce the brain imaging technique of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), giving an overview of the physics involved in this technique.

The electromagnetic techniques of electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) will then be outlined, and the relative advantages of the techniques described.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 2 week 1 hour

 

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Exam 1 100.00  
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Wednesday 13 December 2023.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Practical classes
  • Tutorials

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • In-class test
  • Dissertation

Your final degree will be based on 180 credits. You will require an average across all your modules of 50% to pass. Assessment will be via a combination of coursework, exams and a project dissertation

Contact time and study hours

Teaching will take place Mondays to Fridays during term time. Contact time will vary depending on options taken but will typically be 12-14 hours per week

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

MSc

Undergraduate degree2:1 in a relevant subject. Applicants with an engineering or physical sciences or biotechnology degree are eligible to apply.

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £11,850
International £28,600

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

This includes £150 for a Hepatitis B vaccination should you work on projects involving cell culture. You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost up to £300.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates go on to a wide range of careers. Some go on to do PhDs, while others enter roles that have a direct correlation to their degree, including in the medical device industry, biomedical imaging industry and bioengineering regulatory organisations. Others use their transferable skills in a range of sectors.

Career progression

96.8% of postgraduates from the Faculty of Engineering who were available for employment secured work or further study within six months of graduation. £29,000 was the average starting salary, with the highest being £100,000.*

* Known destinations of full-time home postgraduates 2016/17. Salaries are calculated based on the median of those in full-time paid employment within the UK.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates

Related courses

This content was last updated on Wednesday 13 December 2023. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.