Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To supply the bioengineering industries with graduates that have a thorough grounding in the bioengineering disciplines, and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills effectively to bioengineering problems.

• To provide a sound education in topics of relevance to bioengineering via an understanding of selected engineering science topics and the application of fundamental principles to bioengineering analysis and the design and development of bioengineering products, sub-systems and systems.

• To maintain programme content and coverage that is up-to-date and responsive to developments in Higher Education and industry and informed by department research activities.

• To develop the students' sense of responsibility and competence by exposure to a range of experiences including bioengineering related testing and design, opportunities for industrial training and individual project work.

• To develop students skills in self learning, planning and communication.

• To produce graduates with an appreciation of the economic, social and environmental aspects of bioengineering

• To develop the students' commitment to life long learning and enthusiasm for the bioengineering through the provision of exciting and challenging programme content.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

• QAA Benchmark statements for Engineering

• Engineering Council publication: Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes

• IMechE Educational Base

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the programmes, graduates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• A range of relevant principles of engineering science, biology and physiology as applied in bioengineering;
• Some specialist bioengineering topics connected with electronics, control, regenerative medicine and health;
• A range of IT, research methods and library resources in providing support for bioengineers;
• Engineering and biological/chemical principles in materials and process selection;
• The bioengineering aspects of design;
• The professional, engineering and ethical responsibilities of bioengineers;

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Select and identify an appropriate route for the design of a bioengineering component;
• Utilise engineering and biological principles to develop procedures and devices for enhanced performance in bioengineering systems;
• Solve bioengineering problems;
• Select and apply appropriate IT tools to a variety of bioengineering problems;
• Analyse the mechanical, electrical, biological and materials aspects of components  and devices;
• Develop bioengineering concepts with an appreciation of user need;
• Interpret numerical data and apply mathematical methods to the analysis of problems.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

• Use appropriate mechanical, electrical and biological testing, and chemical analysis methods, for the study of materials and systems;
• Use appropriate computer software for design and modelling exercises;
• Evaluate and present practical data in a suitable format;
• Explain experimental results in terms of theoretical mechanisms and concepts;
• Compile clear and well-structured technical reports and proposals;
• Acquire and use sources of information appropriately;
• Demonstrate project management skills.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of the programmes, students should be able to:

• Work effectively as part of a team;
• Work independently and manage time/resources effectively; for short-term and longer-term commitments;
• Communicate effectively through written, graphical, inter-personal, and presentation media;
• Apply constructive and structured approaches to problem solving;
• Demonstrate a level of numeracy; appropriate to the cognitive skills required;
• Acquire and use sources of information appropriately;
• Demonstrate IT skills;
• Compile technical reports and proposals.

4. Programme structure

4.1         Part A – Introductory Modules

4.1.1     Semester 1 and 2    

(i)          COMPULSORY MODULES (80 credits)

4.1.2      Semester 1

(i)          COMPULSORY MODULES (20 credits)

4.1.3      Semester 2

(i)          COMPULSORY MODULES (20 credits)

4.2          Part B – Degree Modules

4.2.1       Semester 1 and 2

(i)           COMPULSORY MODULES (30 credits)

4.2.2       Semester 1

(i)           COMPULSORY MODULES (50 credits)

4.2.3       Semester 2

(i)           COMPULSORY MODULES (40 credits)

4.3          Part I – Placement Modules

4.3.1    Eight Semester Programme

In accordance with Regulation XI, students will undertake an approved placement or study abroad leading to the Diploma of Industrial Studies, if following Module MPI001, or leading to the Diploma in International Studies, if following Module MPI002 or leading to the Diploma in Professional Studies, if following Module MPI003. Participation in a placement or study abroad is subject to Departmental approval and satisfactory academic performance during Parts A and B.

4.4          Part C – Degree Modules

Compulsory and optional modules must be taken such that the total modular weight for the year is 120 credits, with a minimum modular weight of 50 credits in either semester. 

4.4.1       Semester 1 and 2

(i)            COMPULSORY MODULES (40 credits)

4.4.2      Semester 1

(i)          COMPULSORY MODULES (30 credits)

(ii)         OPTIONAL MODULES (students can select up to 20 credits)

4.4.3     Semester 2

(i)          COMPULSORY MODULES (total module weight 20 credits)

(ii)         OPTIONAL MODULES (students must select remaining modules totalling 120 credits overall for Part C)

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 Criteria  for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B and from Part B to C and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX.

5.2 Re-assessment

Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates, who have the right of reassessment in all parts of the programme, to undergo reassessment in the University’s Special Assessment Period (except where SAP-exempt modules are involved).

Where a candidate has accumulated fewer than 60 credits in a part of the programme, reassessment in the relevant part is not available to that candidate in the Special Assessment Period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidate’s final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C, in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX. The average percentages for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 30: Part C 70 to determine the final percentage for the award of BEng.