Biomedical Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng MEng

2024-25 entry
Biomedical Engineering

A technology driven subject with a focus on enhancing human health and wellbeing, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of core engineering principles applied to the human body and biological systems. Alongside a core biomedical engineering degree course, there is also the option to experience a year in industry.

Key details

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    Course description

    Three bioengineering students working around a microscope and taking notes

    Be at the forefront of the rapidly growing medical technology sector and save and improve people’s lives, through this well-established biomedical engineering with a foundation year degree.

    If you don't have the usual scientific or mathematical background for an engineering degree, a foundation year is for you. After successfully completing the foundation year, which has modules in mathematics, physics and chemistry, you can start the BEng or MEng degree.

    Our expert academic team, composed of industry experts, clinicians and academics, has been teaching biomedical engineering at Sheffield for over a decade. They’ll show you how traditional engineering principles can be used to heal the human body, by integrating disciplines from across the field of engineering.

    Tissue engineering, biotechnology, mechanics and robotics – we teach you how to use technology to give people a healthier and more fulfilling life.

    The BEng offers unparalleled flexibility to allow you to tailor your course to your interests. By choosing to take an MEng, you’ll be taking a longer period of study with an integrated masters. Your first year gives an introduction to bioengineering, at the end of which you’ll begin to broadly tailor the course towards a specialism, by choosing one of the following four specialisms for the rest of the course:

    • Biomedical Engineering: use engineering principles to help safeguard and enhance human health.
    • Medical Devices and Systems: develop novel devices and improve clinical engineering systems.
    • Biomaterials Science and Tissue Engineering: apply materials engineering and cell biology principles to repair damaged body tissues and organs.
    • Biomanufacturing: apply chemical engineering and cell biology principles to the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and other biologically active substances.

    Because the MEng is a year longer than the BEng, you’ll have more opportunity to complete project work – sometimes in groups – tackling industrial problems and developing your management skills.

    The degree will culminate in an individual project, where you’ll spend your final year working with an academic on your chosen specialism.

    Why study this course?

    • Top 5 for bioengineering and biomedical engineering - as rated by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024. We're also one of the longest-running biomedical engineering departments in the country.
    • Unique, state-of-the-art facilities - use unique biomedical spaces such as the Bio mammalian and Bio bacteria labs, along with the Microfabrication room, Electronics clean room and the Pilot Plant in the Diamond.
    • Broad choice of specialisms - from your second year you can choose between four specialisms: Biomedical Engineering, Medical Devices and Systems, Biomaterials Science and Tissue Engineering, or Biomanufacturing.
    • Global Engineering Challenge - join teams of students to solve engineering problems in developing countries – pushing you to develop you as a professional engineer and enhancing your career prospects.

    Modules

    After successfully completing the foundation year modules, you can start your main degree.

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Title: Biomedical Engineering with a Foundation Year MEng or BEng course structure
    UCAS code: H160
    Years: 2024
    Foundation year

    Core modules:

    Core Foundation Mathematics

    The syllabus for MAS003 covers the common core A Level curriculum. The unit is tailored for students who have been away from mathematics for a period of time, but who will have gained some A-Level or similar qualifications. The unit covers the basic principles of algebra, geometry and calculus. Following the introduction of new material in the lectures, students have the opportunity of extensive problem solving, both in the tutorial sessions with the lecturers and in their own time.

    40 credits
    Introduction to Engineering

    This module will introduce the application of engineering principles to foundation year students and give the student an appreciation of the breadth of engineering activities across the faculty and identify to students what knowledge areas and skills are needed in order to contribute to their development and be successful. It will also help create links with departments and draw on the other modules that students will take in the foundation year especially maths and physics.

    40 credits
    Advanced Level Chemistry

    The unit covers a selection of the major concepts from areas of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry in order to develop a sound basic knowledge of chemistry corresponding to the common core A level curriculum as preparation for successful studies in the Material Sciences and Chemical Engineering.

    20 credits
    Elements of Physics

    PHY010 provides students with the elements of Physics required to enter the first year of an engineering course where some knowledge of Physics is needed.

    Understanding will be developed by taking a sub- set of the lectures of the more comprehensive module PHY009, namely those covering Dynamics/Mechanics; Electricity and Magnetism (autumn semester); and Oscillations, Waves, and Optics; Properties of Matter (spring semester). These will be delivered in the first 2/3rds of either semester. Problem solving and example classes are integrated into lectures.

    As PHY008 teachings no practical Physics, this module is complemented by laboratory components of the 40 credit foundation year module (FCE001).

    20 credits
    Foundation Core and Enhanced Mathematics

    This module builds on the common core curriculum from A level maths (which is a prerequisite). This unit covers enhanced comprehension of topics in pure maths, statistics, probability, and numerical methods. These topics are chosen to further prepare students for their undergraduate studies in the science and engineering faculties.

    40 credits

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    You'll learn and be taught through:

    • lectures
    • tutorials
    • practical activities
    • coursework assignments (including oral, video and poster presentations)
    • online resources

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 online access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    Assessment

    Students are assessed via a mix of the following:

    • examinations
    • coursework assignments
    • lab work
    • online tests
    • reports
    • group projects
    • presentations

    Programme specification

    This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.

    Find programme specification for this course

    Entry requirements

    Standard offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    BBB; BBC
    BBB (any A Level); BBC, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

    International Baccalaureate
    32 (any subjects); 31, with Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology at Higher Level 5 or Standard Level 7
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in Engineering or Applied Science + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A
    BTEC Diploma
    DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A at A Level (no STEM at A Level) + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A; DD in Engineering or Applied Science + B in an A Level science subject (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology) + GCSE Maths grade 7/A; DD in Engineering or Applied Science + C in A Level Maths + GCSE Science grade 6/B
    Scottish Highers
    AABBB (any subjects); ABBBB, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + BB (any A Level subjects); B + BC in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction (to include 12 Maths units), and 21 at Merit + GCSE Maths grade 7/A
    Other requirements
    • If you are studying both Maths and a science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology) at A Level or equivalent, there are no additional GCSE requirements. If you are studying any other subject combination, we require GCSE science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A

    English language requirements

    You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

    Graduate careers

    Biomedical Engineering

    Our graduates have become professional engineers who design medical instruments, repair body tissue and solve clinical problems through research. They work closely with materials scientists, physicians, dentists, therapists and technologists to help benefit human health. The transferable skills gained on the course have also enabled graduates to take up careers in law, finance, scientific writing and other fields.

    Biomedical Engineering

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    Like the industry, biomedical engineering at Sheffield is interdisciplinary. You'll be taught by experts in materials, mechanical, control, electrical, chemical and biological engineering, computer science, medicine and biology.

    From 3D printing and biophotonics, to tissue and bone engineering, we're helping to develop products that improve medical care and quality of life. Our research-led teaching produces multi-skilled graduates who can carry on that work.

    You will develop the knowledge and skills employers are looking for by working closely with partners in the healthcare profession and in industry such as Philips, Johnson and Johnson and the NHS.

    Learning and teaching takes place in one of the best biomedical engineering teaching spaces in the UK. The Diamond has industry-standard equipment for culturing and analysing cells, measuring the activity of the human body, mechanical and electrical testing of materials, 3D printing and customised software packages for developing biomedical engineering models.

    Science and Engineering Foundation Year

    Why choose Sheffield?

    The University of Sheffield

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
    StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    Additional costs

    The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    Funding your study

    Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

    Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    Offer holder days

    If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

    Campus tours

    Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Apply

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2024-2025

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    Science and Engineering Foundation Year

    A technology driven subject with a focus on enhancing human health and wellbeing, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of core engineering principles applied to the human body and biological systems. Alongside a core biomedical engineering degree course, there is also the option to experience a year in industry.