Master's in Science and Digital Technologies for Health

Healthcare Device Engineering – IDS

Introduction and Objectives

The “Engineering Devices for Health” (IDS) specialty aims to train students in the theoretical and practical mastery of concepts and technological devices applied to biomedicine. Jointly accredited by the Montpellier Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Sciences, the program is supervised by a team of faculty members and researchers from both institutions. The educational and professional objectives of the specialization are to provide students with high-level scientific training by equipping them with the skills to conceptualize and implement systems in the field of applied electronics in medicine. In particular, the program aims to:

  • Provide students with a high level of scientific training,
  • Provide theoretical skills to enable the conceptualization of electronic and medical systems,
  • Train the student in the management of scientific/medical and industrial/medical projects,
  • Introduce students to research careers.

To achieve these objectives, students are provided with a foundational knowledge base through courses in analog electronics, digital electronics, and signal processing (analog, digital, and image). The concepts studied are then expanded upon within the framework of more specialized teaching units (TU) and incorporate the expertise of several research laboratories in Montpellier that are heavily involved in training [4-6]. These modules cover, among other topics, sensors and biomedical instrumentation, medical robotics, neuroprostheses, and the modeling and control of human movement.

Professionalization modules also enable students to acquire project management skills in scientific, medical, and industrial contexts, or to learn about research careers in the health fields.

Terms of Access

The IDS program aims to meet a growing demand from professionals in the medical field—specifically executives likely to serve as a bridge between the fields of medicine and engineering in the broadest sense. Due to the inherently multidisciplinary nature of these fields, student recruitment takes place across three areas corresponding to the program’s main areas of expertise: biology, electronics, and health. Therefore, anyone with a bachelor’s degree (L3) or equivalent in Biology, Electronics, 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 a review of the applicant’s academic record. Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) is available for students in continuing education.

In summary:

  • In M1: L3 or an equivalent program in biology, health sciences, sports science, or electronics.
  • In M2: M1 has been validated in the field; the results are on file.
  • The program is open to the public for continuing education and offers opportunities for the Validation of Acquired and Professional Experience (VAE).

Continuing education

Opportunities for pursuing doctoral studies. The Montpellier laboratories involved in the training program include, among others:

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

Opportunities

The “Health Devices Engineering” specialization trains professionals who will work in research and development, production, or maintenance departments at companies or institutions in the health sector. At the intersection of “Information and Communication Sciences and Technologies” and “Health,” graduates will take on roles requiring strong scientific, technical, and interpersonal skills, combined with a solid understanding of living systems. They will thus provide technical guidance to biomedical equipment design and marketing teams and train users (medical staff) during the commissioning of devices. Employers are generally companies operating in international markets that have invested heavily in research and development and must comply with the very stringent quality and reliability standards imposed on medical devices. Potential roles include Technical Advisor, Application Engineer, and Technical Sales Representative. Opportunities for research are also available, as the Master’s program is designated as both “Professional” and “Research.”

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