The Biomedical Engineering degree combines the engineering and medicine disciplines, thus offering students a vertical education in three enabling technologies (computer science, electronic instrumentation, and biomechanics and materials) along with cross-disciplinary training in diagnostics and therapy. The expertise of the health and medical staff from the Faculty of Medicine and Nursing and the technology and engineering personnel of the Polytechnic School ensure the cross-disciplinary aspect of studies, which cover five areas of interest: applied anatomy and physiology, medical imaging, clinical pathology and chronic diseases, surgical pathology and health systems.

Tablet-connected heart rate monitor giving vital signs of a premature baby for parents’ reassurance.

The most important features in the training for the bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering are:

• Fundamental and instrumental engineering training, at the nexus of computer, industrial and electronic engineering.
• Knowledge of anatomy and the human physiology allowing easy interactions with health personnel (specification gathering, solution assessment, etc.) and improved knowledge n the use of medical technology.
• Practice in the creation of computer, instrumentation and mechanical solutions and their interaction in accompanying diagnoses through applications, instruments and devices (ECG, CMG, EEG, vital sign monitors, echographs, etc.).

Competences

The main aim of the Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering is to offer quality training in diagnostics-support biomedical technologies and medical therapy with skills for:

• Directing, managing and participating in biomedical engineering projects, with the ability to lay down the requirements and develop applications, instruments, devices and solutions relating to support, diagnosis, therapy and their management.
• Designing, developing, checking and evaluating applications, instruments and devices, from their supporting role to their diagnostic and operational aspects.
• Managing and facilitating the introduction of technology into the processes of health, and in particular processes relating to diagnosis, monitoring, operations, and assisted therapies, as well as the computerised management of those processes.

Sensor-equipped sandal for monitoring the patient’s recovery after a hip operation.

Access requirements

Upper secondary school education

Access: university entrance examinations (PAU), general stage. Admission: weighting of subjects examined in university entrance exam (PAU) linked to the branch of knowledge of Engineering and Architecture.

Higher level training cycles (CFGS).

Access: all CFGS. Admission: weighting of subjects examined in university entrance exam (PAU) linked to the branch of knowledge of Engineering and Architecture.

Over 25 years old

Preferential option in successful entrance exam: Engineering and Architecture.

Over 40 years old

Assessment of professional experience relating to the bachelor's degree that the applicant wishes to be admitted to and sufficient interview outcome.

Over 45 years old

Entrance exam passed and favourable interview outcome.

Others

Special types of access recognised under current regulations.

Another information on access

Pre-enrolment code:

81063

Weightings

Weighting parameters of the subjects in the specific phase of the PAU

Validated credit transfer from higher level training cycles

Validated subjects and credit transfers from higher level vocational training cycles

A (November 2015) report by Deloitte, commissioned by Barcelona Active on “Biotechnology jobs most in demand”, highlighted medical technology as one of the most promising sub-sectors with venture capital and foreign investment managers increasingly entering the area.

The global medical technology market is worth more than €200 billion a year, and has shown sustained growth of 4% over recent years. Biomedical engineering is now one of the most sought-after international courses. Catalonia is playing a leading role in keeping with this trend. Catalonia currently has over 300 companies providing employment to 15,000 people, with a combined turnover of about €3.6 billion (2% of the Catalan GDP) and investment of 4.5% in the sector’s R&D.

The holder of a biomedical engineering degree will be ready to take up a career in medical technology companies and medical institutions (hospitals, clinics, diagnostic and therapy centres, mutual societies, etc.) and research centres, pursuing the following activities:

• Direction and management of design projects, manufacture, evaluation and certification of technologies, products and hospital services in the area of biomedicine and health technology.
• Design, maintenance and use of diagnostic, monitoring, operation and therapy equipment, including electronic instruments, biosensors, controls and robotics.
• Design, development and maintenance of systems based on information and communication technology for clinical, hospital and remote-medical processes.
• Design, development and use of tools for the processing of biomedical signals and images for diagnosis and monitoring, and of support systems for decision-making that incorporate artificial intelligence, automatic learning and data mining in various (pre-intervention, intervention and post-intervention) clinical and general health processes.
• Scientist of biotechnological data, visualization of results and design of smart decision-making systems.
• Engineer of biomedical process controls, with ability to model and design algorithms of control, manipulators and robotic systems and of computer-assisted surgery.
• Analysis, design and support in the development of biomechanical solutions and materials.
• Engineering in medical computer science, including health communication networks and systems, design of solutions based on mobile devices, interactive systems and information imaging.
• Management of medical technology businesses.
• R&D departments in biomedical engineering.
• Teaching and research.

Imaging system integrating medical scans from different devices.

This degree opens up paths to other technology and science master's degrees. If you prefer to continue into research, you can apply for the Doctoral Programme in Technology.

Through the following links you can access the calendars and timetables that correspond to this bachelor's degree.

The academic calendar marks the beginning and end of classes, non-teaching days, holidays, exam periods, and so on. The administrative calendar marks the periods to make the different formalities administrative.

As part of their studies, students can take up to 15 credits in work placements with companies or institutions with connections to the bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering.

The bachelor's thesis consists of a presentation and defence of an original work, conducted individually, before an examining committee. The work must be completely within the area of biomedical engineering, be produced professionally and demonstrate the skills gained throughout the different subjects.

As it progresses, the new bachelor's degree is expected to open up Erasmus agreements with some of the collaborating universities to offer mobility to the new students in their specialities, as well as Erasmus Work Placement mobility programmes to facilitate stays in international work environments, just as the centre's other bachelor's and master's degrees have been doing.

Online enrolment is the University of Girona's electronic enrolment system. It is done through the Internet and is available for the most of the studies.