Studies at University of Oulu 2012-2013
The University of Oulu offers study opportunities with a solid academic foundation ranging from 5-6 year degree programmes and master’s programmes to doctoral training. There are also several possibilities such as open university studies, executive training and continuing education for developing and maintaining skills and competencies.
In addition to a variety of student exchange programmes, international master’s degree programmes in English are offered in six fields of study, making the university an international study environment.
International Master's Programmes
MSc in Biomedical Engineering, IMP
University of Oulu has a unique opportunity to offer their students a wide-ranging education in the field of biomedical engineering. The studies are performed in three faculties: Faculty of Technology, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science. This gives to the students of the programme the possibility to get a broad knowledge base about the biomedical engineering and in addition the possibility to concentrate on different branches of biomedical engineering in their studies. Students can concentrate in, for example, biomedical imaging and image processing, biosignal processing and modeling, biomechanics, biophysics and measurement technology.
- Course Structure Diagram and Courses Required for the Degree
- Learning Outcomes
- Arrangements for recognition of prior learning
- Modes of study
- Language of Instruction
- Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading
- Occupational Profiles of Graduates
- Access to Further Studies
- Graduation Requirements
- Qualification Requirements and Regulations
The extent of the master's degree programme is 120 ECTS. It consists of language and culture studies (10 ECTS), advanced studies (80 ECTS), and the master's thesis (30 ECTS). A more detailed description of the content can be found from the course structure diagram.
After completing the master’s degree the student is able to (depending on the field of her/his specialization)
- take advantage of the basic methods of digital image and video processing, statistical pattern recognition, and machine vision to solve problems in medical image processing,
- put in practice mathematical modeling and analysis algorithms for processing physiological signals,
- model biomechanical phenomena using mathematical methods,
- plan a system to take advantage of measurement sensors for the measurements of biological phenomena.
The recognition of prior learning follows the main principles as defined by the University of Oulu.
More information: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The student studies full-time, corresponding to 60 ECTS credits per year. This equals to 1600 hours of student workload per year. The full degree (120 ECTS) can be completed in two years, studying full-time. The studies are carried out as contact teaching during daytime. Contact teaching involves lectures and guides exercises. In addition, many courses include programming exercises and projects that are completed individually or in groups. Studies include also an on-the-job learning period (3 ECTS).
English
Assessment methods and criteria for the studies: The degree-related studies can be completed based on the curriculum. This means that the student studies the basic studies, intermediate studies, advanced studies and elective studies the curriculum contains, in accordance with the curriculum. The study units are primarily completed by attending examinations and they are assessed by the person responsible for the study unit. The assessment is often based on the grades of final or mid-term exams. Also other assessment criteria are used, including portfolio tasks, micro exams (continuous assessment), work reports etc. Study unit descriptions give more exact information on the assessment of study units. Master’s thesis shall be written as the final work in the degree. A Personal Study Plan PSP is compiled for each student, considering student’s prior learning and work experience.
Grading: a numerical scale 0-5 in whole numbers or verbal grading Pass or Fail is used in assessing a completed course. In numerical scale zero stands for fail. In determining the final grade for a study module, a credit-weighted average is utilized. The grades of Pro Gradu Theses and Diploma Theses shall not be considered when determining the average of advanced studies.
- Research, teaching, and specialist duties.
- Developing and testing products in the industry as well as marketing support and managerial tasks.
- Consulting on the use and procurement of products, evaluation of performance, maintenance, customization of appliances to clinical and research needs in health care stations
- Public official tasks related to the quality control and establishment of safety standards.
The graduates are eligible to apply to doctoral programmes provided that other requirements for admission are satisfied. For example, the admission requirements for the University of Oulu Graduate School can be found here.
To be awarded a master's degree, a student must complete the required studies and master's thesis, write a maturity essay demonstrating language proficiency either in the language in which the student has been educated (Finnish or Swedish) or in English (others). In the former case, the student shall demonstrate the satisfactory level of proficiency in Finnish and Swedish required in the Act (424/2003) Section 6, Subsection 1. Student who has already demonstrated his/her language proficiency for a lower university degree (Bachelor) does not need to demonstrate it again for a master´s degree. The diploma for the degree of Master of Science is awarded on request and issued by the Education Dean of the Faculty.
All education in the University of Oulu is based on the principles of the joint European credit transfer system (ECTS) which facilitates the transparency of education and the recognition of degrees at an international level. All degrees awarded from the University of Oulu are recognised by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture.
The graduates are qualified to practice many professions that require M.Sc. degree in biomedical engineering. For some professions there may be additional requirements such as the language proficiency required of personnel in public bodies in accordance with the Language Proficiency Section 6.
University of Oulu Education Regulations gives information on recognition of prior learning in article 27.
Basic information
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