Biomedical engineering

- in preparation -

Study program structure

The study program of the master's academic studies "Biomedical Engineering" lasts two years (four semesters), has a volume of 120 ECTS credits and belongs to the field of interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary (IMT) studies. Upon completion of the studies, the academic title "Master Engineer in Biomedical Engineering" is obtained.

The study program is designed in accordance with modern achievements and internationally recognized content in the field of biomedical engineering, while respecting European standards of higher education and the needs of the scientific research and business environment. The program integrates knowledge from several scientific fields, primarily bioengineering, mechanical engineering, applied mechanics, computer science and biomedical sciences, thus enabling students to acquire interdisciplinary competencies necessary for solving complex problems in the field of healthcare and biomedical technologies.

The conditions of enrollment are defined by the Statute and the Regulations on the Enrollment of Students of the University of Kragujevac. Candidates who have completed basic academic studies and achieved at least 180 ECTS credits are eligible for enrollment. Teaching is conducted in Serbian and English.

The study program includes mandatory and elective courses, professional practice, study research work, and the preparation and defense of a master's thesis. Students attend four mandatory courses and choose courses from the offered elective block, which allows them to direct their studies in accordance with their personal interests and professional goals. All courses are one-semester and are valued in ECTS credits in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System.

Teaching is implemented through lectures, exercises, study research work, consultations, mentoring work, and professional practice. Special emphasis is placed on the active role of students, independent work, development of research skills and application of acquired knowledge in solving practical and scientific research problems. Modern teaching methods and appropriate laboratory and computer infrastructure are used within the teaching process.

The study research work is aimed at training students for scientific research work, critical thinking and preparation of a master's thesis. Professional practice is implemented under the guidance of a coordinating teacher, while the master's thesis is prepared with the support of a selected mentor. In this way, the study program ensures the acquisition of theoretical, practical and research competencies necessary for work in the field of biomedical engineering and the continuation of education in doctoral studies.)

Purpose of the study program

The purpose of the Master's degree program "Biomedical Engineering" is to educate students for independent and team-based performance of engineering, development and research work in the field of biomedical engineering, as well as for continuing education in doctoral academic studies.

The study program lasts two years (four semesters), has a volume of 120 ECTS credits and ensures the acquisition of advanced knowledge, skills and competencies through the integration of content from bioengineering, mechanical engineering, applied mechanics, computer engineering, software engineering and related fields. The program is aimed at the application of engineering methods in the analysis, modeling, design and development of biomedical systems, devices, materials and technologies.

The purpose of the study program is to provide high-quality education to students for professional and scientific research work within the academic title of "Master of Biomedical Engineering", in accordance with modern achievements in the field of biomedical engineering, the needs of society and the economy, the standards of higher education in the Republic of Serbia and the principles of the European Higher Education Area.

Special emphasis is placed on developing the ability to take an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving, the application of modern numerical and computational methods, the processing of biomedical signals and images, the development of biomedical devices, the application of artificial intelligence and data analysis in biomedical engineering. Students are trained for independent research work, critical thinking and the application of scientific methods in solving complex engineering problems.

The study program is designed to ensure the acquisition of competencies that are professionally relevant and socially justified. Graduates are qualified to work in research and development centers, higher education and scientific research institutions, engineering companies and organizations engaged in the development and application of biomedical technologies, as well as for continued academic training.

Through study research work and the preparation of a master's thesis, students gain experience in the application of scientific methods, analysis and interpretation of results, and solving specific engineering and research problems, thereby qualifying them for professional and scientific research work in the field of biomedical engineering.

Study program objectives

The objectives of the master's degree program "Biomedical Engineering" are aimed at acquiring advanced academic, professional and research competencies in the field of biomedical engineering, in accordance with modern scientific achievements and technological development in this field.

The main objective of the study program is to educate highly competent master engineers in biomedical engineering capable of applying and developing engineering methods in the analysis, modeling, design and improvement of biomedical systems, devices and technologies. Special importance is given to the integration of knowledge from bioengineering, applied mechanics, production engineering, computer science and related scientific fields, as well as their application in solving complex interdisciplinary problems.

The objectives of the study program include:

• acquiring advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of biomedical engineering;
• training in the application of modern numerical, computational and experimental methods in the analysis and solution of engineering problems;
• development of competencies for the design and development of biomedical devices, biomaterials and assistive technologies;
• acquisition of knowledge in the field of biomedical signal and image processing, artificial intelligence, data analysis and modern information technologies;
• development of abilities for independent and team work, critical thinking and making engineering decisions;
• training in scientific research work, monitoring and application of modern scientific achievements;
• acquisition of competencies for continuing education in doctoral academic studies.

The study program is aimed at developing the ability to integrate theoretical knowledge and practical application, as well as solving problems that require an interdisciplinary approach. Through study research work and the preparation of a master's thesis, students gain experience in formulating research problems, applying scientific methods, analyzing results and presenting the conclusions obtained.

By realizing the set goals, the study program ensures the education of experts capable of working in research and development centers, higher education and scientific research institutions, as well as in organizations dealing with the development and application of modern biomedical technologies.

Graduate student competencies

Description of general and subject-specific student competencies

By mastering the study program of the master's academic studies "Biomedical Engineering", the student acquires general and subject-specific competencies for the application of engineering, computer and research methods in solving problems in the field of biomedical engineering.

General competencies:

• ability to analyze and solve complex problems by applying scientific and engineering methods;
• ability to work independently and in a team and apply professional and ethical principles;
• ability to critically analyze, evaluate and interpret the results of one's own and others' work;
• ability to apply professional literature, information and communication technologies and modern computer tools;
• ability to clearly present and communicate the results of professional and research work;
• ability to independently improve and continue education in doctoral academic studies.

Subject-specific competencies:

• application of knowledge from anatomy and physiology in the analysis of biomedical problems;
• analysis and application of biomaterials and nanomaterials in biomedical engineering;
• application of modeling methods and numerical analysis of biomedical systems;
• application of knowledge in the field of design of biomedical devices, assistive technologies and rehabilitation engineering;
• application of methods for processing biomedical images and signals;
• use of modern methods of programming, machine learning, data processing and computer simulations;
• application of modern biomedical instrumentation and measurement methods;
• ability to integrate knowledge from different fields in solving complex problems of biomedical engineering.

Description of learning outcomes

Upon completion of the Master's degree program in Biomedical Engineering, the student will be able to:

• analyze and solve complex problems in the field of biomedical engineering using appropriate engineering and scientific methods;
• apply knowledge from the biomedical, mechanical and computer fields in the analysis and development of biomedical systems and technologies;
• apply methods of mathematical modeling, numerical analysis and computer simulations in solving engineering problems;
• design and analyze biomedical devices, systems, assistive technologies and other engineering solutions;
• process and analyze biomedical images and signals using appropriate computer methods;
• use software and computer tools, machine learning methods and processing of large amounts of data in biomedical engineering;
• applies knowledge about biomaterials, nanomaterials and their application in biomedical engineering;
• independently conducts research, analyzes and interprets results and presents them clearly in written and oral form;
• applies acquired knowledge in a new or insufficiently familiar environment and continues independent professional and academic development.

Curriculum

The study program of the master's academic studies "Biomedical Engineering" lasts two years, i.e. four semesters, and carries a total of 120 ECTS credits, with 30 ECTS credits in each semester.

The study program is organized by semesters and structured in such a way as to ensure the acquisition of theoretical, methodological, scientific-professional and professional-applied competencies in the field of biomedical engineering. The schedule of subjects by semester, the number of active teaching hours, the number of ECTS credits and the detailed content of the subjects are presented in the Book of Subjects of the study program "Biomedical Engineering" (Appendix 5.1).

The structure of the study program consists of 14 subjects, of which 5 are mandatory and 9 are elective, as well as professional practice, study research paper and master's thesis. In the first semester, the student attends the mandatory subject Anatomy and Physiology and chooses 4 out of 8 elective subjects offered. In the second semester, two mandatory subjects are planned – Research Methods and Scientific Writing and Bioengineering – and a choice of 3 out of 6 offered subjects. In the third semester, the mandatory subjects are Biomedical Image Processing and Biomedical Signal Processing, professional practice and a choice of 2 out of 5 offered elective subjects. The fourth semester includes study research work on the theoretical foundations of the master's thesis in the amount of 20 ECTS credits and the preparation and defense of the master's thesis in the amount of 10 ECTS credits.

In the structure of the study program, the theoretical-methodological group of subjects is represented with 30%, and the scientific-professional and professional-applied group with 70% of the total number of ECTS credits. Elective courses make up 57.50% of the total number of ESPB credits, which allows students to be individually guided in accordance with their interests and areas of professional and scientific research orientation.

Active teaching in the study program includes a total of 600 hours per year. The weekly active teaching fund is 20 hours in the winter and 20 hours in the summer semester, in the first year of study. In the second year of study, active teaching in the winter semester is 20 hours. In accordance with the requirements of the standards for the final year of the second cycle of studies, a maximum of 50% is study research work.

An integral part of the study program is professional practice lasting 90 hours, which is implemented in institutions, organizations, companies, clinics and public institutions whose activities correspond to the educational goals of the study program, as well as at the Faculty of Engineering.