Laurea Magistrale (Second cycle degree/Two year Master - 120 ECTS) in Biomedical Engineering

The aim is to train students to work as professional biomedical engineers who are able to work on the design of biomedical tools, in clinical engineering and/or in scientific research in relation to the application of engineering methods to the field of life sciences. To this end, graduates must acquire a level of preparation and specialisation that enables them to assume technical and organisational roles in professional contexts that require knowledge of basic scientific methodology, as well as of engineering applications and methods, with a particular focus on the specific characteristics of the biomedical engineering class. Graduates must be able to apply analytical, technical and numerical simulation tools, signal and image processing techniques, experimental laboratory methods, and techniques for the design of biomedical devices and apparatus for rehabilitation, both in general and with regard to the specific application field of the chosen curriculum. They will be able to contribute to the design of biomedical devices for diagnostic, therapy and rehabilitation purposes, to the analysis of complex biological systems and the management of clinical engineering services. They may also study advanced methods for diagnosis, including quantitative therapies based on models, bio-images, prosthetics, rehabilitation systems, movement analysis and artificial intelligence techniques. These objectives are achieved through a curriculum that offers a sound foundation in physics and mathematics, gained through specific modules of the master's degree programme, followed by the acquisition of professional and operational skills in some biomedical disciplines, focusing in particular on biological system modelling, biomechanics, signal and image processing, biomedical instrumentation and artificial organs. While maintaining a generalist perspective, biomedical engineering students may further refine and specialise their skills through the study of elective courses. These courses aim to introduce students to more advanced design/research themes that will likely represent an essential aspect in the bioengineering field in the next years, guiding them on a study path that seeks to balance innovation, creativity and a solid cultural foundation. The curriculum, through essays, laboratory assignments and the final dissertation, offers students significant autonomy to conduct activities related to design, laboratory measurement and computer processing, with a particular focus on the themes of the respective courses. The skills thus acquired, together with a sound methodological foundation, enables graduates to plan, implement and analyse highly complex projects and to interact in the multidisciplinary environment that is typical of biomedical engineering.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

The master's graduate in Biomedical Engineering:

- has an in-depth knowledge of the methodological-operational aspects of mathematical disciplines, basic sciences and information engineering;

These skills are partly guaranteed by the access criteria and partly acquired through the scientific disciplines belonging to the related and integrative fields listed in the table of trainingactivities (e.g., ING-INF/01, ING-INF/02, ING-INF/03, ING-INF/04, ING-INF/05 and MAT/08).

- has good knowledge of physiology, biochemistry, and mechanical engineering;

These skills are acquired through the characterizing scientific disciplines (ING-INF/06 and ING-IND/34) and disciplines belonging to related and integrative fields (e.g., BIO/10) listed in the table of training activities.

- has in-depth knowledge of advanced aspects of complex systems modelling, health care equipment design, biomechanics and biomaterials;

These skills are acquired through the characterizing scientific disciplines (ING-INF/06 and ING-IND/34) reported in the table of training activities.

- He/she has an in-depth knowledge of techniques for the analysis of complex biological systems, evaluating the most suitable mathematical and simulation tools and suitable techniques for data and signal processing.

These skills are acquired through the characterizing scientific disciplines (ING-INF/06 and ING-IND/34) reported in the table of training activities.

- He/she possesses specific skills, at the frontier of current technological and scientific knowledge, in relation to the particular curriculum chosen.

These competences are acquired through the characterizing scientific disciplines (ING-INF/06 and ING-IND/34) or scientific disciplines of related and integrative fields (such as BIO/10, M-PSI/02) listed in the table of training activities and included in the respective curricula.

The teaching methods used include participation in seminars and exercises, in the classroom or laboratory, individual or group projects, guided personal study and independent study.

The assessment of knowledge takes placemainly performing tests, written or oral examinations, and the implementation of projects.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

The master's graduate:

- is able to interpret and describe the problems of high difficulty level of Biomedical Engineering, identifying innovative and unconventional solutions, even in case he/she has to face completely new problems;

- is able to apply techniques and tools for the design of bio-medical equipment, including innovative ones, techniques for image processing, methodologies for the design and use of advanced prostheses;

- is able to interact with medical-biologists, even in the analysis of complex problems, to advise on the correct management of equipment, to provide advice on the innovative use of equipment and diagnostic systems;

- is able to participate independently intesting, research and development activities in the biomedical field;

- depending on the curriculum chosen, he/she knows the advanced problems of design and data analysis, is aware of the main research issues, and is able to work in a multidisciplinary environment, where these aspects are the subject of study and innovation.

The first of these skills is acquired through the entire course of study, in particular during the first year of the course, through related and integrative disciplines and disciplines characterizing the degree course.

The second, third and fourth of these skills are acquired through the disciplines characterizing biomedical engineering.

The fifth of these competences is acquired through the characterizing and integrative subjects included in the respective curricula.

The teaching methods used include participation in seminars and exercises, in the classroom or laboratory, individual or group projects, guided personal study and independent study.

The assessment of knowledge takes placemainly performing tests, written or oral examinations, and the implementation of projects.

MAKING JUDGEMENTS

The master's graduate:

- knows how to identify, formulate and solve problems related to the design or production of biomedical equipment, even if the latter are innovative articles by company standards;

- knows how to update himself/herself on methods, techniques and tools in the field of biomedical engineering, informing himself/herself independently or following targeted educational courses for the acquisition of additional skills;

- can analyze complex biological systems, also proposing alternative and innovative methodologies compared to those commonly used in the biomedical field, or critically discussing the usual techniques.

These results are achieved by attending lectures in the classroom, where emphasis is placed on interaction with students and their active involvement, participation in laboratory exercises, writing essays on various aspects of biomedical engineering, reading recent and updated bibliography, on the advice of teachers, and writing the final thesis, during which an important aspect should concern the ability to choose anddecide.

The verification of autonomy of judgement takes place through discussion of the advanced aspects of the discipline during oral examinations, through written exercises and laboratory tests, and during the preparation of the final test.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

The master's graduate in Biomedical Engineering:

- is able to communicate effectively in written and oral form, at a high level of knowledge;

- knows how to work or integrate in teamwork, even in the role of manager or coordinator;

- is therefore able to interact with interested parties and professionals different from his own.

These skills are achieved through preparation for written and oral exams, where a good exposition ability will be required as an integral part of the test; through writing essays; during group work in the laboratory, where the ability to interact with others will be essential; through readings aimed at improving communication. Finally, during the thesis or the preparatory internship, the candidate will be able to interact with different areas of work, and with different professions, forexample in the medical-biological field.

The acquisition of the communication skills listed above is verified not only during the written and oral tests, which may require the ability to present in a coherent and organic way leading topics, but also through the drafting of the final test and the discussion of the same, and during the performance of theses and / or scientific reports provided in advanced courses. Knowledge of the English language is a prerequisite for access, and is continuously refined during the course of study: teaching is carried out in English and dialogue between students and teachers takes placeduring lessons.

LEARNING SKILLS

The master's graduate is able to update himself independently on methods, techniques and tools in the field of Biomedical Engineering, in the field of innovative design of biomedical equipment, modeling and simulation of complex biological systems, design and proper use of prostheses and rehabilitation techniques, the use of advanced data processing techniques, as well as to undertake, with a high degree of autonomy, further in-depth studies. (e.g. II Level university masters or PhD courses) and/or research activities.

Learning skills are achieved in the study path as a whole, and all training activities contribute to it, with different strategies with particular regard to individual study, the preparation of individual projects, the activity carried out during exercises and workshops,the activity carried out for the preparation of the final test.

The learning ability is assessed through forms of continuous assessment during the training activities, possibly requiring the student to present data obtained independently during the exercises and laboratory activities, through the writing of thesis and/or projects and through the evaluation of the activity related to the final test.