UoB Programmes - Programme Details

BEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering with foundation year

ENG023-F-UOB-FX-04 Full-time

Awarding Institution: University of Bolton
Teaching Institution: University of Bolton
HECOS Code
Language Of Study: English
Notes:

Professional Accreditation

Professional Body	Professional Body URL
Institute of Physics & Engineering in Medicine (IPEM)	http://www.ipem.org.uk/
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)	http://www.imeche.org/

Programme Awards

Title	Type	Level	Description
Honours Degree (BEng (Hons))	Final Award	Level 6	Biomedical Engineering
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)	Exit or Fallback Award	Level 5	Biomedical Engineering
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)	Exit or Fallback Award	Level 4	Biomedical Engineering
Foundation Certificate (FndCert)	Exit or Fallback Award	Level 3	Engineering

Benchmark Statements

The following benchmark statements apply to this programme:

QAA Subject benchmark statement - Engineering (2023)

Internal and External Reference Points

UK Quality Code for Higher Education
The University of Bolton awards framework

Other Points of Reference

Engineering Council as the academic standards expected of graduates with an engineering BEng or Masters degree.
UK Standards for Professional Engineering Competences (UK-SPEC): The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes 4 (AHEP4).
Institute of Mechanical Engineering Accreditation Guidelines

General Entry Requirements

You should have a minimum of two GCE A2-level passes (or equivalent), including any relevant subject; and five GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent), including English, mathematics and science. You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work. If English is not your first language you will need to complete a Secure English Language Test at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

Additional Criteria

International/European Baccalaureate or equivalent internationally recognised qualification.
Edexcel-BTEC Ordinary National Diploma/Certificate in engineering with Level 3 Maths and Science will be considered.
Students who are deemed to have an insufficient understanding of maths determined by the diagnostic assessment will be required to take additional module ATT3037 (Foundation Principles 0).

Additional Admission Matters

There are no additional Admission Matters associated with this Programme.

Aims of the Programme

The principal aims of the programme are to:

Educate biomedical engineers to the academic requirements of the UK Standards for Professional Engineering Competences (UK-SPEC) leading towards Chartered Engineer status with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
Prepare prospective engineers for meaningful professional employment in the biomedical engineering sector of industry or prepare them for further study
Prepare prospective engineers for a fruitful and responsible life in society and their community
Complete a programme of professional development and training (PDP)

Distinctive Features of the Programme

The integrated foundation year offers an excellent grounding which provides a springboard for you to progress onto HE Level 4 undergraduate study.
Career and life skills such as leadership, team management and professional communication have been integrated into the programme to develop and enhance employability
Students will compete with other Universities in the IMechE Undergraduate Challenge (or equivalent).
Project-based learning (PBL) is supplemented by industry visits, and guest speakers
‘Hands-on’ Project type modules at all levels of the programme for assimilation and integration of topics and material
Open access and skills development in industry standard CAD, Analysis, Optimisation, CAM and CAE software.
The programme provides a specialised biomedical engineering focused curriculum, studying topics such as biomechatronics, biomaterials, biomedical devices and systems biology.
To enhance further student success, an extra foundation year module is available designed specifically for those who would benefit from additional maths support.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge & Understanding

On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate systematic knowledge and understanding of:

mathematics, statistics, natural science, and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study (C1)
environmental and societal impact of solutions developed. Experience with solving complex problems and minimise adverse impacts (C7)
ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct (C8)
engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights (C15)

Cognitive, Intellectual or Thinking Skills

On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles (C2)
apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems (C6)
select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (C13)
discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of complex problems (C14)

Practical, Professional or Subject-specific Skills

On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed (C3)
select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems (C4)
design solutions for complex problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards (C5)
use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity (C9)
adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks (C10)
use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (C12)
communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences (C17)

Transferable, Key or Personal Skills

On completion of the programme successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion (C11)
function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team (C16)
plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD (C18)
Clearly communicate complex ideas either verbally and/or in writing, and construct coherent arguments using language appropriate to your programme of study.

Other Learning Outcomes

Other learning Outcomes associated with this programme are:

critically reflect on personal performance in delivering projects

Programme Structure

This 4 year full time programme requires 480 credits to be established for the award BEng (Hons) in Biomedical Engineering; 120 credits at Level 3, 120 credits at level HE4, 120 credits at level HE5 and 120 credits at level HE6. All modules from HE4 to HE6 are 20 credit value apart from the 40 credit Project-type modules required for assimilation and integration of topics and material. At Level 3 there are 4 modules which are 30 credits each in addition there is one optional non-credit bearing module (ATT3037) which is available to support Foundation Mathematics 1 where this is required.

Validated Modules

Title	Module Code	COE¹
Foundation Principles 0	ATT3037	O
Foundation Principles 1	ATT3033	C
Engineering Study Skills	ATT3035	C
Engineering Technology	ATT3036	C
Principles of Biomolecular Science	BIO3025	C
Molecular Principles of Biomedical Engineering	BME4002	C
Introduction to Biomechanics	BME4003	C
Medical Sensory Devices and Measurement	BME4004	C
Clinical Anatomy and Physiology	BME4005	C
Biomedical Engineering Projects and Systems	BME4007	C
Biomedical Engineering Modelling & Analysis	BME5001	C
Medical Instrumentation and Control	BME5002	C
Intermediate Biomechanics	BME5004	C
Technology in Advanced Musculoskeletal Diagnosis and Treatment	BME5005	C
Group Project and Investigation	BME5006	C
Biomechatronics and Medical Devices	BME5008	C
Medical Equipment Technology	BME6001	O
Simulation of Medical Engineering Systems	BME6002	O
Advanced Biomechatronic Systems	BME6003	O
Advanced Biomechanics	BME6007	O
BEng Individual Project	BME6008	C
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine	BME6009	O
Management and Enterprise in Engineering	AME6013	C
Molecular and Synthetic Bioengineering	BME6010	O

¹Core, Optional, Elective

Learning & Teaching Strategies

The diverse nature of this engineering programme necessitates the use of a variety of teaching and learning methods in order to ensure the acquisition and development of appropriate concepts, knowledge and skills. Many of these methods will be experienced during formal timetabled classes. Most sessions in the Foundation year comprise a formal lecture, workshop what will mainly focus on practical problem solving quizzes, to reinforce the learning and a stock of brief in-house student delivered classroom tasks. Modules will include real world problems solving. Other methods, which are also demanded by professional body accreditation requirements, will be experienced through opportunities to develop creativity and innovative skills. This is predominantly achieved through open-ended project and design, make and test activity, where application, assimilation and integration of course material is realised. As projects, design activity and assimilation is extremely important and time dependent, all project modules are 40 credit value and run over two semesters. Also, as you progress through the programme, your studies will become less structured and more open-ended in nature. This programme adopts a blended style of learning and teaching including online delivery and engagement where appropriate.

Learning Activities (KIS entry)

Course Year	Level 3	HE4	HE5	HE6	HE7
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	30%	34%	32%	28%	n/a
Guided independent study	70%	66%	68%	72%	n/a
Placement/study abroad	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy for the programme is designed to ensure that the overall aims and learning outcomes of the programme are assess and achieved. To accomplish this, a range of assessment methods are used and applied, depending upon the learning outcome in question and the type of module content being assessed. Assessment and feedback may be formative or summative. Summative assessments may consist of project or design reports, examinations, portfolios, presentations, and blogs. At Level 3 you must achieve an average of 40% pass for each module. At levels HE4, HE5 and HE6 you must achieve a 40% pass in all elements of assessment for each module.

Assessment Methods (KIS entry)

Course Year	Level 3	HE4	HE5	HE6	HE7
Written exams	12%	33%	35%	17%	n/a
Coursework	88%	52%	52%	63%	n/a
Practical Exams	n/a	15%	13%	20%	n/a

Assessment regulations

Assessment Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes apply to this programme.

The following variations apply:

For the BEng Programme Levels HE4, HE5 and HE6 you must achieve a mark of 40% or above in all assessments for each module in order to pass. For the full and current version of the Assessment Regulations, refer to the document “Assessment Regulations for Undergraduate Modular Programmes (Main Document)” on the University website.

Grade Bands & Classifications

Undergraduate Honours Degree

Regulations can be found at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/studentinformation-policyzone/Home.aspx

Role of External Examiners

External examiners are appointed for all programmes of study. They oversee the assessment process and their duties include: approving assessment tasks, reviewing assessment marks, attending assessment boards and reporting to the University on the assessment process.

Support for Student Learning

The programme is managed by a Programme Leader
Welcome Week introduces the student to the University and their programme
Each student has a Personal Tutor who is responsible for support and guidance
Personal Development Planning integrated into all programmes
Feedback is available on formative and summative assessments
The Student Centre provides a one-stop shop for information and advice
Comprehensive guidance is available from the University Student Support Services including housing and accommodation advice, counselling, financial and careers advice, and support via the University disability team
The Chaplaincy where Chaplains and Pastoral Assistants are available from different traditions, faiths and world-views
Library and IT services are a very good source of advice and support with excellent study skills sessions and materials
There are Student Liaison Officers attached to each School
The Students' Union advice services
Programme Handbooks and Module Guides which provide information about the programme and University regulations
The opportunity to develop skills for employment
English language support for international students
The online Student Information – Policy Zone provides all regulatory and policy information in one place
Specialist teaching facilities/resources

Methods of Evaluating & Enhancing the Quality of Learning Opportunities

Student Staff Liaison Committees
Module evaluations by students
Programme and University Student Surveys
Annual quality monitoring and action planning through Programme Plans including data analysis, Subject Quality Enhancement Plans, School Quality Enhancement Plans, University Quality Enhancement Plan
Peer review/observation of teaching
Professional development programme for staff
External Examiner reports

Sources of Information

Student Portal http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/Home.aspx
Students Union https://www.boltonsu.com/
External Examiner Report https://www.bolton.ac.uk/Quality/EEE/ExternalExaminersReports/
Careers http://www.bolton.ac.uk/careers
Student Information - Policy Zone http://www.bolton.ac.uk/studentinformation-policyzone/Home.aspx

Audit Notes

The following changes were made from the previous version of this Programme:

Learning outcomes have been updated to AHEP4.