Denominated entry undergraduate programmes
Galway Mayo IT: cert in engineering (medical device manufacturing); 1999 cut-off points, 140.
NUI Galway: biomedical engineering (1999 cut-off, 485 points); engineering - common entry with a specialism in biomedical engineering (1999 cut-off, 465 points);
DCU: medical mechanical engineering (1999 cut-off, 335 points); engineering - common entry mechanical and manufacturing with a specialism in medical mechanical engineering (1999 cut-off, 335 points).
UL: mechanical engineering (with major options in materials and design and biomedical engineering); 1999 cut-off, 435 points
Other routes
A glance through the CAO handbook will show you that there are many engineering programmes (degrees, diplomas and certificates) on offer in the universities and institutes of technology. Most engineering programmes would make a useful starting point. You will need a minimum of a higher-level C3 in maths to get a place on an ab-initio engineering degree and some programmes have even higher requirements.
Employment
About 15,000 people are working in biomedical engineering and probably a similar number of people working in the provision of service and supplies.
Some 10 per cent of those working directly in the field are engineers specialising in research and development, manufacturing, quality assurance and regulatory work.
About 60 medical device manufacturing companies are based in Ireland with medical device exports now accounting for 4 per cent of Ireland's GDP.
The Rehabilitation Engineering Lab at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dublin, was founded by Professor Annroai de Paor, head of the electrical engineering department in UCD. It seeks to "channel the abilities of students and staff at UCD into the service of disabled people and those who care for them," writes de Paor in the Engi- neers' Journal, January 2000.
Professional organisation
The Institution of Engineers of Ireland, 22, Clyde Road, Dublin 4. Tel: (01) 668 4341. Website: www.iei.ie
The January issue of The Engineers' Journal includes an extensive focus on biomedical engineering.
