Would you like to improve healthcare by developing and applying new technologies? To decrease the number of patients through preventive technology? Or to find safer solutions to treat patients?
Researcher and designer
Biomedical engineers, who are trained on the crossroads of engineering and medical and biological sciences, are required to realize future health care. As a student, you will be trained to work in multidisciplinary teams, to have a broad overview, to create innovative devices and to perform research that forms a basis for better and more sustainable healthcare (in terms of costs and manpower). You will be both researcher and designer, the best basis for an academic professional.
Real-life problems
You will study topics in the field of imaging techniques (like MRI, PET,CT), medical robot design, prosthetics and orthotics, implants and artificial organs, tissue engineering and biomaterials, as well as aspects of medical ethics. During the programme, you will work on real-life problems, such as designing artificial heart valves that last longer, studying the process of joint implant ingrowth by bone, automatic analysis of MRI images to check for abnormalities.
Different backgrounds
You will learn to communicate and collaborate with engineers, physicians, biologists and biochemists, all with different backgrounds. This is necessary for research and design of new diagnostic and therapeutic devices and techniques that are required in healthcare. In addition, you will also learn to focus on preventive devices and techniques to allow older citizens a healthy ageing; stay healthy as long as possible.
| CoursesCourse Catalog > |
|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology |
| Biomaterials 1 |
| Biomechanics |
| Calculus 1 |
| Design of Biomedical Products 1 |
| Linear Algebra for BME |
| Mammalian Cell Biology |
| Materials Science |
| Microbiology for BME |
| Molecules of Life for BME |
| Physics Lab for BME, including Ethics 1 |
| Statistics 1 for BME |
| CoursesCourse Catalog > |
|---|
| Design of Biomedical Products 2, including Ethics |
| Dynamics and Vibrations |
| Electives, e.g. Surface Characterization; Biological Physics; Imaging lab 1 |
| Electricity and Magnetism |
| Physics and Technology of Medical Imaging |
| Python and Numerical Methods |
| Signals and Systems |
| Thermodynamics |
| Wave and Optics |
| CoursesCourse Catalog > |
|---|
| Bachelor's Research Project |
| Cell Biology and Immunology |
| Electives, e.g. Biomedical Sensors; Imaging lab 2; Physicochemical Concepts in Bionanotechnology |
| Electronics |
| Minor, including specializations into Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Medical Device Design, and Medical Imaging |
| Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine |
In the first year you learn basic knowledge and skills in engineering science, including physics, mathematics, and supplemented with biology and design. In the diagram above you see some courses you can expect.
In the second year you will be further trained as a biomedical engineer and you will be introduced to Imaging Techniques (MRI, CT), Designing Medical Devices and Biomaterials for Implants and Tissue Engineering. In the third year you choose one of these directions to specialize in. You gain experience in research and with R&D. You complete your bachelor's degree with your own research or design implementation.
A bachelor's program consists of 180 credits, so-called ECTS. There are 60 ECTS per year; most subjects consist of 5 ECTS
Please be advised that students of the Faculty of Science and Engineering are expected to adhere to our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, ensuring seamless integration of personal electronic devices for academic purposes. For more detailed information on our BYOD policy, please visit our webpage .wiskunde B + natuurkunde
wiskunde B + natuurkunde + scheikunde
wiskunde B + natuurkunde + scheikunde
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| additional subject |
Biology is not mandatory but highly recommended. |
| language test |
Language proficiency certificate for English (except for applicants with a Dutch pre-university education (VWO) as well as the exemptions listed on the language exemptions webpage). More information: https://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/bsc/language |
| other admission requirements |
Before you apply! When you cannot fulfil the vwo requirement, due to deficient profile or if you want to be admitted on the basis of a successfully passed first year of HBO or colloquium doctum, you need to submit an additional admission request via the Admission Board Bachelor programmes. Please go to this website for more information. |
The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Although the advice is not binding participation is compulsory. More information about matching: https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/matching
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
Secondary education equivalent to Dutch pre-university (vwo) is required. A list of qualifications that are considered equivalent to pre-university education in the Netherlands can be found here: https://www.rug.nl/education/application-enrolment-tuition-fees/admission/procedures/application-informatie/with-non-dutch-diploma/entry-requirements/bachelor-entry-requirements/vwo-equivalent-qualifications If you have any questions concerning admission to the programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/education/application-enrolment-tuition-fees/contact/ |
| additional subject |
Sufficient background knowledge in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry is required. The Admissions Board will determine whether your background knowledge in these subjects is sufficient to start the Bachelor's degree programme of your choice. Biology is not mandatory but highly recommended. |
| language test |
You will need to submit proof of English proficiency in accordance with the requirements of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Please find our English language requirements (exemptions, IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge and more) on this page: https://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/bsc/language |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 19300 | full-time |
Practical information for:
Once you have completed the three-year Bachelor's programme and have your degree, you may continue with the Master's degree programme to study the Biomedical engineering field in greater depth. A Bachelor's degree in BME qualifies you for the Master's degree programme in Biomedical engineering at Groningen (or the equivalent at another Dutch university). After completion of the Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, there are numerous employment possibilities.
The multidisciplinary nature of Biomedical Engineering adds significantly to employment possibilities in both research, design and management-oriented jobs. Biomedical engineers may contribute to research, or to the design of innovative products, to business, managerial, quality and regulatory aspects of biomedical engineering and to a safe introduction of technology and devices in hospitals. Biomedical Engineers are also experts who may advise on the development of long-term strategies and policies in the field of biomedical engineering:
Examples after completion of the Master’s degree programme in Biomedical Engineering:* In the industry, a BME alumnus can become a member of the
R&D-department, work on new product development or improve
existing ones. In large companies biomedical engineers are educated
to organize clinical trials in hospitals.
* In universities or research institutes a biomedical engineer can
work as a PhD-student for 4 years on a scientific project, e.g.
evaluation of new diagnostic imaging techniques or implant
prototypes. Another possibility as PhD-student is to work on the
application of new therapeutic techniques in oncology or design of
new prostheses.
* In hospitals a biomedical engineer can work as a safety officer
to increase patient safety by introducing training sessions for
using new diagnostic tools or new artificial organs.
* Government organizations can hire BME alumni to work on
certification of new medical devices, new Master’s
programmes, or new legislation.
* When you follow the Diagnostic Imaging & Instrumentation
track in the BME Master’s, you are eligible to start a post
academic Dutch-taught training in Medical Physics. As a
medical physicist you are a clinical specialist in health care with
practical knowledge of physics and technology. You are responsible
for the safe and responsible introduction of new and existing
medical equipment and technology for optimization of diagnostic
imaging and treatment.
* You can become an entrepreneur, start your own company to further
develop the medical device that you designed during your
Master’s project, patent it, write a business plan and
finally bring it to the market
Within the Bachelor's and Master's programmes Biomedical Engineering you can conduct research within the following areas:
Medical Imaging
The Medical Imaging track concerns both Medical Imaging and Medical Instrumentation.
Medical Imaging focuses on the visualisation of structures and processes within the human body. It ranges from the visualisation of metabolic processes within a cell, up to the measurement of electrical activity in the cortex. Nowadays, a wide variety of imaging techniques is used, such as X-ray and CT, MRI, PET and ultrasound cameras for the medium and large scale (down to 1 mm). Different types of optical and electron microscopes cover the range toward micrometre or even nanometre scale. A further topic is radiation therapy.
Medical Instrumentation is concerned with non-imaging equipment and control systems. Examples include surgical technologies, anesthesia equipment, non-invasive diagnostic equipment using light, and instruments for the measurement of parameters of body functions, as used in an intensive care environment. Other important topics concern modelling of physiological processes and the physiology of bioelectrical phenomena at the cellular or organ level, such as in muscle tissue or the neural system.
Medical Device Design
To restore body functions, research and design is performed on implants, artificial organs and prostheses. For prevention of health decline, sensor systems can be designed to allow citizens to self-monitor their health condition (e.g. their stress and sleep condition); intervention systems can be designed to improve the condition of citizens (e.g. via a balance and muscle strength trainer). ICT plays an important role in gathering and processing sensor data and advising the best interventions for an individual using self-learning decision support systems.
For improved diagnostics, innovative diagnostic instruments can be designed that are smaller, faster, more accurate, or cheaper. New technologies can be selected that make entire new instrumentation possible.
Biomaterials Science and Engineering
All implants must be biocompatible, which means that they are accepted by the body and do not evoke a rejection reaction. Interactions between body cells and biomaterials therefore are an important field of study in the realisation of high quality implants. Biomaterials can also be biodegradable, which means that they are slowly broken down into harmless substances in the body. At present, new tissue engineering techniques for the restoration of tissue structures are being developed.
I'm especially drawn to the idea of designing medical devices that can help people take control of their own health
Studying biomedical engineering at the University of Groningen has been an incredible experience for me. Over the past three years, I have had the opportunity to delve into a wide range of disciplines, from biology and physics to computer science and materials engineering. What I love most about this programme is how multidisciplinary it is, allowing me to gain a truly holistic understanding of the field and its potential applications.
One aspect of my studies that I find particularly fascinating is the design work. It's amazing to see how the theories and concepts we learn in the classroom can be applied to real-world problems, and how we can use engineering principles to create medical devices that improve people's lives. I'm especially drawn to the idea of designing medical devices that can help people take control of their own health, and ultimately make healthcare more affordable and accessible to everyone.
Outside of my studies, I've had plenty of time to pursue my other passions. Groningen is an amazing city that offers so many opportunities for sports and other activities. In fact, I've been able to stay active by participating in a number of sports leagues and clubs, and have taken on a part-time job to help me finance my studies.
But what really sets the University of Groningen apart, in my opinion, is the sense of community and support that I've found here. The study association has been an incredible resource, providing me with everything from study materials and mentorship to social events and networking opportunities. And my professors and peers have been incredibly supportive and encouraging, pushing me to achieve my best while also helping me stay grounded and focused.
Overall, I would recommend the University of Groningen to anyone interested in biomedical engineering
What I appreciate most about the programme is the project-based learning approach
Being a student can mean so much more than just studying
Hello! My name is Thomas Westerhuis, I am a 22-year-old student and I have been living in Groningen for four and a half years. I started studying at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences, where I did the Bachelor's programme in Biology and Medical Laboratory Research.
During those years, I developed a love for the complexity that life has to offer. The unlimited processes that need to work together flawlessly to keep the biological cell functioning have always inspired my awe and wonder. Based on these interests, it was only natural to start the Life Science and Technology programme at the University of Groningen.
Besides studying, Groningen has a lot of different aspects to offer to give you a full student life. During your studies, you can embark on various social, sport, or other activities which allow you to meet a lot of different people. As for me, I became enthused by GLV Idun, the study association for the Biology, Biomedical Engineering, and Life Science and Technology programmes. This year I became part of the board as chair of the association. As chairman, it is my job to manage the association and the board. My main occupation is making sure that the day-to-day tasks are fulfilled, but I also ensure that we reach the goals set in our policy, and make sure that we keep track of our long-term vision.
I would recommend that you become active during your time at the University, as being a student can mean so much more than just studying. Whether you join a committee, a board, or a student assistantship at the University. Judging from my own experience, such positions can greatly benefit your personal, social, and organizational skills. Above all, I want to emphasize that it is also a lot of fun to take these kinds of responsibilities.
You will be offered study advice after the first year of study. You can expect a positive result if you have earned more than 45 ECTS credit points (out of a total of 60 ECTS). If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative result, you will not be allowed to continue with your degree programme.
You will receive preliminary study advice in December to make sure that you know where you stand. Please contact your study advisor as soon as possible if you have any questions about the BSA system. N.B. Some degree programmes use a tutoring system; please check with your study advisor.
