31st July 2024
The Smallpeice Trust Successfully Hosts Biomedical Engineering at The University of Southampton for the Fourth Consecutive Year!
The Smallpeice Trust's highly anticipated Biomedical Engineering residential course took place last week at The University of Southampton for its fourth year, attracting talented students from across the country. This four-day event offered participants an exciting opportunity to explore the dynamic field of biomedical engineering through hands-on activities and expert-led masterclasses delivered by academics at the University of Southampton.
The course kickstarted with students diving into masterclasses covering cutting-edge topics such as e-textiles, prosthetics, and stem cell research. Students were then introduced to their design and make projects, which allowed them to apply their newfound knowledge in practical settings. Depending on their interests, students either learned about keyhole surgery and attempted to perform a simulated procedure by designing and building a functional prosthetic hand or explored biosensors by creating devices capable of detecting elements in soil or water.
On the second day, students visited the renowned LifeLab at Southampton Hospital, where they gained invaluable skills in CPR and conducted multiple health testing procedures. The hands-on experience included learning how to perform ultrasounds and test blood sugar levels, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of medical diagnostics. The afternoon session took place at the Health Sciences building, where participants engaged in masterclasses on body temperature regulation and the use of motion sensors in physiotherapy, broadening their knowledge of human anatomy.
Day three was packed with innovation as students attended masterclasses on 3D printing in prosthetics and explored the intricacies of CT scans. A highlight of the day was the guided tour of the university’s advanced CT machines, offering students a rare glimpse into the technology that powers modern medical imaging. Students then completed their design challenges, crafting creative solutions and preparing posters to showcase their work to peers and faculty members.
The final day of the course was dedicated to presentations, where students demonstrated their projects to their peers and a panel of two special judges. The presentations highlighted the students' creativity, technical skills, and ability to tackle real-world biomedical challenges. Each project reflected the participants' dedication and enthusiasm, leaving the judges and audience members impressed with the level of innovation and problem-solving displayed.
Overall, the Biomedical Engineering residential course was a resounding success, offering students an inspiring glimpse into the world of biomedical engineering. The Smallpeice Trust and The University of Southampton look forward to continuing their collaboration, empowering the next generation of engineers and innovators with the skills and knowledge to drive future advancements in healthcare technology.
