Surgical and Interventional Technologies module (BE32002)

You will learn about the tools, techniques, and technologies used in modern surgery and interventional procedures.

You’ll explore how imaging, instrumentation, workflow design, and patient safety come together to support effective diagnosis and treatment across a wide range of clinical settings.

You’ll learn about procedures such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery work. You will also gain an understanding of how tools are designed, evaluated, and improved.

You’ll also look at:

• the planning and delivery of image-guided interventions
• how radiation is managed in clinical environments
• how surgical imaging systems are calibrated and assessed for quality

You will work with real-world case studies and hands-on sessions. These will help you connect theoretical principles with clinical practice.

You’ll take part in project-based learning, stakeholder engagement, and group work. These mirror real design and evaluation processes in healthcare settings.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• explore core topics. These will include surgical tool design and image-guided surgery. It will also include operating theatre layout, and radiation safety
• study content including laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic procedures. They will also include cardiovascular interventions, imaging integration, and surgical planning
• engage with learning through seminars, practical workshops, and independent project work
• take part in applied activities. These will include evaluating surgical tools and proposing design improvements based on user input
• build broader understanding of ethical and safety considerations in clinical and research environments

By the end of the module, you’ll be able to:

• explain the key technologies and workflows used in surgical and interventional procedures
• analyse and evaluate tool designs, imaging systems, and surgical environments
• communicate findings and proposals using clear, well-structured language and standard formats
• work confidently with real-world surgical case studies, design scenarios, and imaging challenges
• apply your knowledge in ways that support future study or professional work. These will be possible in either biomedical engineering or clinical technology

Assignments / assessment

• Project (30%)
  • You’ll review the design of surgical tools, identify flaws, suggest improvements, and present your findings. This includes stakeholder engagement and supports your ability to analyse real-world systems.
• Exam (70%)
  • A written exam covering key concepts from the module. This will include surgical technologies, imaging integration, quality assurance, and radiation protection

Teaching methods / timetable

• seminars
  • These introduce core ideas and real-world case studies in surgical and interventional technology
• workshops
  • These will take place in the hospital. They will give you hands-on experience with surgical tools, workflow analysis, and technology evaluation
• project-based learning
  • These will help you apply your knowledge. You will do this by reviewing real tool designs and engaging with user needs
• independent study
  • This will support deeper understanding through structured materials and guided research
• group activities
  • develop your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills

You’ll also learn directly from NHS staff and academic experts. This will combine technical knowledge with real clinical insight.