NBE-E4305 - Biodesign — innovating medical technologies in multidisciplinary teams D, Lecture, 5.5.2025-30.5.2025

Guest access
Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

During the course the student will learn how need-driven innovation and commercialization of medical technology (medtech) works. By the end of the course the student can:

1. make observations in a relevant medical environment 2. identify problems from the observations 3. derive needs from problems 4. develop solution concept to address the need 5. develop a business concept for the solution 6. communicate the business concept to investors   The skills learned will be applicable for innovating any new concepts, conducting medtech R&D, developing research questions, or taking your first steps towards your own medtech startup. 

Credits: 5

Schedule: 05.05.2025 - 30.05.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Heikki Nieminen

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The contents of the course include e.g., needs identification, concept creation, customer-centric design, business model basic, and regulatory process of medical technology. Sustainability aspects in developing a medtech solution are also considered. 

    During the course, together with your multidisciplinary team, you will create a concept and a business case for your own medical technology. Your solution addresses a real and validated need in healthcare, based on direct observations of problems. By the end of the course, you will pitch your concept and medtech business case to real investors in a "Biodesign Dolphin Tank". 

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Passing assignments on the first week of the course is required. Further, the student has to demonstrate a significant contribution in (i) the development of the team's business concept, (ii) daily assignments between contact session and (iii) preparation of the pitch presentation, along the intended learning goals. The student demonstrates ability to critically consider sustainability aspects in the development of a medtech business concept.

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The study methods include:

    • Lectures
    • Independent studying
    • Mandatory assignments
    • Interviewing experts
    • Preparing and giving presentations
    • Team work

    The course is intensive and cannot be passed by independent work or by just participating the contact sessions. The student is required to make necessary arrangements to be able to actively participate in contact sessions and do both independent and team assignments between the contact sessions. 

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Supporting reading: "Biodesign: The Process of Innovating Medical Technologies (2nd Ed.)"

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    3 Good Health and Well-being

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring V
    2025-2026 Spring V

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof