UQ to offer new biomedical engineering course

Are you interested in engineering and the physical sciences but would like to make a contribution to improving health care?

The University of Queensland is introducing a new minor study option - biomedical engineering - as part of the bachelor of engineering degree from 1999.

Biomedical engineering involves the application of engineering science and technology to problems arising in medicine and biology.

Two streams of biomedical engineering will be offered, one focusing on biological aspects such as tissue and cell engineering, and the other on medical imaging and biomedical instrumentation.

The biological program will be co-ordinated through the Division of Chemical Engineering and the imaging program through the Divisions of Computer Systems and Electrical Engineering.

The new subjects are expected to appeal to anyone wishing to use engineering or physical science skills to help advance medical technology, according to course co-coordinator of the imaging and instrumentation stream, Dr Stuart Crozier, of the University's Centre for Magnetic Resonance. Dr Lars Nielson co-ordinates the biological program.

"Modern medicine relies increasingly on cutting-edge equipment for patient diagnosis and treatment," Dr Crozier said.

"There is an increasing demand for people with a broad range of skills who can use engineering principles to solve biological and medical problems."

Students can study areas including medical imaging, designing artificial organs and limbs, designing instruments and equipment for use in biology and medicine, biotechnology, and cell and tissue imaging.

Students will access the University's world-class facilities in the area.

Dr Crozier said that as well as completing the skills of an engineering graduate, it was planned that the undergraduate specialisation could lead into postgraduate studies in biomedical engineering. The subjects would also provide a grounding in medical and biological engineering for those students interested in pursuing a medical career.

For further information, contact University Courses and Admissions, telephone 07 3365 2203, email: AdmissionsEnquiries@mailbox.uq.edu.au, Web: http://www.uq.edu.au/

Media: For further information, contact course co-ordinators Dr Crozier, telephone 07 3365 7098 or Dr Nielson, telephone 07 3365 6960.