Biomedical Engineering
| Degree: | Master of Science |
| Application: | Mandatory |
| Course start: | Winter term (September) |
| Course duration: | two years (120 ECTS) |
| Study options: | Full-time |
| Language requirements: | English |
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Tuition fees: | € 2050,- per semester |
Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim
Programme Overview
The MSc “Biomedical Engineering” is an interdisciplinary programme open for graduates of physics, computer science/engineering, medical technology/biomedical engineering, and mathematics. We expect a firm background in physics, computer science, and mathematics (at least 6 ECTS credits for each topics). The MSc emphasizes research and offers the option to work in the field of medical physics/biomedical engineering with a strong orientation on computer science. It meets the demand of specialists with not only the knowledge of the technical devices and their usage but also with potential to address the ever-increasing demand for programming abilities which are likely to dominate technical solutions in medicine in the future. Graduates of this master´s programme are well equipped for different positions in industry but also in research.
Aims & Main Learning Objectives
The aim of this programme is to enable students to work and/or carry out independent work and research in the field of biomedical engineering, particularly regarding those areas connected to computer science and medical physics.
Students who have finished this course should
- have fundamental knowledge in anatomy, physiology, biophysics, genetics, and mathematical modelling
- have fundamental knowledge in image analysis, visualization, bioinformatics and computer science related fields in biomedical engineering
- have detailed knowledge in modern optics and radiotherapy
- be able to bridge the gap between technologists and physicians
- be able to carry out a scientific (life-science related) project
- have the ability to solve practical technical problems in biomedical engineering, particularly regarding computer science
- have the ability to critically evaluate technical systems in a medical context
Career Perspectives
Graduates have the opportunities to move into positions in health/life-science industry including hospitals, research organisations and industry (e.g. producers of biomedical instruments/imaging systems, health-care oriented software, and pharmaceutical industry). With their expertise in computer science related topics, they find an ever increasing field in which programming knowledge is mandatory.
As the programme follows the guidelines of the German Association of Medical Physics (DGMP) as well as those of the European Federation of Organisations of Medical Physics (EFOMP), graduates may also qualify as state radiation protection commissioners after one year of practical work.
Programme Structure
Tracks, Modules
For the first year, two tracks are offered – “biomedical optics/vision science” and “radiotherapy/medical imaging” (see study plan). In the second year, there is the option to continue the study at our partner university (Jiao Tong University Shanghai). For excellent students, the master thesis can be pursued abroad at partner universities such Harvard or Duke.
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Year I |
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Module |
ECTS |
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general introduction courses biomedical engineering, biophysics, genetics, mathematical modelling, basic medical science |
9 |
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specialized introductory courses radiation protection, basic radiation oncology/radiation physics, basic optics, adaptive optics I+II |
9 |
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Option A |
Option B |
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radiotherapy/medical imaging diagnostic radiology, radiotherapy treatment planning/dosimetry/quality assurance, special radiotherapy techniques, nuclear medicine |
14 |
biomedical optics aberrometry and wavefront analysis, biomedical optics, medical lasers, novel diagnostic methods in ophthalmology, optics in biophysics and ophthalmology, vision science and ophthalmology |
14 |
|
lab rotations basic cellular biology/radiobiology, image processing, MR radiology, radiation protection and quality assurance, diagnostic radiology/image management |
10 |
lab rotations Heidelberg Engineering lab, laser lab Mannheim, adaptive optics lab, eye clinics Mannheim, nanoscopy lab |
10 |
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general science skills |
2 |
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specialized lab project |
16 |
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Selection between Mannheim or Shanghai
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Year II (Mannheim) |
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Module |
ECTS |
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mandatory courses basic statistics, physics of medical imaging, scientific visualization |
7 |
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elective courses bioinformatics, medical simulators, scientific programming Option A: aberrometry and wavefront analysis, biomedical optics, medical lasers, novel diagnostic methods in ophthalmology, optics in biophysics and ophthalmology, vision science and ophthalmology Option B: diagnostic radiology, radiotherapy treatment planning/dosimetry/quality assurance, special radiotherapy techniques, nuclear medicine |
21 |
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elective lab rotations Option A: Heidelberg Engineering lab, laser lab Mannheim, adaptive optics lab, eye clinics Mannheim, nanoscopy lab Option B: basic cellular biology/radiobiology, image processing, MR radiology, radiation protection and quality assurance, diagnostic radiology/image management |
2 |
|
master thesis |
30 |
|
Year II (Shanghai) |
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Module |
ECTS |
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one of three orientations neurosciences, computer engineering, imaging/biomedical optics |
30 |
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master thesis |
30 |
Workshops
Two workshops are offered on a regular basis:
A one-week workshop on “Robotic and image guided radiotherapy” (end of August) is organised by the Department of Radiation Oncology, Mannheim.
Another one-week workshop on “Medical Physics” takes place in Shanghai and includes a one-day Sino-German radiotherapy seminar.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Studying mainly takes place in interactive seminars (max of 20 students), internships and lab rotations (max 10 students). Lectures are focused to lay knowledge foundation during introductory courses. Up-to-date, keynote lectures may complement the student centred learning approach in the advanced parts of the programme. Sufficient workspace and comprehensive access to literature supports the students’ individual learning process.
Students are regularly expected to give presentations, thus developing their soft skills (e.g. effective literature retrieval or presentation techniques) systematically.
Assessment
Participants' achievement towards their degree takes place throughout the course. Assessment during the taught part of the programme includes written in-class exams, as well as group projects, oral presentations and individual homework.
The thesis and the defence are the final parts of assessment. A pass mark is needed in each part in order to receive the MSc degree at the end of the programme.
Focus on Research/Teaching
The Heidelberg University was founded more than 600 years ago (in 1386) and is the oldest University in Germany. Today, as in its old days, it is a leading institution in research and teaching in Europe. It has two well renowned Medical Faculties, one in Heidelberg and one in Mannheim, both offering innovative courses of study in human medicine.
In Mannheim Medical Campus, Master level courses specialising in Health related fields are offered in addition to clinical medical training.
Cooperation partners
The Master’s programme Biomedical Engineering is internationally connected to leading institutions in research and education in Radiotherapy/Medical Imaging, to contribute to the development of a diverse, globally engaged science and engineering workforce.
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute of Harvard Medical School was ranked among the top US cancer research and treatment centres.
The Jiao-tong University, Shanghai is ranked #4 according to inner Chinese ranking. It has a strong background in engineering and biomedical science.
Formalities
Eligibility and pre-requisites
The course is open to applicants from physics, computer science/engineering, medical technology/biomedical engineering, and mathematics holding a higher academic degree (equivalent to 180 ECTS, usually a Bachelors degree after at least 3 years of academic full time training). A strong basis of knowledge in physics, computer science and mathematics is an essential pre-requisite where formally we assume at least 6 ECTS credit points for each of the fields. In case of lacking credits there is the option to select appropriate courses at the University.
The language of instruction is English. Students for whom English is not their first language must provide evidence of proficiency, usually as IELTS band 6.5 or equivalent TOEFL score. Our TOEFL institutional code is 6446. Exemption from this requirement may be granted to those who completed their higher education in English (written proof required with application).
A maximum of 40 participants will be accepted each year.
Application Deadline
Application deadline is April 15th for the course starting September 1st the same year.
Further Information
Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim
Examination regulations / study regulations
Examination regulations (from 11.11.2009)
Academic Year/ Time Schedule
The academic year starts September 1st. It is split into two terms (semesters) from Sep- Feb and March – Aug.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are 2050.- Euro per semester plus Studentenwerksbeitrag and administration fee.
Accreditation
Academic Counselling
Prof. Wenz is the Director of the programme. Prof. Hesser is the programme coordinator. Both are available for Academic Counselling.
Prof. Dr. Frederik Wenz
Director Dept. of Radiation Oncology
University Medical Center Mannheim
University of Heidelberg
on appointment only
Tel.: +49 (0)621-3833496
E-Mail: Frederik.Wenz@umm.de
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Hesser
Dept. of Radiation Oncology
University Medical Center Mannheim
University of Heidelberg
on appointment only
Tel.: +49 (0)621-3833530
E-Mail: Juergen.Hesser@medma.uni-heidelberg.de
For any other information, please contact Dr. Ramesh Boggula.
Dr. Ramesh Boggula
MSc Program Coordinator
Dept. of Radiation Oncology
University Medical Center Mannheim
University of Heidelberg
on appointment only
Tel.: +49 (0)621-3834491
Fax: +49 621 383-3493
E-Mail: biomedphys@medma.uni-heidelberg.de
Contact
Dr. Ramesh Boggula
MSc Program Coordinator
Dept. of Radiation Oncology
University Medical Center Mannheim
University of Heidelberg
on appointment only
Tel.: +49 (0)621-3834491
Fax: +49 621 383-3493
E-Mail: biomedphys@medma.uni-heidelberg.de