Masters in Medical Device Design??

kitty111

Hi all,

I am currently finishing my studies for a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in pharmacology. I am strongly considering a masters in bioengineering or biotechnology but then I saw this medical device design masters course in the NCAD and it sounds pretty cool. I was wondering does anyone know of anyone who did this course, and if so what sort of opportunities came from it? is there a big need for designers in the medical device industry? It seems like there would be however would most engineers be somewhat trained in the design aspect as well??

thank you

CatFromHue

If you go to Irishjobs.ie and do a search for "medical devices" that will give you an indication of employers in this area. Just be careful though as you will get a lot of results but there could be a lot of duplicate adverts due to a number of agencies advertising the same position.

I don't know anything about this course but alot of universities like to keep tabs on what has happened to their recent graduates. If you contact the course director/secretary they should be able to help you on this.

kevohmsford

I would imagine this course would be designed more towards engineers, either manufacturing, mechanical or biomedical undergrads. They may accept science grads but not sure.
I would not recommend a master in biotechnology anyway. Would Pharmacy not appeal to you ? It would seem the natural progression.

chris85

Medical devices are going to continue to grow in Ireland. They have seen good growth for a number of years and many college are increasing their research funding in this area.

I had a look at the course and not a lot of info on it but get the impression it could be very technical. You wouldnt have much experience from a design aspect which engineers would get and also technical skills could be difficult to get up to speed on.

I would say give the course head a call and have a chat. I am sure he/she would be able to give some better info to make an informed decision.

Darren1o1

I am an Engineer working in Medical device design and based on the information I would be skeptical about completing this. I would do allot of research on the technical content of the course, as there is limited information on the website. The fact that there are some courses are at TCD and UCD are good, but it is unknown what sort of content is entailed.

If you are looking down the medical device track, maybe doing the M Sc. in Bioengineering (All Ireland masters) or a two year M. Eng in Biomedical Eng (new format for bologna) may be your best bet. Allot of Eng. masters do a conversion course before entry to an engineering masters. It helps fill the gaps for non engineers. You may be best served looking for something like that. Let me know if you have any questions.

kitty111

kevohmsford wrote: »

I would imagine this course would be designed more towards engineers, either manufacturing, mechanical or biomedical undergrads. They may accept science grads but not sure.
I would not recommend a master in biotechnology anyway. Would Pharmacy not appeal to you ? It would seem the natural progression.

I contacted the course coordinator Mr.Paul Fortune and he explained that they do indeed take on science graduates. I would of shared most classes with biomed undergrads so guess that makes sense. However you need to submit a portfolio as part of the interviewing process which I expected, and since I am in the middle of exams I think I will be taking a rain check on this for now anyways. I'm not keen on the idea of getting into pharmacy tbh, i'm more interested in keeping with the science and maybe getting into the pharma industry. Thank you

ps: I'm just wondering why you wouldn't recommend a master's in biotechnology??? I always thought biotech was where it's at...

kitty111

Darren1o1 wrote: »

I am an Engineer working in Medical device design and based on the information I would be skeptical about completing this. I would do allot of research on the technical content of the course, as there is limited information on the website. The fact that there are some courses are at TCD and UCD are good, but it is unknown what sort of content is entailed.

If you are looking down the medical device track, maybe doing the M Sc. in Bioengineering (All Ireland masters) or a two year M. Eng in Biomedical Eng (new format for bologna) may be your best bet. Allot of Eng. masters do a conversion course before entry to an engineering masters. It helps fill the gaps for non engineers. You may be best served looking for something like that. Let me know if you have any questions.

Hi Darren,

Thank you for your advice. I was sceptical to begin with. seems like the industry needs more real scientists and engineers rather than "industrial designers" would it be fair to say?? I think a masters in bioengineering would be more suited perhaps. what is a conversion course btw? I will look into those courses I appreciate that. where and what did you study if you don't mind me asking?

Darren1o1

kitty111 wrote: »

Hi Darren,

Thank you for your advice. I was sceptical to begin with. seems like the industry needs more real scientists and engineers rather than "industrial designers" would it be fair to say?? I think a masters in bioengineering would be more suited perhaps. what is a conversion course btw? I will look into those courses I appreciate that. where and what did you study if you don't mind me asking?

Allot of engineering masters courses have a couple of modules for those who do not meet the requirements. An example of this is http://www.dcu.ie/prospective/deginfo.php?classname=CAMQ&degree_description=Master+Engineering+Qualifier+-+Mechanical+Engineering+%28PAC+Codes%3A+DC832+Semester+1++intake%3B++DC833+Semester+2+intake%29 at DCU.

I did an undergrad in biomedical engineering and a Masters in computer aided mechanical and manufacturing engineering both from DCU. To be honest if you were set on medical device, a mechanical masters would be sufficient to get you there given you bio/chem background. Traditionally they used to hire mechs and train them in biology.

kitty111

Darren1o1 wrote: »

Allot of engineering masters courses have a couple of modules for those who do not meet the requirements. An example of this is http://www.dcu.ie/prospective/deginfo.php?classname=CAMQ&degree_description=Master+Engineering+Qualifier+-+Mechanical+Engineering+%28PAC+Codes%3A+DC832+Semester+1++intake%3B++DC833+Semester+2+intake%29 at DCU.

I did an undergrad in biomedical engineering and a Masters in computer aided mechanical and manufacturing engineering both from DCU. To be honest if you were set on medical device, a mechanical masters would be sufficient to get you there given you bio/chem background. Traditionally they used to hire mechs and train them in biology.

Ok that's all good to know...guess I have a bit of soul searching to do and figure out the next step after this degree! Your help was really appreciated thanks once again!