Education in biomedical engineering: experience from a European ERASMUS program.

Based on recent advances in biomedical research and the developments of new equipment and techniques, the field of Biomedical Engineering and Health Care Telematics are currently undergoing a rapid evolution characterized by an increasing degree of specialization. This, in turns, imposes new requirements in advanced education, while the changing scene at European level, introduces a major challenge for harmonization and standardization of education with a focus on meeting the emerging needs. At the same time information technologies provide new means and tools supporting the educational and training activities. An initiative for the development of a multinational advanced course in Biomedical Engineering, is implemented in the University of Patras with extended collaboration of European Universities, providing a unique case for achievement of excellency. In order to take full advantage of this potential, a Quality Assurance system has been designed and implemented over the past four years, aiming to provide the appropriate framework for mutual recognition amongst the participating institutions. Additionally, the implementation of new telematic tools is scheduled for the near future, in order to provide the Course with teleconference facilities and allow a much larger number of students to remotely attend the lectures.