DUBAI // High performing students are being given the chance to study for the GCC’s first masters degree in biomedical engineering free of charge.
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) will launch its master of science in biomedical engineering (MSBME) degree in August. At the moment there are six scholarships places available which will pay students tuition fees paid as well as offer financial help towards living costs.
“The MSBME programme will provide an opportunity to conduct advanced biomedical engineering research to support efforts in combating the region’s healthcare challenges, including serious and prevalent diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, perinatal and genetic diseases,” said Hasan Al Nashash, the university’s programme MSBME director.
“This degree is relevant for the healthcare industry so can apply to hospitals, labs, clinics, health authorities and academic research.”
Mr Al Nashash said the course is multi-disciplinary and open to undergraduates with engineering, bio-mechanics, computer, electrical, medicine, industrial and chemical backgrounds.
The scholarship is for full-time students of any nationality including those from abroad.
The MSBME is being offered by the College of Engineering (CEN) and will prepare students for advanced careers and doctoral studies related to biomedical engineering.
“Recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa and specifically in GCC countries, have increased the need for biomedical engineers,” said Björn Kjerfve, AUS chancellor.
“The tremendous rate of population growth in the MENA region is accompanied by a concurrent demand for and growth in healthcare services, such as hospitals, clinics, medical colleges, medical technology suppliers and biomedical engineering, which is reported to be one of the fastest growing engineering discipline worldwide.
“The launch of the MSBME programme is aligned with our mandate to become a top research university as we continue to produce highly qualified graduates who will support and sustain the growing industrial and economic demands and development of the country.”
The MSBME curriculum is based on stringent standards followed in the United States and has core courses in mathematics, anatomy and physiology.
There are also further elective courses in several biomedical engineering sub-disciplines. These include healthcare operations management, planning and risk management, biomedical informatics, instrumentation, signal processing, biomaterials, drug delivery and biomechanics.
This further area of study aims to improve the technical skills of all biomedical engineers, said Mr Al Nashash.
For more information about the scholarship, visit www.aus.edu
nhanif@thenational.ae
