Programme Overview

Biomedical Engineering focuses on the development of new innovative technological solutions to solve problems in sectors such as healthcare, fundamental medicine and clinical medicine. A biomedical engineer is capable of: designing new equipment for medical imagiology, biomedical devices; producing biomaterials; developing management health systems support tools; or even developing new applications by using cell and tissue engineering for diagnosis, follow-up and medical treatment.

The Master in Biomedical Engineering is a joint initiative of Instituto Superior Técnico and the Faculty of Medicine of University of Lisbon.

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Study Plan

The 2nd Cycle in Biomedical Engineering has a duration of 4 semesters (2 years), which is equivalent to 120 ECTS credits, and is made up of the structure depicted below:

  • 1st year (ECTS)

    • 42
    • 18
  • 2nd year (ECTS)

    • 12
    • 6
    • 12
    • 30

Programme Structure

The curricula of the 1st and 2nd Cycle were reformed in the 2021/2022 academic year, following Decree-Law 65/2018 and the implementation of a new teaching model and pedagogical practices. The MSc programme in Biomedical Engineering derives from the former Integrated MSc in Biomedical Engineering.

  1. Core Structure (54 ECTS)

    The MSc in Biomedical Engineering (Major) increases the capabilities and knowledge acquired in the 1st Cycle, in the following specialisation areas:

    • Imagiology, Biosignals and Biomedical Instrumentation: oriented to the study and processing of electrical signals related to the human body and the development of diagnosis devices, encompassing a strong component of electronics.
    • Biomechanical and Biomedical Devices: focused on how the human body moves the equipment needed for treating, rehabilitating or improving quality of life.
    • Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine: centred on cell and tissue engineering, stem cells, tumor cells and on research and development of new therapies such as gene therapy.
    • Clinical Engineering: focused on data modeling and on the development of information and decision support systems in clinical and health management environments.
  2. Free options (24 ECTS)

    Part of the curriculum is of fully free choice, i.e., students may choose subjects not only in Bioengineering, but also in any other scientific field offered by Técnico.

    This component offers the possibility to take a Minor – a number of multidisciplinary modules- which corresponds to 18 ECTS credits. The offer cuts across all programmes taught at Técnico.

    Minors

    Extra-curricular activities may also be credited, to a maximum of 6 ECTS credit points.

  3. Integrative Project (12 ECTS)

    In order to merge knowledge acquired in this MSc programme, students are proposed to conduct group work research for a project on a challenge within Biomedical Engineering.

  4. Dissertation (30 ECTS)

    The dissertation is the final assignment of the study cycle, which allows students to focus and specialise on a specific subject that may take any of these formats:

    • Scientific thesis
    • Internship at a company
    • Capstone project

Target Audience

The MSc Programme in Biomedical Engineering is intended for graduates in areas related to Engineering, namely Bioengineering, and Mechanics, Electronics, Physics, Mathematics and related areas.

The programme is taught in Portuguese however may there be international or mobility students enrolled, the curricular units will be taught in English.

Career Opportunities

Técnico MSc graduates in Biomedical Engineering may work in industry, hospitals, state-based regulatory authorities for health care and:

  • develop and commercialize health care equipment and do research;
  • design and test new products within an industrial context;
  • work in consultancy in health systems and technical functions, aiming at the selection and use of medical equipment and supervision of its performance and maintenance;
  • develop projects that need in-depth knowledge of living systems and technology;
  • do scientific research;
  • work in consultancy and leadership, supervision and management;
  • follow a career in vocational training and teaching.

Facts & Figures

employed MSc graduates
100%

employability in the field of expertise
25%

internationalization
8.3%

Source: Técnico Employability Observatory | 2016/17 academic year data.

Entry requirements

To apply for a 2nd Cycle at Técnico you should:

  • hold a 1st cycle degree in Science and Technology (except in the case of the 2nd cycle in Architecture, which requires a 1st cycle degree in Architecture);
  • hold an academic, scientific or professional curriculum that certifies their ability to do the MSc programme which they apply for.

Candidates are selected according to these criteria:

  • affinity between the degree they hold and the programme they apply for;
  • type of degree they hold;
  • academic success in the programme they attended.

Note: if requested, we may appreciate the academic, scientific or professional curriculum and the candidate’s performance during the interview.

Students' Organisations

Técnico students stimulate autonomously and proactively projects that act as a complement to their academic background. For example, the Students’ Organisations provide them with skills and added value making them more competitive in the labour market.

The Biomedical Engineering Group (NEBM) is the main organisation run by Biomedical Engineering students, which promotes:

  • Study visits and workshops
  • A repository of study material
  • Alumni Sessions
  • Técnico Summer Internships
  • Organisation of the Bioengineering Week
  • The Biomind challenge