Biomedical -Engineering MSc
What will you learn?
The Master's programme in Biomedical Engineering continues the BSc programme in Biomedical Engineering.
To enter an MSc programme in a particular engineering field, a Bachelor's degree (BSc) in the same field is expected. Students with a BSc degree in another engineering field may need to complete additional courses from the undergraduate level.
The programme prepares future engineers for advanced roles in developing new tools and methods for diagnosing and treating diseases and applying engineering techniques in biology and medicine. This includes working with brain imaging, prosthetics, intelligent artificial limbs, CT scans, radiation therapy, and mathematical models.
The programme integrates diverse fields such as mathematics and physics with physiology, all aimed at solving problems related to illness and injury. The Biomedical Engineering programme consists of a three-year BSc and a two-year MSc.
Hands-on Learning
Students in Biomedical Engineering receive a solid theoretical foundation and must apply this knowledge to solve real-world problems of various kinds. By tackling practical projects and finding solutions to challenges, students gain excellent preparation for employment upon graduation.
Engineering is a five-year programme in total. Students obtain a professional title in Iceland as engineers after completing the BSc and MSc degrees.
How do I learn?
In the Master's programme, students acquire specialised knowledge and practical technical expertise. Students create a personalised study plan in consultation with their supervisor, tailored to their areas of interest. The programme is research-oriented, and students can use it for significant specialisation in a chosen field.
MSc Thesis
Elective courses deepen students' understanding and prepare them for their research topics. The Master's thesis is worth 30 ECTS credits and is completed during the final semester. It is possible to apply to work on a 60-credit Master's thesis, in which case the student would take fewer elective courses.
Internship
Internships aim to enhance student's knowledge in their field of study and prepare them for employment after graduation. The Department of Engineering ensures that students who undertake internships work on challenging, interesting projects that align with their areas of interest. Internships have proven beneficial for students, and numerous final theses have been developed due to internships.
Master students can apply for an internship in the spring semester. The internship can be up to 12 credits.
Compulsory Courses
Exchange Programme
Studying at a university in another country is an adventure, it can broaden horizons, and even help students confirm what they want to focus on in their careers after graduation. MSc students can apply for exchange programmes for one or two semesters, and the international office provides further information on where exchange opportunities are available.
Teaching assistance
Teaching assistant positions are advertised, and MSc or third-year BSc students can apply. This may involve teaching in tutorial sessions, reviewing exercises, grading homework, or assisting with lab exercises. Students who have demonstrated good academic performance and are interested in gaining experience as teaching assistants are encouraged to apply. For further information, please contact the Department of Engineering office at vfd@ru.is.
What´s next?
High-tech healthcare is the workplace of many biomedical engineers. In numerous companies in Iceland and abroad, new technologies are developed with a focus on the future. The development of devices and technology is often based on the latest research findings from various health and natural sciences fields.
Certification
The engineering programme comprises a 3-year (180 ECTS) undergraduate degree and a 2-year (120 ECTS) MSc degree. To obtain professional qualifications and the right to use the accredited title of engineer (verkfræðingur) in Iceland, one must complete the MSc degree by the Ministry of Industries and Innovation requirements.
Structure
In the graduate programme, students acquire specialised knowledge and practical technical expertise. The programme is research-oriented, and students can choose to use it for significant specialisation.
The individualised study plan is developed in collaboration with an advisor.
Students are given the opportunity to specialise in their areas of interest through elective courses. In the MSc in Biomedical Engineering, students must choose two restricted elective courses.
Students must complete:
- Either Neuroscience and Technology or Biomechanics II in the fall semester
and - Either Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials or Neuroengineering in the spring semester.
A list of suggested elective courses is below. In addition, students may choose elective courses in engineering or related disciplines and from other departments in agreement with a supervisor and that align with the Department of Engineering master's programme requirements.
Any questions?
Facilities
At RU, emphasis is placed on practical skills and training, alongside a strong theoretical foundation. Therefore, the facilities for practical teaching are exemplary.
The facilities at Reykjavik University (RU) offer excellent teaching, studying, and student collaboration resources. The classrooms are well-equipped, and students can make use of group work rooms. Among the equipment used in biomedical engineering teaching at RU are a 256-channel EEG system, oxygen uptake devices, wireless muscle activity recording equipment (EMG), and facilities for radiation measurements.
General facilities are open to students 24/7.
Lab exercises
At RU, emphasis is placed on practical skills and training alongside a strong theoretical foundation. The facilities for teaching and research in biomedical engineering are excellent at RU and at institutions directly and indirectly connected to the programme. Students have access to, among other things, a physics laboratory, a chemistry laboratory, a machine workshop, an electronics lab, a biomechanics research lab, and various specialised equipment and research labs related to biomedical engineering.
Sleep Research Center
RU operates a sleep research centre where new and innovative approaches to basic sleep research are developed. Based on these studies, a company has been founded that conducts pioneering research for the development of new sleep medications.
Electronics Laboratory
The electronics laboratory at RU is focused on projects and experiments in the fields of electronics, electrical engineering, power systems, control systems, and automation. The lab houses a diverse collection of practical experiments related to the curriculum in these areas. It also provides space for students working on larger projects or theses at undergraduate and master's levels.
The lab has various instruments and measuring devices, such as oscilloscopes, microcomputers, ADC converters, industrial robots, and more. There is a substantial collection of components for circuit work and excellent facilities for assembling circuits.
Machine Shop
A well-equipped machine workshop is an important component of engineering education, as it bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Most students graduating from RU with an engineering degree have gained some experience in machining, such as working with lathes and milling machines to realise their ideas and designs. The workshop offers introductory courses in machining, covering safety protocols and teaching students the proper techniques. Students build on this experience in the later stages of their studies and have access to the workshop to tackle engaging and real-world engineering challenges.
Services
The university building provides easy access to academic and career counselling, the international office, and technical support. The library offers excellent and diverse workspaces. The library provides access to books and academic journals, and information specialists are available during open hours to offer advice and assistance with research work.
RU facilities include the Háskólabúðin (convenience store), a cafe, a World Class training facility, and the Málið canteen.
Why choose a Master's in Engineering at RU?
- Students have excellent access to their teachers.
- Strong ties to industry.
- Master's theses are often carried out in collaboration with companies, and funding is sometimes available.
- A strong internship programme offers up to 12 ECTS credits.
- Students have the opportunity to participate in exchange programmes.
- According to the Times Higher Education list, Reykjavik University is ranked among the best smaller universities in the world.
- Reykjavik University is operated under one roof.