Biomedical Engineering

The Biomedical Engineering BEng programme is designed to train the next generation of biomedical engineers working in healthcare research and development. On completion of the course, graduates can go on to specialise in Medical Engineering, Medical Physics or apply for further study in Medicine. The degree provides a foundation in mathematics, engineering and science within a focused biomedical engineering curriculum.

• King's is recognised as one of the international leaders in Medical Engineering and physics education.
• The Biomedical Engineering Department is based in one of the UK’s centres of excellence for medical imaging in a clinical setting at St Thomas’ Hospital.
• Designed to prepare students to enter jobs in the evolving field of biomedical engineering, healthcare research or further study in medicine.
• Taught by a combination of clinical and academic researchers at the forefront of their field.
• Scholarships of up to £18k are available

The practice of medicine is being transformed by the increasing role of engineering, physics, mathematics and computer science. This three year programme will position students at the forefront of these developments. All teaching is delivered by expert teaching staff, both clinicians and academics, at the forefront of their field.

The three year Biomedical Engineering BEng provides a foundation in mathematics, engineering and science – on which is built a specialised biomedical engineering focused curriculum, which includes: imaging, materials and biomaterials, computational techniques/modelling and signal processing.

The programme has been designed by and will be delivered by a unique mix of both clinical and academic researchers, with a focus on the application of research in industry. Combining 22 modules over 3 years, a high quality and volume of knowledge will be delivered through a unique mix of lectures, tutorials and practicals, as well as problem solving classes. 

The first two years of the course are identical for all students. In the third year students will have the choice of 2 optional modules. Currently, the programme comprises the following modules. . King's reviews its options on a regular basis, in order to continue to offer innovative and exciting programmes and this list is therefore subject to change. Please check here for updates, or contact the Department for further advice.

Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology (15 credits)
The module will provide the students with an understanding of the basic human anatomy and physiology. The students will learn the coupling of structure with function. The use of computer-assisted learning (Anatomy & Physiology Online, Primal Pictures) during tutorial sessions will enable the students to learn using virtual 3D representations taken from the Visible Human data set. Furthermore, the Anatomy & Physiology Online software will allow self-assessment in preparation for the final module examination. There will also be two lab sessions that will be assessed from the experimental write-ups.

Electrical Engineering II (15 credits)
This module will introduce fundamental laws of electrostatic and electrodynamics field theory. The physical quantities of electromagnetic fields will be introduced and examples for electrical engineering will be given.

Systems and Control Theory (15 credits)
This module will introduce the theory of signal and linear systems; the concepts of modeling, description, and classification of signals and systems; specific methods of signal processing.

Introduction to Biomechanics and Molecular Biology (15 credits)
The module will provide students with an understanding of the fundamental principles of molecular biology: cellular organisation, DNA, RNA, proteins and analytic techniques in molecular biology. Students will learn about the structure and function of DNA, RNA and proteins. They will learn the analytic tools required to characterise these biological molecules. They will also learn how cells can be manipulated to synthesis recombinant proteins. A laboratory class will be carried out in the isolation, handling and quantitative analysis of biomolecules, integrating the learnt components of the module.

Mechatronics (15 credits)
The module will provide students with an understanding of the basic elements of mechatronics: sensors, signal conditioning, displays, actuators, control systems and system response and microprocessors with interfacing. Students will learn how to simulate the key components of mechatronics systems using LabVIEW. They will also learn how to prototype applications using components and breadboard. The basic mathematical models of mechatronics systems will be learned and applied through practical problem solving. A mini-project will be carried out to apply a PIC microcontroller to a practical application, integrating the learnt components of the module.

Signal Processing (15 credits)
This module will introduce the theory of signal processing and its applications including: short-time Fourier analysis and spectrograms, design and analysis of digital filters, multidimensional signal processing, digital image fundaments, image compression, motion estimation, image enhancement, image restoration and reconstruction, and image analysis.

Introduction to Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering (15 credits)
The module will provide students with an understanding of the basic physical and engineering principles underlying medical technology. It will also introduce them to the concepts of basic safety in healthcare.

Computational Methods (30 credits)
The module will provide students with an understanding of computer programming and an understanding of the application and implementation of a suite of numerical tools for solving modelling problems.

Biomedical Engineering Professional Issues (15 credits)
This module will introduce students to professional issues of Biomedical Engineering – as internal specialisation, medical equipment design, ethics issues, guiding and communicating research.

Introduction to Materials and Biomaterials (15 credits)
The module will provide students with an understanding of the basic science related to biocompatible materials used in medicine. The course will cover the applications of such biomaterials for the repair, replacement or regeneration of tissues or organs.

Introduction to Medical Imaging (15 credits)
The module will provide an understanding of the main physical methods of medical imaging, including: X-ray imaging methods; Basis of image reconstruction and Computed Tomography; Radionuclide imaging methods (gamma camera, SPECT, PET); Magnetic resonance imaging method (spin echo, gradient echo, echo planar imaging, MR angiography); Ultrasound methods (real time B-mode, Colour flow mapping), other imaging methods and image fusion, PACS and clinical implementation.

Modelling Flow and Transport (15 credits)
This module will introduce students to the underlying principles behind transport phenomena within the human body. It will emphasise conservation laws and solution techniques important within a biomedical context, including: control volume analysis, vector calculus, diffusion, advection diffusion, reactions, and Navier-Stokes equations.

Object-Oriented Programming (15 credits)
The primary aim of the module is to enable the students to tackle complex programming problems, making good use of the object-oriented programming paradigm to simplify the design and implementation process. Practical skills will be learnt using the C++ programming language,

Advanced Mechanics (15 credits)
This module will introduce students to large deformation mechanics, theory and methods for simulation. It will emphasise topics including: kinematics, stress and strain, finite elasticity, hyperelasticity, parameter estimation and non-linear solution techniques.

Applied Finite Elements (15 credits)
The module will provide students with a deeper understanding of mechanics simulations and will require them to design and implement their own code for mechanics simulations using the finite element method.

BEng Research Project (30 Credits)
This will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to participate actively in research and development and to provide a vehicle for those seeking an educational foundation for further MSc and PhD studies. The project will give students the chance to manage a long-term assignment with guidance from a supervisor.