Advanced Medical Technologies - Online & Limerick Campus - Blended

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.

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.

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 - 5 per semester): 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 - 5 per semester): This module will introduce the learner to programming in a high-level language such as 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 which is 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 Steralisation? (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 orthopedic, 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.

What are the entry requirements?

(a) A minimum PASS Honours Bachelor Degree (Level 8) in a cognate discipline.
or

(b) 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.
or

(c) 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

(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).

Application Deadline 25th June 2021

15 months

The below details are subject to approval and will be confirmed prior to course commencement

Delivery
This programme will run online from September 2021 to December 2022.

This programme will be delivered in a Blended format (predominantly online). Contact time per week is approximately 10 hours.

Online classes will be held weekday evenings. Most online lectures will be recorded and online laboratory sessions will be live.

On-campus classes will take place in LIT Moylish, Limerick. Proposed on-campus classes:
- 3 (daytime) seminars on Saturdays (Semester 2)

Dates will be confirmed at the start of each semester.

Semester 1 (September 21 - December 21): Anatomy and Physiology with Biomechanics, Medical Instrumentation and Clinical Technology (5 credits), Programming for Medical Technology (5 Credits).

Semester 2 (January 22 - May 22): Medical Technology Maintenance and Service, Medical Instrumentation and Clinical Technology (5 credits), Programming for Medical Technology (5 Credits).

Semester 3 (September 22 - December 22): Advanced Imaging, Medical Technology Process Management, Biomaterials and Sustainability.

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.