BEng Hons Biomedical Engineering

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Key facts

  • UCAS Code: B830
  • Accreditation: Institute of Physics & Engineering in Medicine, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Institution of Engineering and Technology
  • Scholarships: available

Study with us

  • gain training in biomedical engineering as well as core mechanical and electrical engineering subjects
  • blood salvage technology developed by Strathclyde bioengineers is in use around the world
  • benefit from state-of-the-art technology in one of the longest-established such departments in the world
  • prepare for a wide range of career opportunities in the industry, academia, hospitals and government agencies
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Why this course?

Biomedical engineering is a rapidly expanding industry, with the National Health Service, industrial and academic research and development all making advances to meet the increasing demands of healthcare.

Studying with us, you will gain broad training in modern biomedical engineering and learn about the complexities of human anatomy and physiology. You'll study core mechanical and electrical engineering subjects.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering has recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and is one of the oldest such departments in the world, with expertise and excellence in teaching and research.

Accreditation

The BEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering degree is accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), on behalf of the Engineering Council, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Person wearing surgical gloves uses a Advancis Surgical device with a blood bag on top of the device.

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you'll study

Years 1 & 2

Core concepts in mathematics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, anatomy, physiology and molecular bioscience provide fundamental engineering and biomedical science knowledge. You'll take the majority of these classes alongside other engineers and biomedical scientists. Specialist classes will develop your Biomedical Engineering focus.

Year 3

You will start to apply your knowledge in specific areas of biomedical engineering (eg biomechanics and biomedical materials). You'll also deepen your understanding of core engineering and biomedical science topics.

Year 4

You'll focus on an individual research project. A skills class in research methods and professional studies will provide knowledge of research design and statistical analysis. It will also provide insight into the role and environment of the biomedical engineer and an understanding of ethical, safety and quality management issues.

Facilities

We have state-of-the-art technology, including:

  • a Motek Caren (extended) rehabilitation environment
  • 12 camera Vicon Nexus
  • biomedical materials
  • neuroprosthetics
  • medical devices
  • cell and tissue engineering facilities
Athena Swan bronze logo
Our department holds a Bronze Athena Swan award, recognising our commitment to advancing women's careers in electronic and engineering.

About the Department of Biomedical Engineering

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Course content

Compulsory classes

Engineering Analysis 1

You'll be given an introduction to the use of Microsoft Windows- based PCs and to relevant application software in an engineering context.  More specifically you'll be introduced to Microsoft Office applications, PTC Creo three dimensional modelling system and MathCAD and Matlab engineering software.  Basic numerical methods will also be introduced.

Anatomy and Physiology for Biomedical Engineers

You'll be given a basic knowledge of the anatomical structure of the major body systems together with an understanding of their physiological functioning.  This knowledge is fundamental to understand and to develop specific topics that will be taught later in the course.

Biomedical Engineering

The aim of this class is to provide an insight into these areas and in doing so will deal with two applications:

  • prostheses & orthoses (eg artificial limbs & splints)
  • artificial kidneys

The process of evolving the design specification from knowledge of normal body function and the matching of material properties to the body environment will be described.

Analytical and Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering

You'll learn the essential and basic numerical and analytical techniques for biomedical engineering problems.  On completion you're expect to be able to use appropriate algebraic, geometric and calculus techniques. 

Molecular Bioscience

You'll gain the basic knowledge and concepts of cell structure and function.  You'll also be introduced to the basic concepts underlying classical and molecular genetics, including techniques that form the basis for the study of molecular biology.

Electronic and Electrical Principles 1

This class aims to provide you with a foundational understanding of the analysis and design of both analogue and digital electronic circuits.

Electrical and Mechanical techniques and design

This class aims to introduce you to the practical and professional skills required of an engineer, underpinning theoretical concepts introduced elsewhere in Year 1 classes.

Compulsory classes

Design and Engineering Applications 2

This class aims to:
  • Design: develop an understanding of the design process and steps in establishing effective design procedures from inception through development to manufacture. 3 linked areas: Total Design concepts, Design Management and computer-based drawing.
  • Engineering Applications: through experience of stripping and building an engineering artefact, to gain experience and set in context the requirements of good design strategies. The activity also aims to introduce you to various measurement and instrumentation techniques to reinforce the importance of material strength and deformation characteristics.

Engineering Mechanics in Biomedical Engineering

You'll learn the basic skills to analyse static and dynamic rigid body problems.  The class also aims to provide structural analysis and elementary stress analysis and introductory fluid mechanics knowledge, as appropriate for biomedical engineering.

Cell and Molecular Biology

You'll be given an introduction to cytology and histology.  You'll develop a deeper understanding of cellular compartments and structures and their functions.  Finally, the role of genetic analysis in the elucidation of the mechanisms of gene function will be demonstrated.

Electronic and Electrical Principles 2

You'll be introduced to the analysis and design of analogue circuits and systems as used in:

  • electronics
  • energy & power systems
  • communications
  • control and analogue signal processing applications

Digital Electronic Systems

You'll be introduced to the use of digital electronics and the rudiments of digital signal processing systems.

Mathematical Modelling and Analysis

Mathematics (Semester 1)

You'll learn to be competent in the differential and integral calculus of functions of several independent variables as well as in the solution of ordinary differential equations.

Engineering Analysis (Semester 1 and 2)

You'll develop the general approach to solving engineering problems involving mathematical modelling, numerical methods and the application of computer software.

Materials Engineering and Design

You'll gain a grounding in the concepts of material science and engineering with reference to mechanical design and material selection.

Compulsory classes

Practical Biomechanics

The class aims to develop knowledge, understanding and practical experience of kinematic and kinetic analysis of human movement.

Biomedical Materials

This class aims to develop the knowledge, understanding and practical experience of synthetic materials used in different biomedical applications. This is together with a qualitative understanding of the mechanical behaviour of a variety of tissues.

Physiological Systems in Health and Disease

You'll gain a deeper understanding of the key characteristics of physiological systems and interactions between them, both in health and disease.

Fundamental Immunology

This class aims to provide the fundamental concepts of the immune system to form the basis for further study.

Instrumentation and Microcontrollers

You'll develop techniques for system modelling based on block diagrams and transfer functions and to use such techniques in the context of analysis and design. You'll be introduced to instrumentation and measurement as an interdisciplinary engineering activity. You'll also gain practical design, implementation and test experience of the techniques required to create combined hardware/ software systems with an emphasis on measurement.

Elective

You can choose elective classes from a wide range of departments across the University.

Compulsory classes

Biomedical Engineering project

You'll complete an independent study of a topic of your choice in the general field of Biomedical Engineering.  The project may take the form of an extended literature review or involve experimental work.  The work is supported by a compulsory research methods module and specialist knowledge classes throughout the year.

Research Methods in Biomedical Engineering

This class aims to equip you with the skills necessary to use mathematics and statistics tools including software in experimental design and data visualisation.

Professional Studies in Biomedical Engineering

This class aims to:

  • provide an introduction to the philosophy, ethics and methodology of research
  • outline the role that the biomedical engineer plays in the solution of clinical problems
  • provide training in the principles, assessment and application of safety procedures in areas relevant to medical physics and biomedical engineering
  • provide an awareness of the importance of regulatory issues in medical device design and manufacturing

Biomedical Instrumentation

You'll be given a detailed description of the principles and applications of a number of the most widely used biomedical instrumentation systems and devices found in the modern hospital environment. You'll understand the diagnostic and research applications of the various instrumentation- related techniques currently available and to appreciate their limitations.

Biomedical Electronics

This class aims to give you a thorough introduction to the use of electronic circuits for the pre-conditioning, acquisition and display of biomedical signals. It'll provide an understanding of the components required in a basic biomedical measurement device.

Elective classes

Choose two from the list

Computer Aided Engineering Design

This class aims to provide an appreciation of computer aided design, analysis and simulation methods over a range of engineering problems. It also provides practical experience of the use of industry standard engineering simulation and analysis software to design and investigate the behaviour and performance of specific systems or components.

Sports Injury and Rehabilitation

This class aims to provide you with an understanding of the injury mechanisms of the different tissues of the body, an ability to assess protective equipment and be able to evaluate current rehabilitation practice.

Advanced topics in Human movement

This class aims to widen the scope of prior human movement analysis to include three dimensional analysis of movement and biomechanical signal processing.

Assistive Technologies

Control Principles

1. To introduce you to the basic concepts, mathematical tools and design methods of classical control theory.
2. To enable you to use analysis and design tools used in control engineering and appreciate the industrial applications of control systems.
3. To enable you to analyse and design closed loop control system specifically using industrial three-term (PID) controllers.
4. To introduce you to advanced control methods and to provide a basic understanding of a time-domain approach to control analysis and design of industrial processes.
5. To appreciate the application of control theory in industrial applications.

Robotics: systems and control

The overall objective is to provide an overview of robotic engineering in the broadest possible sense and enable you to understand some of the important principles in the design, control, construction and use of robots in different environments and tasks. The class also aims to provide hands on exercises in dealing with some of the design and control issues associated with robot mechanisms.

Advanced Mechanics and dynamics

The aims of this class are twofold:
  • to develop your ability to apply analytical techniques to the solution of engineering problems where dynamic behaviour is important
  • to provide practical experience in designing lightweight structures to ensure that they have sufficient strength and stiffness to prevent failure, particularly by buckling, when in service. This experience will be obtained by undertaking an aerospace themed or similar design, construct and test activity.

Assessment

Our assessment methods include:

  • written exams
  • assignments
  • presentations
  • individual/group projects

Final award classification is normally based on the first assessed attempt at compulsory and specified optional classes across all years (except Year 1).

Learning & teaching

Your learning will be kept up-to-date through departmental and cross-University research.

The wide range of optional classes offers you the chance to develop either in-depth knowledge of a specific field within biomedical engineering, or to gain an understanding across a variety of topics. In the later years of the course, you will be able to choose classes from our highly-regarded MSc in Biomedical Engineering.

Visits to local clinical centres and lectures from visiting experts, from the UK and overseas, are an integral part of the course. You'll also have the chance to meet representatives from our industrial partners.

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Entry requirements

Required subjects are shown in brackets.

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Highers

Standard entry requirements*:

AAAB

(Maths, Physics/Engineering Science)

Minimum entry requirements**:

BBBB

(Maths, Physics/Engineering Science)

A Levels

Year 1 entry: ABB-BBB (Maths, Physics)
Year 2 entry: AAA-ABB (Maths, Physics, and Biology)

International Baccalaureate

Year 1 entry: 34-32

(Maths HL5, Physics HL5)

Year 2 entry: 36-34

(Maths HL6, Physics HL6, Biology HL6)

International students

View the entry requirements for your country.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application.

Additional information
  • deferred entry accepted
  • SQA Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted instead of Higher Mathematics
  • both IB Higher Level Mathematics pathways are accepted

*Standard entry requirements

Offers are made in accordance with specified entry requirements although admission to undergraduate programmes is considered on a competitive basis and entry requirements stated are normally the minimum level required for entry.

Whilst offers are made primarily on the basis of an applicant meeting or exceeding the stated entry criteria, admission to the University is granted on the basis of merit, and the potential to succeed. As such, a range of information is considered in determining suitability.

In exceptional cases, where an applicant does not meet the competitive entry standard, evidence may be sought in the personal statement or reference to account for performance that was affected by exceptional circumstances, and which in the view of the judgement of the selector would give confidence that the applicant is capable of completing the programme of study successfully.

**Minimum entry requirements

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

Contextual Admissions for Widening Access

We want to increase opportunities for people from every background.

Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential, and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

University preparation programme for international students

We offer international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Business and Social Sciences at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. ​

Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Strathclyde.

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Visit our international students' section

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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.

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Scotland

To be confirmed.

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland are subject to confirmation by the Scottish Funding Council. Scottish undergraduate students undertaking an exchange for a semester/year will continue to pay their normal tuition fees at Strathclyde and will not be charged fees by the overseas institution.

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

To be confirmed subject to confirmation by the UK government.

Republic of Ireland

If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process.

International

£30,250

Additional costs

International students

International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

Prosthetics & Orthotics

  • Tool Kit - £40
  • Safety shoes - £34
  • Clinic white - £15

Compulsory clinical placements take place in semester 2 year 3 and semester 1 year 4. Students may be responsible for additional costs for accommodation and travel and should check with their funding agency for eligibility for financial support.

Available scholarships

We have a wide range of scholarships available. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.

Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

How can I fund my studies?

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Students from Scotland

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.

For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.

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Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland

We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:

You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility. Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

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International Students

We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow
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Careers

Our graduates are most likely to go on to work in research and development, medical device regulations and medical device sales.

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Apply

Start date:

Biomedical Engineering (1 year entry)

Start date:

Biomedical Engineering (1 year entry)

Start date: Sep 2025

Biomedical Engineering (1 year entry)

full-time
Start date: Sep 2025

UCAS Applications

Apply through UCAS if you are a UK applicant. International applicants may apply through UCAS if they are applying to more than one UK University.

Apply now

Direct Applications

Our Direct applications service is for international applicants who wish to apply to the University of Strathclyde at this time.

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Start date:

Biomedical Engineering (1 year entry)

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Contact us

Faculty of Engineering

Telephone: +44 (0)141 574 5484

Email: eng-admissions@strath.ac.uk

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