Of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Engineering

Programme content

Do you want to support the medical staff of hospitals in the use of new technologies such as computer assisted surgery?

Do you want to discover how digital twins can help to better understand the physiology of the human body as well as to cure its pathologies?

Do you dream of developing medical devices to treat pathologies such as pacemakers or neuroprostheses?

Would you like to help improve our understanding of the human genome, the heredity of certain diseases and how to treat them better thanks to bioinformatics?

Would you like to accompany scientific research in the development of new automated imaging analyses to detect certain traces of diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's?

Would you like to exploit 3D printing to develop prostheses, both external and internal, that will fit each patient exactly, based on recorded 3D images of his or her anatomy ?

Then biomedical engineering is for you!

WHAT IS BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING?

A new and expanding discipline, biomedical engineering applies the methods and techniques of engineering to the health care field, specifically to support a therapeutic approach. Above all, it involves research and development in fields such as:

• medical imaging;
• biomechanics;
• biomaterials;
• image processing and physiological signals;
• Digital modeling,
• Regenerative medicine,
• bioinformatics;
• bioinstrumentation

There are many varied examples of application: manufacturing biocompatible prosthetics, medical devices, developing medical instruments for diagnosing and treating patients (electroencephalography, magnetic resonance imagery - MRI, mammography,proton therapy, customized medicine, etc.)

Biomedical engineering draws on many technical and scientific disciplines. The programme therefore includes specific training in the field of the life sciences, organized in collaboration with the Faculties of Science and Medicine as well as a solid training in engineering techniques and methods.

THE PROGRAMME

As early as the bachelor's degree, the biomedical engineering option already offers you an introduction to the life sciences (neurosciences, general and cellular biology, biophysics...) and participation in a laboratory project.

A MASTER'S DEGREE IN ENGLISH

The Master's Degree is taught completely in English.

A common background

You will then complete an internship in a company (3 to 8 credits), a clinical internship, and a master's thesis in collaboration with a company or a research department active in the biomedical field.

A choice of specializations

• Biomechanics, biomaterials and tissue engineering: characterization and synthesis of materials and their interaction with living tissue, human motion analysis, biomedical robotics and active prostheses...
• Digital medicine: modeling of medical devices, digital simulation of physiological processes, design of new therapies, analysis of clinical or molecular biology databases...
• Neural systems: nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, measurement and interpretation of brain activity, neuro-engineering...

STUDYING BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING AT ULiège

The University of Liège has the unique opportunity of hosting, on the same campus, a university hospital and cutting-edge research centres in both life sciences and in other sciences and technologies. This proximity enables truly interdisciplinary spaces to exist such as the GIGA center of excellence for biomedical research, the Cyclotron research center and the Human Movement Analysis Laboratory (LAMH). Through centres of excellence such as these, the University of Liège intends to offer a first-class education in biomedical engineering, with an international dimension and in close collaboration with the research world.

Moreover, the proximity of the campus to the Science Park offers students direct contact with companies active in the biomedical field (Cefaly, Phasya/Tobii, Cerhum, Sirris, Trasys, Nomics...) as well as numerous opportunities for internships or master's theses.

Learning outcomes

I.  Understand and be able to apply sciences and concepts within the field of engineering

Engineers master and are able to apply fundamental concepts and principles of various fields of science and technology. 

I.1 Master the concepts, principles and laws of the basic sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, etc.) including biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and physiology.

I.2 Master the concepts and principles of the engineering sciences. In particular, a strong background in biomechanics, bioinstrumentation, bioinformatics, imaging and mathematical modelling (at systemic and molecular levels), as well as advanced skills in biomechanics, chemistry/materials science, bioinformatics or bioelectronics.

II.  Learn to understand

Engineers have a strong capacity for autonomous learning, which enables them to seek out and appropriate relevant information to address emerging issues and to engage in continuous learning. They may also engage in research to advance the state of understanding.

II.1 Demonstrate autonomy in learning. In particular, know how to appropriate and summarise scientific and technical information from various sources (lectures, literature, references, manuals and technical documentation, online resources, etc.).

II.2 Research, evaluate and use (through scientific literature, technical documentation, the web, interpersonal contacts, etc.) new information relevant to understanding a problem or a new issue in the field of life sciences and medicine.

II.3 Carry out fundamental or applied research work to produce original scientific and technical knowledge.

III.  Analyse, model and solve complex problems

Engineers are capable of conducting structured scientific reasoning, demonstrating the capacity for abstraction, analysis and management of the constraints necessary to solve complex and/or original problems and thus to be part of an innovative process.

III.1 Formalise, model and conceptualise a scientific or technical problem related to or inspired by a complex real-life situation in rigorous language, e.g. using mathematical or computer language, to obtain results. Be capable of abstraction.

III.2 Critically analyse hypotheses and results and compare them with experimental reality, taking into account uncertainties.

III.3 Identify and manage the constraints associated with a project (technical constraints, specifications, deadlines, resources, customer requirements, etc.). 

III.4 Innovate through the design, implementation and validation of new solutions, methods, products or services.

IV. Implement the methods and techniques in the field in order to design and innovate while adopting an engineering approach

Engineers implement the methods and techniques specific to their field of specialisation and work as part of a multidisciplinary team to develop engineering projects and ensure the achievement of specific objectives in their working environment.

IV.1 Use a numerical/computational approach to investigate a problem and test hypotheses or solutions. In particular, the ability to apply advanced numerical modelling and simulation techniques to the fields of medicine and life sciences. 

IV.2 Use an experimental approach to investigate a problem and test hypotheses or solutions.

V. Develop professional practice within the context of a company

Engineers are responsible members of society and the professional world. They integrate economic, social, legal, ethical and environmental constraints and challenges into their work. 

V.1 Integrate human, economic, social, environmental and legal aspects into their projects.

V.2 Position themselves in relation to the professions and functions of an engineer, taking into account ethical aspects and social responsibility. Adopt a reflective stance, both critical and constructive, with regard to their own way of acting, their approach and their professional choices.

V.3 Develop an entrepreneurial activity.

VI. Work alone or in groups

Engineers are able to work independently and collaborate within a group or organisation. They demonstrate responsibility, team spirit and leadership.

VI.1 Work independently.

VI.2 Work in a team. Be open to collaborative working. Make decisions together.

VI.3 Manage a team. Distribute work and manage deadlines. Manage tensions. Demonstrate leadership skills.

VI.4 Work in an environment with different hierarchical levels, different skill levels and/or different expertise. In particular, the ability to interact with medical professionals and clinical experts.

VII. Communicate

Engineers are capable of communicating and sharing their technical and scientific approach and results in writing and orally. Their command of at least one foreign language, in particular English, enables them to work in an international context.

VII.1 Understand general and technical documents related to the professional practice of the discipline (plans, specifications, etc.).

VII.2 Write a scientific or technical report by structuring the information and applying the standards in place in the discipline.

VII.3 Present/defend scientific or technical results orally using the codes and means of communication appropriate to the audience and the communication setting.

VII.4 Understand and write general and technical documents in a foreign language.

VII.5 Understand and present a general or technical oral presentation in a foreign language.