MSc in Bioelectronics
Introduction
The University of Edinburgh is one of the largest and most distinguished teaching and research institutions in the world. The University is located in Scotland's historic and beautiful capital city which offers a wide range of cultural events and recreational facilities, together with easy access to Scotland's unspoilt wilderness.
The MSc in Bioelectronics brings together our work in microfabrication, microfluidics, micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS), micro-machining, neural computation, integrated circuit design, and system-on-chip design. We have strong links to the biological and medical sciences at the university, and thus "bioelectronics" in several forms now provides an area of rapid growth that links the core activities within the School. |
Drug Delivery Chip |
A microfabrication tutorial in a clean room at the School of Engineering |
Bioelectronics involves the application of electronic engineering principles to biology, medicine, and the health sciences. It advances the fundamental concepts and develops innovative devices or processes for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, for patient rehabilitation, and for improving health.
We are interested in understanding, monitoring and controlling molecular and cellular processes at bio(electronic) interfaces. Some of our research focuses on the development of novel biosensor techniques for diagnostics and drug discovery, and novel bioelectronic tools for tissue engineering. In addition we apply nanobiotechnology for interfacing neural networks and for local drug delivery. |
Course Structure and Assessment
The duration of the MSc course in Bioelectronics is 12 months, with a two-semester programme of taught modules followed by a research project leading to a Master thesis.
In the 1st semester an introduction to bioelectronics is given that explores how relevant cross-disciplinary sciences are exploited in the growing technical ability to develop ‘bioelectronic’ devices. More advanced courses then follow, followed by a project whose topic will usually be based on the current research at the Graduate School of Engineering. Semesters run from September to December and January to March, with exams held in December and April/May. The main work on the project is carried out between May and August, although preparatory work is undertaken in the 2nd semester.
Course Structure
Semester 1: (total 60 credits)
Semester 2: (total 60 credits)
MSc Project (60 credits)
Course Outcomes - Learning
A definition of ‘bioelectronics’ that reflects the facilities and research in the School of Engineering is:
"Bioelectronics is the innovative merging of high-tech electronics and micro/nano technologies, directed towards applications in the life sciences and medicine".
This MSc/Diploma is therefore designed to provide both graduates and working professionals with fundamental knowledge of relevant bioscience and biotechnology. They will also gain advanced training in electronic engineering, microfabrication, biomedical image processing and biosensors that can be directed towards molecular, cellular, and whole organism levels.
Course outcomes - Prospects
Graduates will be qualified to work as engineers or scientists solving problems in the biomedical and biomolecular domains, or to pursue advanced degrees in engineering, medicine, or the life sciences.
The MSc course is also a perfect basis for PhD projects which can be pursued at the Graduate School. We strive to fund a few PhD places for the best graduates from the MSc each year.
Prerequisites
To enrol for the MSc/Diploma in Bioelectronics, you will need a degree in Electronics or Electrical Engineering, or similar, at a level at least equivalent to a 2:1 Honours classification in the UK. Any appropriate professional experience will also be considered.
Course Delivery
The course takes 12 months, full-time, starting in mid-September. [Exact semester dates can be found in the Postgraduate Prospectus or from the main university web site.] The course is delivered by expert staff from the University of Edinburgh and, where appropriate, from other industrial or educational bodies. Staff-student discussion on progress and problems will take place twice a semester.
Application Deadlines
We accept applications throughout the year and will also consider applications from final year Undergratuate students with pending degree exam results. We will process applications very quickly to ensure that offers can be made for the nearest possible start date (each year in September).
English Language Requirements
MSc students must meet the standards shown below:
IELTS - with an overall score of 6.5 or above, with at least 6.0 in all four sections.
TOEFL - with an overall score of 630 (237 on the Computer Based TOEFL) with a score of at least 60 in all three sections (22 on CBT), and a score of at least 4.5 in the Test of Written English (or writing section of the CBT). |
