Biomedical Systems Engineering – Major of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology

Important application note: applicants must apply to the Master’s programme in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Once admitted and enrolled in that programme, students may select the Biomedical Systems Engineering major (one of five majors offered: Biomedical Systems Engineering, Communications Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering, Micro- and Nanoelectronics, Systems and Automation).

This interdisciplinary major applies electrical engineering and information/communication technology methods to medical and biological problems. The curriculum builds a solid biomedical engineering foundation while emphasising systems-level electrical engineering skills — for example control systems, communication techniques, and measurement/visualisation of biomedical systems for both fundamental and clinical use. Students gain advanced competence in signal processing for acquisition, optimisation and analysis of biomedical data, supported by system engineering and mathematical, statistical, multi-scale, and computational modelling and optimisation methods.

Graduates leave with a research-oriented profile and domain-specific expertise spanning electrical engineering, ICT and engineering physiology, enabling them to apply engineering principles and design thinking to medical and biological applications and to understand diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments. Typical research areas include organ systems physiology, medical imaging, measurement devices, robotics, learning and knowledge-based systems, and visualisation — preparing students for roles in research, medical-device development, clinical technology, and related sectors.

Key graduate skills and outcomes

• Interpret real-world technical-scientific problems, formulate them precisely, and communicate them to specialists and non-specialists
• Analyse engineering and technology challenges and develop viable technical solutions
• Assess the impact of design choices across a product’s life cycle
• Present results clearly and professionally in writing and orally using current technical terminology
• Communicate effectively in both English and their native language

Program structure and focus The full-time Master's runs over four semesters (two years) and may be begun in either semester. The curriculum combines compulsory and mandatory‑elective modules that define the programme’s technical profile, supplemented by extensive laboratory classes, project work and seminars. Students can also choose courses from other Master’s programmes within the faculty and from the wider university offering, including options in economics, soft skills and languages. All students must complete a "Scientific Integrity" module to ensure adherence to ethical standards in research.

Key modules and learning outcomes Core‑department modules are compulsory (minimum 20 ECTS) and, together with the mandatory/mandatory‑elective modules, develop advanced knowledge in electrical engineering and biomedical systems. Practical elements — laboratory work, semester and Master’s projects, and excursions — build hands‑on experimental and design skills. The Master’s thesis is an independent, predefined research project carried out over six months and finished with an oral presentation and defence, consolidating the ability to plan, execute and communicate scientific work. Elective choices and cross‑programme courses provide interdisciplinary breadth (e.g., economics, languages, professional skills), while a required period of industrial experience embeds real‑world application.

Teaching formats and additional information Instruction uses a mix of lectures, tutorials, seminars and compact intensive courses to teach theory, problem solving and scientific argumentation. Practical competence is reinforced through lab work closely tied to lectures and through small‑group or individual project work. Module catalogues and a visual breakdown of credit requirements are available as PDF downloads for detailed planning.

Requirements (at a glance)

• Standard study duration: 4 full‑time semesters (2 years); programme may start in either semester
• Total credits required: 120 ECTS
• Core department modules: at least 20 ECTS (mandatory)
• Master’s thesis: 6 months, includes oral presentation and defence
• Mandatory module: "Scientific Integrity"
• Minimum industrial experience/practical placement: 18 weeks
• German language courses compulsory if no proof of at least B1 level
• Wide range of elective courses available across the faculty and university (including economics, soft skills and languages)

Graduates are prepared for technical and research roles where engineering meets medicine and biology. Typical career paths include medical device and instrumentation companies, clinical engineering and hospital technology departments, imaging and diagnostics industry, robotics and rehabilitation technology firms, and research institutions focused on biomedical signal processing, modelling and visualisation.

The programme also supports transition to doctoral studies and research-oriented roles, thanks to its emphasis on modelling, optimisation, systems engineering and hands-on laboratory and project experience.