The University of California, Irvine Extension has announced plans to offer a Medical Systems Engineering Specialized Studies Program to begin this spring in order to meet the demand of the estimated 2,700 life science companies located in California.

            The program will equip professionals working in the life sciences industry with fundamentals of biomedical engineering. All courses will be taught by local medical engineering professionals who can offer insight into the burgeoning profession. Three of the program’s courses were created to address key industry topics. These include best practices in managing the biomedical engineering process, application development, and identifying technologies applicable to the development of innovation.

            “Reports have shown that biomedical engineering is one of the fastest growing occupations, with an estimated growth of more than 40% over the next five years,” explains Rogelio C. Rodriguez, director of engineering and science programs at UC Irvine Extension. “I believe by implementing this focused program curriculum, UC Irvine Extension will foster the development of new technologies and a better-rounded work force. The expectation is that businesses will benefit by gaining well-educated employees who are capable of critical thinking.”

            The first class, “Medical Device Design and Evaluation,” will be held May 5 to 17 at the UCI Learning Center. The course will explore design of medical devices through a layered approach, examining physiological mechanisms, applicable biomedical sensors and actuators, as well as control processing power requirements. It is intended to expose students to the real-life needs for medical devices, including mortality and morbidity.

            “Software-Controlled Medical Devices” will further students’ understanding of FDA regulatory requirements and how they relate to appropriate software engineering practices for medical-device software development. Students will gain knowledge of how to evaluate key software engineering activities against FDA guidelines. The course will be offered from May 30 and 31 at the UCI Learning Center.

            “Design of Experiments for Superior Product and Process Performance,” May 2 to 17 at the UCI Learning Center, will discuss how to use Design of Experiments (DOE) to dramatically improve product and process innovation, effectiveness and efficiency. Additionally, students will learn how to optimize product and process performance, and reduce variation and increase robustness of product performance.

            UC Irvine Extension’s Medical Systems Engineering Specialized Studies Program serves to provide professionals with knowledgeable information on medical device creation and implementation. Those seeking to fulfill the program must complete a minimum of three courses. For more information, contact Rogelio C. Rodriguez at (949) 824-5380 or visit www.extension.uci.edu for course descriptions and schedules.