Presentation

Educational aims

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: The Master’s Degree Course in Biomedical Engineering aims to train professionals with multidisciplinary expertise that ranges from core engineering disciplines to the medical and biological fields, capable of designing, planning, developing, and managing products, systems, equipment, and services in the main areas of biomedical engineering. The professional figure of the Biomedical Engineer (ISTAT code 2.2.1.8.0) is therefore highly interdisciplinary and versatile, able to enter productively into the biomedical professional and industrial sectors. The specific educational objectives of the programme are to train professionals capable of applying engineering methodologies and technologies to understand, model, and solve problems of medical and biological relevance through close collaboration with specialists from different fields. These include: - engineering solutions supporting prevention, diagnostics, therapy, rehabilitation, independent living, and social and work reintegration; - integration and management of biomedical systems, facilities, devices, and technologies within healthcare structures and other application environments throughout their entire life cycle; - design, production processes, and assessment of the reliability and usability of medical devices; - services for the acquisition, processing, transmission, and dissemination of information related to health, safety, and well-being in all social and professional contexts. Graduates will therefore be able to: - develop engineering solutions supporting prevention, diagnostics, therapy, rehabilitation, and independent living, as well as social and occupational reintegration; - integrate and manage biomedical systems, facilities, devices, and technologies within healthcare environments throughout their entire life cycle; - design production processes, and evaluate the reliability and usability of medical devices; - understand services for the acquisition, processing, transmission, and dissemination of health- and safety-related information in social and professional settings. To this end, graduates in Biomedical Engineering must: - possess an in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and scientific aspects of industrial, electronic, and computer bioengineering, and be able to apply this knowledge to identify, formulate, and solve highly complex biomedical engineering problems through a systemic, integrated, and interdisciplinary approach; - be capable of developing, implementing, and effectively using theoretical, analytical, and experimental models for biomedical applications; - be able to design and manage complex experiments in various application contexts, particularly with regard to laboratory, pre-clinical, or clinical validation of medical devices; - be proficient in the use of information technologies for data management and interpretation in clinical and healthcare settings; - have a sound understanding of enabling technologies such as digital systems, sensors, mechatronics, robotics, communications, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The educational programme is therefore designed to provide a solid and comprehensive preparation, focused primarily on the ability to design, develop, test, and apply devices, materials, equipment, and instrumentation for diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative use; to design healthcare facilities and environments; to control and manage healthcare systems; to perform biomechanical and biomedical signal analysis and modelling; and to apply regenerative medicine and tissue engineering technologies and their interaction with biological systems. Graduates will also be able to analyse medical, biological, and imaging data, and apply quantitative and methodological tools to study physiological systems. Accordingly, the curriculum includes a core group of courses in Bioengineering and Biomedical Sciences, followed by elective and supplementary courses that consolidate skills in the three main areas of biomedical engineering — biomaterials, diagnostic technologies, and biomechanics — allowing students to further specialise. In particular: the biomaterials area focuses on biomaterials, biocompatibility, and biodegradation; the diagnostic technologies area deepens knowledge in electronics, the Internet of Things, robotics, biomedical instrumentation, and healthcare systems management; the biomechanics area focuses on the biomechanics of biological tissues and medical robotics. The learning experience is enriched by elective activities such as internships or placements in Italy or abroad — at research institutions, universities, laboratories, companies, or public administrations — as well as by participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, training courses, and laboratory-based experimental thesis work. These activities allow students to complement their technical education with multidisciplinary and professional skills useful for entering the job market. Moreover, graduates of the programme must be able to: - communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, particularly using the scientific and technical vocabulary of their discipline; - work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, including collaboration with healthcare professionals, using diverse technical and scientific communication methods; - operate effectively in corporate and professional environments; - assess and manage the environmental sustainability of their activities; - promote and manage the digitalisation of processes, both in industrial and service sectors; - use at least one foreign language fluently, both written and spoken, including its technical-scientific lexicon. This ensures that graduates of the Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering have a professional profile that is immediately employable while also providing a solid foundation for further academic study (e.g., postgraduate programmes, specialisation courses, or PhD research). The Master’s Degree Programme is offered in both Italian and English, as it includes several compulsory and elective courses taught in English.

work perspectives

Profile: Biomedical Engineer Functions: Graduates of the Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering can apply their expertise across multiple professional and industrial contexts, particularly in the fields of biomaterials, diagnostic technologies, and biomechanics, and their respective applications. In the biomaterials sector, biomedical engineers are involved in the preparation and characterisation of biomaterials — often in collaboration with physicians and biologists — for use in prosthetics, diagnostics, treatment, and tissue or organ regeneration. They pay particular attention to the relationships between processing methods, structure, and material properties. Specifically, they are able to design and assess the use of appropriate materials for medical devices intended for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases or disabilities, or for the replacement or modification of anatomical parts or physiological processes. The studied biomaterials are used in the development of biosensors, new prostheses and artificial organs, biomedical and pharmacological devices, and assistive technologies for people with disabilities. In the diagnostic technologies sector, biomedical engineers study and describe electrical and/or magnetic phenomena, data, image, and signal processing, physiological systems modelling, and methods for managing and transmitting medical information. They are also capable of designing, developing, and testing medical devices and equipment intended for diagnosis, therapy, or patient monitoring. Additionally, they are involved in the development and production of biosensors, biomedical instruments, clinical decision support systems, healthcare information systems, and medical software applications. In the biomechanics field, they possess specific skills in the dynamics and mechanics of human motion, computational biomechanics, and biomedical applications. They master the methodological and computational tools required to describe fluid and substance transport phenomena in healthcare contexts, medical robotics, and the design of cardiovascular prostheses and life-support systems. Skills: Graduates in Biomedical Engineering possess a strong foundation in the core engineering disciplines, complemented by specific expertise in related and interdisciplinary areas. In the biomaterials area, they have advanced knowledge of material properties and characteristics, and of the interactions between materials and biological tissues. They are able to design artificial systems for functional recovery of tissues or organs to be replaced, integrated, or rehabilitated. In the diagnostic technologies area, they consolidate skills in the analysis, modelling, and processing of biomedical signals, as well as in electronics, mechatronics, and robotics, supported by basic medical and biological knowledge. They can process and analyse medical data, images, and signals, and apply circuit design techniques, methodological tools, and quantitative methods for the study of physiological systems. In the biomechanics area, they enhance their understanding of biomechanics and motion analysis, and the design of functional devices for controlled drug delivery. They can use advanced methodological and computational tools to describe transport phenomena of fluids and substances in biomedical applications. To operate effectively, graduates must possess solid foundations in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biomechanics — acquired during their bachelor’s studies and further developed during the master’s programme through extensive laboratory and practical training. Employment Opportunities: Graduates in Biomedical Engineering may work as freelancers, in industrial companies, consulting firms, hospitals, healthcare facilities, specialised clinical laboratories, public administration, research centres, and universities. In the biomaterials field, graduates can work in research, design, and production activities related to materials — particularly biomaterials — for medical devices, systems, and equipment for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. In the diagnostic technologies field, graduates can work in the design, production, management, and testing of biomedical and pharmaceutical equipment; in addressing methodological and technological challenges in physiological applications; in healthcare service delivery; and in the use of medical software for diagnostic assistance, quality management, safety, and healthcare information systems. In the biomechanics field, graduates can engage in design, production, and research activities, effectively using methodologies and tools to describe and predict the behaviour of structures, tissues, organs, and biomechanical or bioartificial components. Graduates can therefore find employment with biomedical and pharmaceutical companies producing and supplying materials, equipment, systems, and services for diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and care; with hospitals and healthcare facilities; with companies managing clinical engineering services, equipment testing, maintenance, upgrading, and innovation; with organisations developing hospital information systems and telemedicine solutions; and in research, innovation, and advanced system design. In accordance with current regulations, Biomedical Engineering graduates may enter the professional register of engineers after passing the state licensing examination. Moreover, upon completion of a subsequent training period under the supervision of a qualified expert, graduates may take the certification exam to be listed among first-level qualified experts in radiation protection.

Characteristics of the final exam

To obtain the Master’s Degree, students must have earned 120 university credits, including those awarded for the final exam. The Final Exam for the Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering consists of the discussion of a written dissertation (Master’s Thesis), prepared by the student under the supervision of an academic advisor. The thesis must present the results of a significant design or research activity and demonstrate the candidate’s mastery of theoretical and practical aspects of the subject, as well as their ability to work independently and communicate effectively. The thesis topic, which must be approved in advance by the Degree Course Council, should address issues of substantial scientific relevance and focus on studies and projects that highlight innovative aspects within the typical research areas of Biomedical Engineering.