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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Product Development & Regulatory Compliance
Module Code MEC1028 (ITS: MM371)
Faculty Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng School Engineering & Computing
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

To further the student's understanding of product design and development and explore in detail the key elements and constraints to be considered in medical device design. To familarise the students with the primary regulatory issues affecting medical device design and production. To engender in the student an awareness and appreciation of the nature and critical importance of regulatory compliance to product development in the medical device industry.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and explain the regulatory and statutory obligations which must be complied with by medical device industries operating in the EU and the US.
2. Evaluate device design inputs, and devise design outputs together with appropriate verification and validation procedures
3. Apply risk analysis methodologies (Failure Mode Effect Analysis and Fault Tree Analysis) to medical devices
4. Apply appropriate standards to devise biological evaluation test plans for biomaterials
5. Write well organised Technical file and Design dossier documents, in accordance with regulatory requirements as part of a team
6. Prepare a clear oral presentation summarising and justifying the compliance of a product with regulatory and statutory requirements.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture24Lectures
Tutorial12Tutorials and project advice sessions
Group work48Group project on Technical File Preparation
Independent Study41Study for class test
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN20166Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorInam Ul AhadModule TeacherGarrett Mcguinness
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
ProjectPreparation of sample Technical File sections20%Week 6
PresentationPresentation and defence of Technical File sections20%Week 6
Formal Examination2 hour written test60%End-of-Semester
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Medical Device Regulation 2017/745
Device classifications, Essential Requirements, conformance routes. The Technical File.

FDA Code of Federal Regulations
FDA Quality System requirements (QSRs) and GMPs

Case Study: Carotid stent and embolic protection system
Device characteristics and Intended Use, Indications, Contraindications, Clinical History, Pre-clinical Studies, In Vitro Product Testing, Animal Testing, Biocompatibility, Sterilisation, Summary of Clinical Studies

ISO 13485 Quality systems for Medical Devices
Design Controls

ISO 14791
Medical devices -- Application of risk management to medical devices

Risk Analysis
Failure Mode Evaluation Analysis (FMEA); Fault Tree Analysis (FTA); Case Study

ISO 10993 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices
Evaluation and testing within a risk management process; Part 3: Tests for genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity; Part 4: Selection of tests for interactions with blood; Part 5: Tests for in vitro cytotoxicity; Part 12: Sample preparation and reference materials

Sterilisation
Methods, validation

ISO 9001:2008
Quality management systems -- Requirements

Post Market Surveillance and Product Development
Feed-back mechanism, Vigilance reporting

Tissue Engineering and Cell based Therapies
Regulatory Issues

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Official Journal of the EC: 1993, Council Directive 93/42/ECC, No.L 169/1,


Articles:
  • Shepherd DET: 2002, Risk analysis for a radiocarpal joint replacement, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part H: Engineering in Medicine, 216, 23-29, http://journals.pepublishing.com/index/F562351420070806.pdf, 517532
  • 2012: Medical Device Design: Innovation from concept to market,
Other Resources

None

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for MM371