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Medical Technology - Higher Certificate

Course Code: US365


Level

6

Duration

2 Years

Department

Applied Science


CAO Points

N/A

Course Type

Direct Entry

Location

Limerick

Medical Technology is at the crossroads of science, engineering and technology.The healthcare industry in Ireland and internationally is growing exponentially and the use of sophisticated medical technology and  instrumentation has created a demand for specialized, well-trained graduates in the emerging field of Medical Technology. As a graduate of this programme, your skill set will include the ability to operate, test, calibrate, troubleshoot and maintain critical medical equipment as part of a healthcare team. Graduates are also well placed to find employment in the Medical Device Manufacturing Industry in the areas of Manufacturing, Servicing, Sales and Marketing and Customer Service.

This programme will allow the student to combine a broad knowledge of science, medical, electrical/electronic principles with the specific knowledge required for the applications of Medical Technology in a variety of healthcare and industry related settings. Students will also be given the opportunity to obtain a parallel award in Basic Life Support.

What are the entry requirements?

Applicants must have 5 O6/H7 grades or higher at Ordinary Level in 5 Leaving Certificate subjects. Two of these subjects must include *Mathematics and a Language (English or Irish).

*Foundation Level Maths at Grade F2 or higher is acceptable as meeting the Mathematics requirement for this course.

Applicants presenting QQI FET/FETAC qualifications must hold a Full Level 5 Award totalling 120 Credits.

Applicants presenting qualifications other than those mentioned above will be assessed on an individual basis.

Mature Applicants (i.e. over 23) are exempt from the normal entry requirements. 

Who can I contact?

What modules will I study?

  • Year 1

    Title: Applied Chemistry

    Credits: 5

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    In Applied Chemistry you will learn the basics of Chemistry not just in theory but also practically. By the conclusion of the module you will come to appreciate how Chemistry applies to Medical Technology.


    Title: Cell Biology

    Credits: 10

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    In Cell Biology you will learn the basis of how cells operate in the human body. This will include looking at the biochemical and physiological functioning of cells. This will provide a platform for the understanding of Medical Technology helps the human body.


    Title: Developing the Professional Practitioner in the Healthcare Environment

    Credits: 5

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    This module will provide you with the competencies to work safely in a healthcare related setting in accordance with best practice and standards.


    Title: Fundamentals of Computing for Healthcare

    Credits: 5

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    You will learn about how a computer works, how it stores text, numbers, images, videos and sound as a series of 1s and 0s and how to write a computer program using the ‘c’ programming language. Topics include PC hardware and architecture, number systems, operating systems and programming in ‘c’.


    Title: Introduction to Analogue Electronics

    Credits: 5

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    You will be introduced to the basic principles of electronics. Over the course you will be introduced to some fundamental laws and simple electronic components such as resistors, batteries and circuits. You will discover or improve your understanding of the theory behind these components and explore simple basic circuits you can build using these components.


    Title: Introduction to Developing the Professional Practitioner

    Credits: 5

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    This module will help you develop the skills and confidence to study at third level. You will explore learning styles along with techniques for planning and managing your workload. The topics studied will link directly to healthcare related settings.


    Title: Introduction to Digital Electronics

    Credits: 5

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    You will build on the basic principles of electronics. You will look at the reasons and science behind why everyday components have become much smaller, faster, and affordable. The course will also introduce you to electrical components, and simple common digital circuits. Finally, you will explore how the same components can deliver so many different functions when they are combined with simple logical operators.

     


    Title: Mathematical Methods I

    Credits: 5

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    The module will introduce the basic maths needed for science. We begin at an introductory level with topics such as ratios, percentages, basic algebra, and teach you how to  manipulate and solve equations, use graphs to show and describe data, and how to apply logarithms. Lecture materials are supported with weekly tutorials, and computer practicals.

     


    Title: Mathematical Methods II

    Credits: 5

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    You will build on the maths skills developed in term 1 with more advanced techniques such as; trigonometry, exponentials, and introductory calculus. Lecture materials are supported with weekly tutorials, and computer practicals.


    Title: Physics for Healthcare

    Credits: 10

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    This module will show you the importance of measurement in science, as well as presenting methods of describing many phenomena we see every day in the world around us. You will learn about the physics of waves, the electromagnetic spectrum, optics, heat, and the basic physics of the atom and radiation. There are all weekly labs where you investigate many of the topics covered in the lectures.


  • Year 2

    Title: Anatomy and Physiology

    Credits: 10

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    In this module you will learn about the Anatomy i.e. structure and Physiology i.e. function, of the human body. You will study the levels of body organisation and body systems and learn how these body systems interrelate with one another. You will be introduced to the medical conditions and disease pathologies associated with the body and the role of technology in treating or restoring physiological functions.

     


    Title: Applied Physics

    Credits: 5

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    In this module you will learn about vectors and see they are so important for the physics of movement and forces. You will also be introduced to the topics of fluids, pressure, electro-magnetism and see their applications in devices such as the electric motor and MRI scanners. Your learning will be supported by hands on experience in the weekly labs.


    Title: Biomechanics and Biomaterials

    Credits: 5

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    Biomechanics is about describing how the body works in physics and mechanical terms, so that movement like walking or tasks like picking up a book can be modelled. This is important information that is used to design prosthetics and other devices that are implanted into the body. Topics studied also include the types of materials can be used for implanting in the body, from orthopaedic prosthetics to contact lenses and cardiac stents.

     


    Title: Electrical Safety Principles

    Credits: 5

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    You will be introduced to Safety Principles that will keep you aware and safe while working with General, Medical, and Clinical electronic devices. You will learn about the hazards, their effects on you, how to prepare and protect yourself. The module will also introduce you to components and terminology employed by manufacturers to help build safer electronics and protect the patients, medical staff and the technical staff.


    Title: Fundamentals of Clinical Technology

    Credits: 5

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    Have you ever wondered how a person’s heart is examined using an ECG, how a defibrillator can restore a heartbeat, why ultrasound can image inside the body, or how blood pressure can be measured using just a cuff and stethoscope? These are just some of the topics you will cover in this module that will introduce you to a variety of technologies commonly used in healthcare.


    Title: ICT for Healthcare

    Credits: 5

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    You will learn about how Information and Communications Technology is used in Healthcare to improve patient care and outcomes. Topics include; Hospital Information Systems, Electronic Health Records, Medical Imaging (DICOM), Barcoding in Healthcare, Patient Identification (rfid), Computer Networking architecture and standards, Computer Operating Systems.


    Title: Infection Control and Sterilisation

    Credits: 5

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    In Infection Control and Sterilisation you will learn about microorganisms, their role in disease, how infections spread and ways to prevent and control spread of infections. You will gain practical skills in basic microbiology methods.


    Title: Maths for Clinical Technology

    Credits: 5

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    In this module, you will develop further mathematical skills to support your career in Medical Technology. You will study Complex numbers, Matrices, Vectors, Integration by Parts and Substitution and Differential Equations. You will learn how to solve mathematical problems using the Matlab application and scripting language.


    Title: Medical Instrumentation and Electrotechnology

    Credits: 10

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    This module builds upon the Analog and Digital electronics modules from first year. You will learn about the types and characteristics of sensors that are used to measure biological signals. The next step is putting together electronic components for signal processing and to build electronic systems used in medical device technologies. You will learn how to simulate the operation of these components and systems using LTSpice.


    Title: Statistics for Clinical Technology

    Credits: 5

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    You will learn about statistical methods and concepts including: data handling and analysis, interpretation of results, probability and probability distributions and statistics for quality control in medical science.


Are there opportunities for further study?

Students who have successfully complete this course may progress on to the BSc in Medical Technology (Level 7)

What are the career prospects?

The programme content has been carefully developed in conjunction with medical and industrial partners to develop a specific skill set relevant to employment in Medical Technology support roles. The programme offers you excellent employment opportunities and career prospects in key areas within the healthcare sector including Hospitals and other Healthcare providers, in addition to industry roles in medical equipment manufacture, service, sales and distribution.

More Information

Who is this programme suited to?

If you are interested in engineering, science and technology and the medical applications of these disciplines, this honours degree could be for you. Typical applicants will be those who have an interest in engineering and science and want a career in helping others.  You will benefit from small class sizes, dedicated lecturers, and gain hands-on experience of state of the art medical technologies as they are used in hospital, healthcare and industry settings.