Department of Biomedical Engineering

The Biomedical Engineering Department at Polytech Lyon trains engineers to apply cutting-edge science and technology to the design and management of medical devices (diagnostic, treatment, and assistance equipment) as well as to the development of health information systems. The ultimate goal: improving patient care and healthcare management.

Program Overview

Training is organized into six semesters over three years (3A, 4A and 5A).

Core themes include physics and medical imaging, electronics and instrumentation, embedded systems and nanotechnologies, computer science, signal and image processing, information systems and software engineering, biomedical techniques and technical platforms, and medical device management.

45 weeks of internships (minimum), including at least 7 weeks of hospital experience.

Specializations and double-degrees: 
3 Master 2 (MSc) in double-degree are offered: MISS (Medical Imaging Signal & System), ATRDM (Regulatory Affairs) and MDE (Medical Device Engineering) Graduate plus program Possibility of professionalization contracts in 5th year

→ Dual pathways are also available for students in audioprothesis and pharmacy.
 

Research

Students benefit from strong collaborations with leading laboratories such as CREATIS, Ampère, ILM, IP2I, INL, Mateis, LabTAU, and LBMC. This vibrant research environment in Lyon provides opportunities for internships and projects at the forefront of biomedical device engineering and medical imaging.

→ For those interested in advanced research, double-degree programs are available with UCBL Master's programmes in Medical Imaging Signal & System (MISS) and Medical Device Engineering (MDE) through the Graduate plus initiative.This double-degree programme offers excellent opportunities to prepare for doctoral studies at UCBL's doctoral school EEA, or elsewhere, preparing students for cutting-edge research careers.

 

Assesment Methods

Continuous assessment is used throughout the program, including written and oral exams, practical work, online tests, and problem-solving exercises. Students are also evaluated through real-world projects and internships, with detailed feedback and oral presentations.

A minimum of 45 weeks of internships (including at least 7 weeks in a hospital) is required to graduate. Specialized support is available for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to assessments.

These rigorous evaluation processes prepare students for the demands of professional engineering practice and lifelong learning.

Career Opportunities

Job roles include biomedical applications engineer, quality/regulatory affairs engineer, R&D engineer, hospital biomedical engineer, health information systems engineer, consulting engineer, and positions outside the biomedical field.

Sectors: graduates work in hospitals, clinics, and companies manufacturing or marketing medical devices and equipment. This fast-growing, highly internationalized sector offers excellent career prospects.

With a strong representation of women, our program is proud to contribute to gender diversity in STEM.

Employment outcomes: average job search time is 1 month, with a median starting salary of €36,000.

Living in Lyon

Joining Polytech Lyon offers more than just academic excellence—it provides the opportunity to study and live in one of France's most vibrant and dynamic cities.

Lyon is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and world-class gastronomy. Located in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon is a hub of innovation and industry, making it an ideal environment for aspiring engineers. With its proximity to both the Alps and the Mediterranean, students can enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking, while benefiting from a thriving urban life.

Lyon’s international outlook and welcoming atmosphere make it a perfect destination for students from around the world. Find out more about living in Lyon. 

Study abroad experience

• Exchange programme for 1 or 2 semesters via Erasmus + or  ARQUS (EU universities), and international partnership agreements with universities around the world (get in touch with our International Office if your university is not in the list)
• Entry level: year 3 to 5 (Bachelor/Master)
• Language: French and/or English
• Apply by contacting: international.polytech@univ-lyon1.fr

Full degree programme 

Graduating programme to obtain the title of Chartered Engineer 

Award: Graduate Engineering degree (equivalent to a Master of Engineering) 

Entry level:

• year 1 (preparatory cycle)
  Apply via Parcoursup
• or year 3 (engineering cycle)
  Apply via Reseau Polytech Admissions. See further guidance. 

Language: French (level B2 required) 

• Head of the Department: 
  Dr. Cédric RAY GARREAU

The Biomedical Engineering Department works closely with industrial and academic partners to provide students with hands-on experience and professional opportunities.

• Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpitaux de Lyon
• Centre Léon Bérard (Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer de Lyon)
• Centres Hospitaliers et Etablissements de Soins Publics ou Privés de la Région Rhône-Alpes,
• Grand Groupes Industriels du domaine Biomédical (General Electric, Dräger, Siemens, EDAP Technomed, Fresenius-Vial, Biomnis, Biomérieux...)
• Cluster Industriel I-Care (Cluster Industriel des Technologies de Santé en Rhône-Alpes).