The most exciting research developments often occur at the interface between different disciplines. So says Professor Frank Imbusch of NUI Galway who heads the college's new biomedical engineering science research centre. With £15.5 million to spend, the new centre, to be completed in 2001, should be "just wonderful". Fundamental questions arising in biology and medicine will be answered using technologies from other disciplines. There are already 21 projects up and running in temporary accommodation.

Researchers are drawn from a variety of disciplines - chemistry, physics, electronic and mechanical engineering, microbiology. NUI Galway is putting two new postgraduate programmes together - in bioengineering and biomedical science.

So, finding your way into the field of biomedical engineering may involve a basic science or computing or engineering degree, possibly topped up with a postgraduate qualification.

In recent years, four colleges are also offering undergraduate programmes. NUI Galway has a degree in biomedical engineering which may be accessed on a direct-entry basis or via an undenominated engineering programme. Prof Sean McNamara explains that some biomedical courses were added to mechanical engineering two years ago. Of the 18 graduates (who left NUIG last summer) 12 are employed locally.

At DCU students can enter the medical mechanical engineering programme via a direct-entry route or through a common-entry mechanical and manufacturing degree. Both programmes began last September. Although the context, examples and case studies come from the medical device world, Dr Brian McNamara of DCU says it is all underpinned by basic mechanical engineering so graduates should be able to diversify. There is a six-month work placement in third year.

Medical mechanical engineering is a "very exciting hybrid. The application is tangible; everybody can relate to health and healthcare", says McNamara.

Galway Mayo IT has a new certificate in medical device manufacturing. Introduced last year, there are currently two first-year classes - one full-time, one part-time.

The course has been developed to satisfy the needs of local industry, says course director Dr Patrick Delassus.

First year is broad based while second year focuses on medical devices, he says. There are plans for an add-on diploma, which may be more design based.

At UL, the mechanical engineering degree includes options in mechanical engineering, materials and design and biomedical engineering. At the end of the second year, students do an industrial placement. During this placement, they are asked to choose which stream they wish to pursue.

The college's survey of graduate destinations (1998 graduates surveyed in April 1999) shows 37 mechanical engineering graduates in employment in Ireland, six in employment overseas with four graduates doing research or further study. Two graduates were seeking employment at the time of the survey.