Healthcare Devices Engineering Track – IDS – (old)

Overview and Objectives

The “Healthcare Device Engineering” (IDS) program aims to equip students with a theoretical and practical mastery of technological concepts and devices applied to the biomedical field. Jointly accredited by the University of Montpellier 1 (Faculty of Medicine) and the University of Montpellier 2 (Faculty of Sciences), the program is led by a team of faculty members from both institutions. The educational and professional objectives of the specialization aim to provide students with a high-level scientific education by equipping them with the skills necessary to conceptualize and develop systems in the field of electronics applied to medicine. In particular, the program aims to:

• Provide students with a high-level scientific education
• Provide theoretical knowledge to enable the conceptualization of systems in the environmental, health, and medical fields
• Train students in the management of scientific/medical and industrial/medical projects
• Introduce students to careers in research

To achieve this goal, students are provided with a foundation of basic knowledge through courses in analog and digital electronics, as well as signal processing (analog, digital, and image). The concepts covered are then expanded upon in more specialized course units (UEs) that draw on the expertise of several Montpellier-based research laboratories heavily involved in the program [4-6]. These modules cover, among other topics, sensors and biomedical instrumentation, medical robotics, neuro-prosthetics, and the modeling and control of human movement.

In addition, career-oriented modules enable students to develop skills in scientific/medical and industrial project management or to gain an introduction to research careers in the health sector.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

The IDS program is designed to meet the growing demand from medical professionals for professionals capable of working at the intersection of medicine and engineering in the broadest sense. Due to the inherently multidisciplinary nature of these fields, student recruitment is conducted within three streams corresponding to the program’s core areas of expertise: Biology, Electronics, and Health. Consequently,anyone holding a bachelor’s degree (L3) or equivalent in Biology, Environmental and Earth Sciences (EEA), Health, or Sports Science (STAPS) may apply for admission to the first year of the Master’s program. Similarly, admission to the second year is based on application review, and opportunities for Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience (VAE) are available for students in continuing education.

In summary:

• For the M1 program: Bachelor’s degree (L3) or equivalent in biology, health sciences, sports science, or environmental science.
• For the M2 program: Completion of the M1 program in the relevant field, based on the applicant’s academic record.
• The program is open to adult learners and offers opportunities for the Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience (RPL).

Further education

Opportunities to pursue doctoral studies. The Montpellier-based laboratories involved in the program include, among others:

• Southern Institute of Electronics (IES),
• Charles Coulomb Laboratory (L2C),
• Montpellier Laboratory of Computer Science, Robotics, and Microelectronics (LIRMM).
• Movement to Health (M2H) Laboratory.

Career Opportunities

The “Healthcare Device Engineering” specialization trains professionals to work in research and development, production, or maintenance departments within companies or institutions in the healthcare sector. At the intersection of “Information and Communication Sciences and Technologies” and “Healthcare,” graduates will take on roles requiring strong scientific, technical, and interpersonal skills, combined with a solid understanding of living systems. They will thus contribute to providing technical advice to teams designing and marketing biomedical equipment, as well as to training users (doctors, medical staff) during the commissioning of devices. Employers are generally companies with an international market presence that have invested heavily in the research and development of this equipment and must comply with the very strict quality and reliability standards imposed on medical devices. Target career paths include, among others, Technical Advisor, Application Engineer, or Technical Sales Representative. Opportunities in research are also available, as the Master’s program is accredited as both “Professional” and “Research.”

In terms of job roles: R&D Engineer, Researcher, Biomedical Engineer, Application Engineer, Technical Advisor, Technical Sales Representative …