Biomedical Engineering
| Degree: | Master of Science |
| Application: | mandatory |
| Course start: | winter semesters (September) only |
| Course duration: | 4 semesters (2 years) (120 ECTS) |
| Study options: | full-time only |
| Language requirements: | English (on application) |
| Language of instruction: | English |
Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim
Course outline
The M.Sc. programme in Biomedical Engineering is an interdisciplinary programme open to graduates in subjects providing them with a substantial background in physics, computing and mathematics. At least 6 ECTS credits in physics is a prerequisite for admission to the programme. The M.Sc. course focuses on biomedical research and has a strong bias towards computational science. This reflects the ever-increasing demand for IT competence in this field, in conjunction with knowledge of biomedical devices and their usage. Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for posts in hospitals, academia and industry.
Aims & main learning objectives
The programme aims to enable students to work and/or carry out independent research in the field of biomedical engineering, notably those aspects of it related to computer science and medical physics.
After completing this course, students will have
- acquired basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, genetics
- acquired basic knowledge of biophysics and engineering mathematics (numerically oriented), including programming
- found out how to use computational concepts in life sciences related to image analysis, scientific visualization , inverse problems and simulation systems
- acquired detailed knowledge of radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, medical imaging
- been trained to bridge the gap between technologists and physicians
- performed a scientific (life-science related) project
- successfully tackled technical issues related to Biomedical Engineering
- acquired expert competence in the critical assessment of technical systems in medicine
Career perspectives
Graduates’ career prospects are best in health-care/life-science sectors, e.g. hospitals, research organisations and the medical technology industry (producers of biomedical instruments/imaging systems, health-care-oriented software companies, the pharmaceutical industry, etc.). Successful completion of the course may also qualify graduates for further certification as a state radiation-protection commissioner (depending on the country in question). In Germany, for example, the status of a certified medical physics expert can be attained after two additional years of supervised practical work in a qualified radiation therapy department and an additional examination specified in the German Radiation Protection Ordinance.
Programme structure
Tracks and modules
Three tracks are offered in this two-year M.Sc. programme: radiotherapy, medical imaging, and computational medical physics/biophysics. In the second year, there is an option to continue studies at our partner university Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) in China. Under certain conditions, students choosing this option may be awarded a double M.Sc. degree from SJTU and Heidelberg University. For excellent students, the closing thesis may be undertaken at partner institutions like Harvard Medical School.
Workshops
Two international workshops are organized regularly by our institution and our cooperating partners. A one-day workshop on “Robotic and Image-Guided Radiotherapy” (end of August) is organised by the Clinic of Radiation Oncology of the University Medical Centre Mannheim. A one-week workshop on “Medical Physics” takes place in Shanghai and includes a one-day Sino-German radiotherapy workshop.
Teaching and learning methods
In accordance with the European and German state requirements for Master programmes, student evaluation is continuous throughout the programme. This process includes both written and oral exams, as well as the assessment of group projects and lab reports. The programme concludes with the defence of the M.Sc. thesis and an exam on the classes attended. Successful candidates are awarded an M.Sc. (Master of Science) degree.
Focus on research/teaching
Focus on research/teaching
Heidelberg University was founded in 1386 and is the oldest university in Germany. It is a leading European institution in research and teaching. The university has two renowned Medical Faculties, one in Heidelberg, the other in nearby Mannheim, both offering innovative courses of study in human medicine.
Biomedical Engineering is an interdisciplinary research field with a comprehensive view of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques plus an emphasis on medical imaging and radiotherapy. The M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering is organized by the Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology
(including Experimental Radiation Oncology) and Computer-Assisted Clinical Medicine.
Cooperation partners
Both nationally and internationally, the M.Sc. programme in Biomedical Engineering is linked with leading institutions in research and education for radiotherapy and medical imaging. Our institution and cooperating partners have contributed to the development of a diverse and globally engaged science and engineering workforce. The eXtreme REsolution microscopy Lab at the Institute of Molecular Biology in Mainz is a reputed German research centre focused on the development and application of nanoscopic fluorescence microscopy techniques. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Centre of Harvard Medical School are ranked among the top US cancer research and treatment centres. The Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, is one of the most outstanding technical universities in China, with an impressive record in engineering and biomedical science.
Accreditation
The M.Sc. programme in Biomedical Engineering research has secured accreditation through September 30, 2023.
Formal requirements
Admission prerequisites
The application closes on March 15th every year. The course commences on September 2nd. Admission to the Master’s course is restricted. Please consult the Admissions Regulations for detailed information.
The course is open to applicants from
- physics
- computer science/engineering
- medical technology/biomedical engineering
- mathematics
holding an initial academic degree (equivalent to 180 ECTS, usually a B.Sc. degree involving at least 3 years of full-time academic training). A sound knowledge of physics, computer science and mathematics is an essential prerequisite. Formally, we assume that students have at least 6 ECTS credit points in Physics.
The language of instruction is English. Applicants whose mother-tongue is not English must provide evidence of proficiency, usually an IELTS band 6.5 or equivalent TOEFL score. The institutional TOEFL code number for Medical Faculty Mannheim at Heidelberg University is 6446. Exemption from this requirement may be granted to those students who have completed a degree course in English (written proof required).
Application
To access the application form, please follow this link: Application Form
Please note the list of required documents on the last page of the application form. Kindly ensure that all required documents are verified copies.
A verified (notarized) copy is a photocopied document stamped and signed by an authorized person such as a solicitor, barrister, university staff member authorized by the student registration office, or a consular employee of a German Embassy. This person will need to see the original document and will check that the copy is genuine and unaltered. They will then date, sign, and stamp the photocopy with an official stamp stating ‘certified original seen/ this is a true copy of the original’.
Please note that we do not accept unverified photocopies, scanned or faxed papers as a basis for admission.
Further information about the application can be found at FAQs.
Further Information
Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim
Examination regulations / study regulations
Module Handbook
Please click here to find the latest Module Handbook
Tuition Fees
Heidelberg University charges an administration fee and a Studierendenwerksbeitrag (Student Services contribution) each semester. Tuition Fees for International students
Contact
PD Dr. Frank A. Giordano, MD
M.Sc. Academic Program Coordinator
Beatrix Leone
M.Sc. Administrative Program Coordinator
Department of Radiation Oncology
Universitätsmedizin Mannheim
Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University
Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3
D-68167 Mannheim
E-Mail: biomedphys@medma.uni-heidelberg.de
