Addis Ababa University

Program Specification Sheet

1. 1. Program title: PhD in Biomedical Engineering Program code:

2. Program Description: The PhD program provides the opportunity for research and development in
biomedical engineering, particularly in selected focus areas: Bio-instrumentation and Imaging and Bio-
rehabilitation,. Advanced courses in the focus areas and other support courses such as Research Ethics are
included in the curriculum to enable the students concentrate in their area.

3. Course Work ECTS: : 30 ECTS

4. Program duration (in years): Four (4) Years

5. Mode of delivery: Full-time

6. Teaching institution: Addis Ababa University

7. College/Institute: Addis Ababa Institute of Technology

8. Department/School: School of Biomedical Engineering and Computing

9. Entrance requirements: MSc in Biomedical Engineering for direct admission, or in relevant fields
through bridge courses. Additional requirements such as entrance examination may be set by the School.

10. Program Aims: To produce the manpower in the field of Biomedical Engineering who can contribute
to modern healthcare services through development and application of healthcare technologies.

11. Intended learning outcomes of the program: Ability to be engaged in advanced research and
development activities as well as manpower development in line with the needs of Country.

12. Teaching and learning approaches: Design Project, Lecture, Tutorial, Lab Exercise

13. Assessment Strategies: Independent Paper Presentation, Experimental Demonstrations, and Written
Examinations

14. Program content and structure: The overall PhD program includes 19 ECTS of taught course work, 14
ETCS of seminar courses, and the independent PhD Dissertation course (30 ECTS). All the courses are
believed to help the candidate cover current important research activities with which the direction of the
dissertation is refined. As part of the requirement for graduation, the PhD candidate should produce a
minimum of two peer reviewed articles that are published or accepted for publication on a reputable
peer-reviewed local or international journal.

15. Course Description: Attached

16. Availability of Adequate and Qualified Faculty: The core staffs including PhD and MSc holders as well
as the Faculty from collaborating departments and schools are more than required to carry out the
teaching and research activities.

17. Governance and management of programs: Addis Ababa University, Institute of Technology, School of
Biomedical Engineering and Computing.

18. Resources: Biomedical Engineering Labs, Classrooms, Computing Facilities, and Library

19. Indicators of quality and standards: Feedback from Alumina, International Ranking, and Internal
Evaluation are the major indicators of quality and standards.

20. Mechanisms to evaluate and improve quality and standards: Accreditation of Program
 ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY

Addis Ababa Institute of Technology

School of Biomedical Engineering and Computing

Curriculum

for

Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering

December 2017
 Table of Contents

1. Background and Introduction ................................................................................................ 2

2. Rationale of the Program .......................................................................................................... 3

3. Objectives of the Program ........................................................................................................ 3

4. Areas of Specialization .............................................................................................................. 4

5. Graduate Profile............................................................................................................................ 4

6. Program Requirements .............................................................................................................. 4

6.1 Admission Requirements ............................................................................. 4

6.2 Graduation Requirements ............................................................................ 5

6.3 Duration of Program ..................................................................................... 6

7. Teaching & Learning Method ................................................................................................ 7

8. Degree Nomenclature ................................................................................................................ 7

9. Quality Assurance ....................................................................................................................... 8

10. Course Listing & Schedule....................................................................................................... 8

10.1 Courses for Bridge Semester ........................................................................ 8

10.2 PhD Courses ................................................................................................... 9

10.3 Core Sequence ................................................................................................ 9

11. Course Descriptions .................................................................................................................. 10

12. Staff Profile .................................................................................................................................... 11

13. Facilities .......................................................................................................................................... 12

14. Academic Collaborations ....................................................................................................... 13

 Curriculum for PhD in Biomedical Engineering (Page 2)

1. Background and Introduction

Biomedical engineering is widely known to be a multidisciplinary field of study

with major components of engineering and life science leading to various
specializations, including but not limited to, bio-instrumentation, medical
imaging, bio-mechanics and rehabilitation, biomaterials and tissue engineering,
bio-signal and image processing, bio-informatics, health and medical informatics.

The need for biomedical engineers in the health sector transformation plan
translates into more universities running at least the undergraduate program.
Jimma University is recognized as a pioneer for launching the BSc program in
Biomedical Engineering. Recently, the university has also approved MSc
programs in the same field and it is now in full swing.

The Center of Biomedical Engineering in AAiT is recognized as pioneer for

launching the MSc program in Biomedical Engineering. It is currently running
both BSc and MSc programs, the later in two programs of study: Bio-
instrumentation and Bio-rehabilitation. As of the second semester of 2016/2017
AY, Hawassa University and Gondar University have started the BSc programs in
Biomedical Engineering and more universities are expected to follow suit.

Clearly, there is staff development issue which must be handled by the pioneer
institutions, Jimma University and Addis Ababa University. In addition, the
health sector transformation plan has given attention for local manufacturing of
medical equipments. Manufacturing requires PhD holders to do research and
development. It is high time for the School of Biomedical Engineering and
Computing to launch the PhD program. Preparatory works have been carried out
in collaboration with University of Oulu and Tampere University of Technology,
Finland, and University of Cape Town (South Africa) as part of the NUFFIC
supported NICHE/ETH-246 Teaching and Research Capacity Building Project.

The PhD program, envisaged for launch as of the fall of 2017, provides

School of Biomedical Engineering and Computing (2017)

 Curriculum for PhD in Biomedical Engineering (Page 3)

opportunity to further study in most of the areas, particularly those relevant to

the local needs.

2. Rationale of the Program

The basic rationale for the PhD program in Biomedical Engineering is the
prevailing conditions in the country with respect to the crucial need for teaching
and research staff required for the accelerated economical and technological
development of the country, especially, in the health sector.

The demand for PhD program in Biomedical Engineering is mainly to improve

the staff profile of the regional universities, and to promote research and
development required for technological and economical development of the
country in the sector. Furthermore, there is high government ambition as part of
the GTP plan to open biomedical manufacturing industries in the country in the
coming years, which heavily requires availability of calibers beyond MSc level
that could satisfy the required personnel to support the relevant industry.

3. Objectives of the Program

Objectives of the program are to:

 lay the foundation for an education system that can produce a new
generation of biomedical engineers to meet the challenges of the future;

 create, develop, and disseminate new knowledge in Biomedical

engineering;

 provide leadership in fostering interdisciplinary education and research

programs that are fundamental to overcoming local challenges;

 avail high level experts that could lead the proposed Biomedical
manufacturing industries to be erected in the coming years thereby
accelerating the national health development; and

 provide national and international leadership to the biomedical

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 Curriculum for PhD in Biomedical Engineering (Page 4)

engineering profession that is increasingly being driven by advances in

technology.

4. Areas of Specialization

The research areas of the PhD program identified are:

- Bio-Instrumentation and Imaging
- Bio-Rehabilitation

5. Graduate Profile

Graduates are expected to be able to:

Teach in higher education in specialization area of the program;

Identify relevant research topics and undertake independent research;

Provide consultancy and advisory services in more specialized areas;

Participate in the research development activities for local manufacturing

of medical devices;

6. Program Requirements

6.1 Admission Requirements

Candidate must meet the general application and admission policy of

Addis Ababa University.

Applicants with M.Sc. degree in Biomedical Engineering from a

recognized university can apply directly into the PhD program and
provisionally registered until they pass the qualifying examination.

Applicants with M.Sc. degree in relevant field of study from a recognized

university can be given provisional admission on a case-by-case basis, in
which case a maximum of one semester of bridge courses (30 ECTS) may
be subscribed before they sit for qualifying examination.

Candidate should have a draft proposal of his/her PhD dissertation topic

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 Curriculum for PhD in Biomedical Engineering (Page 5)

that is accepted by at least one associate professor of the school and

approved by the School Academic Council to register for the PhD
Dissertation.

Candidates should fulfill all requirements set by School Academic Council

(SAC) before he/she is fully accepted as PhD Candidate and decision of
admission is made by the SAC.

6.2 Graduation Requirements

Course Work:

 The candidate completes a minimum of 30 ECTS, which includes three

taught courses and two PhD seminars (6 ECTS each), and with scores
above the minimum allowed in the graduate program,

 Candidate with background from relevant fields of study, may be required

to complete five bridge courses (30 ECTS) from the MSc program,

 The student may audit additional courses as recommended by the

supervisor and approved by the SAC,

 The candidate has to complete his/her PhD dissertation.

Publication:

 Candidate should produce a minimum of two peer reviewed international

papers that are published or accepted for publication on a reputable peer-
reviewed local or international journal.

Dissertation

 The dissertation must be an achievement in original research constituting a

significant contribution to knowledge, and must represent a substantial
scholarly effort by the student.

 Upon completion of the dissertation, an oral defense is required, which

consists of a public presentation of the work to the school and the
Examination Board.

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 The Dissertation is evaluated by Dissertation Committee to be established

by School AC and recommended for its readiness.

 The School AC approves and endorses the recommendation of the

committee when it finds the recommendation is substantiated by evidence.

 The Examination Board for the dissertation is officially formed by the SAC
which consists of five members (Stream chair, the supervisor/s, one
internal examiner, one external examiner, if possible from abroad) with the
school Dean as chairperson.

 The supervisors recommend internal and external examiners and the SAC
approves.

 Examination should be scheduled at least 3 months after the final

dissertation document is submitted.

 The standard and quality of the dissertation is defined in detail by another

regulation of the Institute.

 The following grades can be given by the Examination Board:

 Excellent

 Very Good

 Good

 Satisfactory

 Unsatisfactory

6.3 Duration of Program

The duration for the completion of a PhD program shall be four years except
in the case where it can be established that a candidate can complete the PhD
program in three years without compromising University academic
standards. Extension of the duration of study to maximum of six years may be
allowed as per the Senate Legislation.

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7. Teaching & Learning Method

The Ph.D. program is conducted using all or some of the following teaching

and learning methods:

 Lecturing

 Experimentation and Research

 Self-study

 Seminar

 Project

The PhD candidate shall have a supervisor assigned by the School Academic

Council (SAC). The supervisor shall have a rank of associate professor or

above. However, in case of staff shortage, the SAC may propose that assistant

professor holding PhD degree with merit supervise a PhD student as stated in

the Senate Legislation.

8. Degree Nomenclature

8.1 Program 1

The Degree of

Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering

(Bio-Instrumentation and Imaging)

የዶክትሬት ዲግሪ በባዮሜዲካል ምህንድስና

(ባዮኢንስትሩመንቴሽን ኤንድ ኢሜጂንግ)

8.2 Program 2

The Degree of

Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering

(Bio-Rehabilitation)

የዶክትሬት ዲግሪ በባዮሜዲካል ምህንድስና

(ባዮሪሃቢሊቴሽን)

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 Curriculum for PhD in Biomedical Engineering (Page 8)

9. Quality Assurance

Different quality assurance mechanisms are used to have a high level PhD
program both at national and international levels. The courses and seminar
courses offered have examinations to evaluate the student’s mastery of the
subjects. The School seeks international accreditation of the program.

Thesis evaluation is taken seriously at different levels such as at the setting of

objectives of the thesis, deliver of seminars at least once a semester to demonstrate
the progress, publication and presentation of findings, and final dissertation
defense. The student is required to present findings on professional conferences
and publish on peer reviewed reputable journals locally and encouraged to
publish on reputable international journal. If the research the student is working
on is an applied research relevant industries are invited to see and comment on
the progress made. Furthermore, the final dissertation is reviewed and the
student is to defend in front of external examiners who are specialists in the
subject.

The candidate is also encouraged and supported to participation in not less than
one international conference. Research visit(s) to relevant research laboratories are
also encouraged.

10. Course Listing & Schedule

10.1 Courses for Bridge Semester

Code Course Title ECTS

BMED-6002 Mathematical Methods in Biomedical Eng’g 7

Additional MSc Elective Courses (total of 4) 28

35

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 Curriculum for PhD in Biomedical Engineering (Page 9)

For PhD in candidates in Bio-instrumentation & Imaging Program, they will

take minimum of four MSc courses from Bio-Instrumentation and Imaging
program as decided by SAC

For PhD candidates in Bio-rehabilitation Program, they will take minimum

of four MSc courses from Bio-rehabilitation Program as decided by the SAC

10.2 PhD Courses

Code Course Title ECTS

BMED-8001 Current Researches in Biomedical Engineering 7

BMED-8003 Research Ethics 5

*********** Open Course 7

BMED-9005 Biomedical Engineering Seminar I 7

BMED-9006 Biomedical Engineering Seminar II 7

BMED-9007 Dissertation 30

10.3 Core Sequence

Code Course Title ECTS

Sem I

BMED-8001 Current Research in Biomedical Engineering 7

BMED-8003 Research Ethics 5

Sem II

******** Open Course 7

Sem III

BMED-9005 Biomedical Engineering Seminar I 7

Sem IV

BMED-9006 Biomedical Engineering Seminar II 7

Sem V – Sem VIII

BMED-9007 Dissertation 30

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 Curriculum for PhD in Biomedical Engineering (Page 10)

11. Course Descriptions

BMED-8001: Current Researches in Biomedical Engineering [7 ECTS]:

Independent review of current research activity in the area. Pre-requisite: BMEG-
6001 – (Mathematical Methods in Biomedical Engineering) and at least two MSc
level courses.

BMED-8003: Research Ethics [5 ECTS]: Examination of ethical issues in scientific

research; Reflection on the purpose of scientific research and a review of the
foundational principles used for evaluating ethical issues; Skills for survival in
scientific research through training in moral reasoning and teaching of
responsible conduct; Application of critical thinking skills to the design,
execution, and analysis of experiments and to the analysis of current ethical issues
in research: the use of animals and humans in research, ethical standards in the
computer community, and research fraud; Currently accepted guidelines for
behavior in areas such as data ownership, manuscript preparation, and conduct of
persons in authority. Pre-requisite: None

********: Open Course [7 ECTS]: This is an elective course with the objective of
introducing interdisciplinary course that supports thesis research work and is
subject to the approval by SAC in consultation with the Supervisor.

BMED-8005: Biomedical Engineering Seminar I [7 ECTS]: This course is meant

to give students practice of speaking in front of an audience and generate ideas on
issues related to a variety of applied research. Students conduct an in-depth study
of a research topic of their choice, discuss issues with experts in the field of
research, work in discussion groups, debate and solve problem on selected issues.
In the research seminar, the students are given an opportunity to integrate their
knowledge, skills and practical experience gained in the program. Note that this is
not necessarily about breaking down their PhD research works and presenting it
as Seminar; this is rather about looking at the broader view of the research area
and acquiring new knowledge and skill.

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BMEG-9006: Biomedical Engineering Seminar II [7 ECTS]: A continuation of

the previous seminar course focused on different areas of development. Pre-
requisite: BMED-8005.

BMED-9007: PhD Dissertation [ 30 ECTS ] Individual study, research and/or

laboratory investigations of selected topics in the specialty area under department
assigned supervisor; Preliminary Dissertation work should start latest by the
beginning of the third semester.

In order to run the program the proposed PhD programs, the following academic
staffs are available:

No. Name Academic Rank Field of Study

1 Dr. Frehiwot Woldehanna Assoc Professor Instrumentation Eng’g

2 Dr. Masreshaw Demelash Asst Professor Biomedical imaging and

Bioinstrumentation

3 Dr. Dawit Assefa Asst Professor Image Processing

4 Dr. Mengistu Kifle Asst Professor Health Informatics

5 Dr. Tilahun Melak Asst Professor Bio-informatics

6 Dr. Eneyew Adugna Assoc Professor Signal Processing

7 Dr. Solomon Atnafu** Assoc Professor Image Processing

8 Professor Timo Jämsä** Professor Medical Technology

9 Professor Jare Hyttinen** Professor Comp Biophysics & Imaging

**From Collaboration Institutions

In addition to the above list of active staffs, the following staffs are currently on

PhD study leave most of them sponsored under NUFFIC project, who will further

strengthen the program up on their return.

No. Name of PhD Specialization Country

Candidate

School of Biomedical Engineering and Computing (2017)