The Beginnings of a Subject on the “Development of Medical Devices” within the “European Higher Education Area” Framework

Abstract

The subject “Development of Medical Devices” first appeared in Spain as part of the Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering of Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, as a way of responding to the needs of industry in matters concerning the development of diagnostic and therapeutic devices, and was first taught on the 2007-08 and 2008-09 academic courses.

This work sets out the learning objectives, subject matter, teaching methods and the knowledge distribution. Also set out are the outcomes of the first teaching experience and the proposals for improvements. The subject has been designed to comply with the criteria of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) whose foundations were laid down in the Bologna Declaration. The action taken to encourage students to actively participate in their own learning is also explained.

The use of CAD-CAE-CAM tools and the rapid prototyping and manufacturing technologies that are available in the Machine Engineering Division’s laboratories, have helped to develop and teach the subject while at the same time have brought students a taste of what actual Industry is like, thereby providing added value to their training. These technologies have enabled study cases to be carried out associated with the full development of medical devices.