Advanced Medical Technologies (Postgraduate Diploma, L9, 60 ECTS)
The Postgraduate Diploma (Post-Graduate Diploma) in Science in Advanced Medical Technologies is a Level 9 major award which combines modules from science, engineering, electronics and information technology. A key focus of the programme will be on medical devices and emerging medical technologies. The learners will gain a deep understanding of medical devices that, combined with prior knowledge of engineering and/or science, will provide a learning environment to up-skill and reskill enabling them to be effective leaders in medical device design, manufacturing, and application.
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Blended
Delivery
This course is delivered both online and on campus
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Advanced Medical Technologies (Postgraduate Diploma, L9, 60 ECTS)
Status: REGISTER YOUR INTEREST (SEPT-23)
LEVEL
09
DURATION
15 Months
DEPARTMENT
Applied Science
START DATE
TBC
COURSE TYPE
Flexible & Professional, Postgraduate Taught courses
LOCATION
Limerick
The Postgraduate Diploma (Post-Graduate Diploma) in Science in Advanced Medical Technologies is a Level 9 major award which combines modules from science, engineering, electronics and information technology. A key focus of the programme will be on medical devices and emerging medical technologies. The learners will gain a deep understanding of medical devices that, combined with prior knowledge of engineering and/or science, will provide a learning environment to up-skill and reskill enabling them to be effective leaders in medical device design, manufacturing, and application.
The learner will be introduced to how medical technology utilises knowledge of electronics, programming, mechanics, materials and anatomy and physiology to solve problems and provide solutions for modern healthcare management.
The programme will enable an understanding of the operating principles and applications of medical technology currently and proposed to be utilized in healthcare and designed and manufactured in Ireland. The program will also respond to the requirements of the medical device industry for graduates skilled in Data analysis, Quantification of Quality Assurance and Continuous improvement as well as the use of Artificial Intelligence in all aspects of healthcare.
This is a scientific and technical course of study and involves electrical and electronic engineering concepts and the learning of Python programming language.
What are the entry requirements?
(a) A minimum PASS Honours Bachelor Degree (Level 8) in a cognate discipline.
or
(b) A minimum PASS Honours Bachelor Degree (Level 8) in a non-cognate discipline with considerable (3+ years) relevant experience and/or ability evidenced by an RPL portfolio of prior experience and learning.
or
(c) A minimum PASS Bachelor Degree (Level 7) in a cognate discipline with considerable (3+ years) relevant experience and/or ability evidenced by an RPL portfolio of prior experience and learning.
(d) Equivalent Qualifications: Applicants with equivalent qualifications on the European and International frameworks will also be considered. International students must evidence a proficiency in English language (IELTS 6.0).
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) / Special Case Registrations: Prospective participants who do not meet the entry requirements for the programme detailed above, but who may qualify for admission by meeting certain other equivalent criteria, should notify the Flexible Learning Office and request consideration under RPL. Please submit your application online and then email all your supporting documents to Springboard@lit.ie
Who can I contact?
Flexible Learning
What modules will I study?
Anatomy and Physiology (10 credits): The aim of this module is to equip learners with knowledge of the structure and function of the human body, an understanding of the interrelationship between the systems of the body and their relevance to the development of medical conditions and disease pathologies. The role of technology in treating or restoring physiological functions based on the understanding of anatomy and physiology will be introduced. This module also describes the mechanics of human locomotion, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Medical Instrumentation and Clinical Technology (10 credits): The aim of this module is to introduce the student to, and provide a knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of operation of a broad range of medical technology used in hospitals & clinical settings. The module will include the latest advances in medical instrumentation and clinical technology from diagnosis to treatment of prevalent illnesses including cardiac and pulmonary diseases, surgery, rehabilitation and oncology. Skills in literature review and scientific writing will be developed in the form of a written review paper on a medical technology of the students choice.
Programming for Medical Technology (10 credits): This module will introduce the learner to programming in python for use in Healthcare, Medical Technology and Clinical Engineering. Fundamental programming skills will be developed including the use of data structures and libraries for data analysis and visualisation. The module will progress to the application of the concepts of AI and Machine Learning in python.
Healthcare Technology Management (10 credits): The aim of Healthcare Technology Management module is to develop knowledge and practical skills required for hospital based clinical engineers, field service engineers for medical technology or technicians in industry who interact with medical electrical equipment. This module will focus on how medical equipment is used within the wider socio-technical system within the delivery of healthcare. The common equipment will be explored from a number of perspectives including clinical operation, technical fundamentals, safety and fault modes. In addition, the principles of Asset Management as applied to Medical Equipment will be explored.
Advanced Imaging (10 credits): The aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental physical principles of operation, maintenance, preparation and best practice of a comprehensive range of imaging equipment used in healthcare and provide the learner with an understanding of related radiation safety aspects. The learner will also gain practical experience in the implementation of advanced image processing techniques such as deep learning.
Medical Technology Process Control (5 credits): This module will develop skills in a data driven approach to project management as applicable to the life cycle of medical devices. This module will develop the learner knowledge of management techniques, statistical methods and concepts including Six Sigma, GMP/cGMP, lean manufacturing and stable operations among others.
Biomaterials and Sterilisation (5 credits): The aim of this module is to introduce the learner to the properties and characteristics of biocompatibility in the context of implanted materials used in orthopaedic, vascular, ocular, dental and coronary procedures. This module will also address issues of sterilization and infection control of implanted and reprocessed medical devices. The achievement of sustainability in hospital and medical device manufacturing settings will also be discussed.
Are there opportunities for further study?
Learners may progress to a research Masters or Ph.D. programme in related disciplines in Ireland or abroad.
What are the career prospects?
Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Advanced Medical Technologies will gain relevant and up-to-date knowledge and skills that are applicable to employment in the acute and primary healthcare workplace in Medical Technology support roles, as well as roles in in the Medical Device industry. The programme endeavours to futureproof employees by providing them with the appropriate skillset to better respond to potential future demands anticipated in the ever evolving Clinical and Medical Technology sectors.
More Information
The below details are subject to approval and will be confirmed prior to course commencement
Delivery
This programme will run online from September 2022 to December 2023 (15 months over 3 academic semesters)
This programme will be delivered in a Blended format (predominantly online weekly with 3 on-campus workshops/seminars in Semester 2).
The delivery of the programme will be primarily online. The platform for completion of the online delivery will be using a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Moodle. The VLE allows for the participants to:
- View resources (video, documents, PowerPoint slides, etc.)
- Contribute to discussion forums on an individual or group basis.
- Complete assessments and submit assignments.
- Track progress and engagement with each relevant topic within a module
- Manage progress from module to module depending on completion of previous modules.
The delivery of the programme will involve the live lectures. This will involve a student participating in a taught live lecture via Microsoft Teams.
Recorded Content: these will be recorded videos of the lecturer providing relevant content on specific learning units. Learners are required to watch the video within a specified timeframe and may answer specific questions or complete tasks upon completion watching the video.
Live Instructional Content – Lab lectures: content will be integrated into a specific computer-based laboratory lesson that students perform individually or in groups under the guidance of the lecturer via Microsoft Teams. This may involve some specific tasks which have to be completed before moving to the next stage in the lesson.
Discussion Forums: these provide the opportunity for the students to engage with particular content. Involvement in the forums will be monitored and students will be required to respond to posts by the lecturer and also other students.
In addition, there will be specific recommended website links, journal articles, textbooks and other reference material provided on the VLE which students are expected to review as part of their own self-directed learning.
Number of Days/Evenings per week: 3 (6pm – 9pm)
Delivery Day/Evening: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Number of Hours per day/evening:
10 hours structured delivery per week. This is in the form of pre-recorded and/or Live Lectures as well as live online lab/lecture lab sessions.
16 hours unstructured engagement per week. Student commitment outside of the structured time, will amount to approximately 4 hours per 5 credit module. This will be in the form of studying and revising class material, completing individual and group assignments and independent research.
| Semester | Module Title | Weekly contact hours* |
| Semester 1 (Sept ’22 – Dec ’22) | Anatomy and Physiology with Biomechanics | 4 |
| Semester 1 (Sept ’22 – Dec ’22) | Medical Instrumentation and Clinical Technology | 3 |
| Semester 1 (Sept ’22 – Dec ’22) | Programming for Medical Technology | 3 |
| Semester 2 (Jan ’23 – May ’23) | Medical Instrumentation and Clinical Technology | 3 |
| Semester 2 (Jan ’23 – May ’23) | Programming for Medical Technology | 3 |
| Semester 2 (Jan ’23 – May ’23) | Healthcare Technology Management | 3.5 Three on-campus Saturday Seminars Dates TBC |
| Semester 3 (Sept ’23 – Dec ’23) | Advanced Imaging | 4 |
| Semester 3 (Sept ’23 – Dec ’23) | Biomaterials and Sterilisation | 3 |
| Semester 3 (Sept ’23 – Dec ’23) | Medical Technology Process Control | 3 |
*Note: Online content includes pre-recorded and live content.
What will the time commitment be?
Each 5 credits will normally equate to approximately 100 Total Learning Hours. Total Learning Hours includes the time you spend in class (lectures, tutorials, practical elements) and the time you spend completing work outside of college. The balance between these two varies by discipline, and by level of study. You should bear in mind that the workload will increase at particular times e.g. when assignments are due.
Assessment
Assessment will be carried out through continuous assessment, projects, and practical assignments. A diverse range of types of assessment of learning may be employed during the programme duration including; Online Learning Environment Quizzes, Practical Skills and Technical Writing, Written assignment, Problem based learning activities, Oral Presentation, Oral Examination/Viva, Competency & portfolio creation.
The following are examples of the continuous assessment mechanisms:
Practical assignments: computer based practical assignments will involve students performing specific tasks using relevant and specific software related to the area of study. The software used will be accessible through TUS student licenses or freely available.
Projects: individual and group projects will involve researching specific topics and presenting the results in the form of a written report, paper and/or oral presentation.
Case Study: these involve a specific assignment which may involve completion of a case study of a particular aspect of the module.
Class tests: these will involve an online (with or without proctoring) examination or on campus class tests, to test the students’ comprehension of the material covered in the module. These will generally take the form of quizzes which contain multiple choice questions, short answer questions or longer answers.
Qualification
Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Advanced Medical Technologies (Level 9, 60 ECTS).
Application Deadline
2nd September 2022
For queries relating to the course
Email: Springboard@lit.ie
Academic Queries
Email: mairead.dennehy@lit.ie
Course Fees
The total fee for this programme is €6,750. This programme is funded by the National Training Fund under Human Capital Iniatitive Pillar 1 and all successful applicants will receive 90% funding for employed applicants and 100% funding for unemployed applicants.
The 10% fee to be paid will be €675 for all successful employed applicants.
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Please see www.springboardcourses.ie for eligibility criteria details.
For full information on this programme please click here.
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