Quality assurance for a multinational advanced course in biomedical engineering and medical physics

The two associated fields of Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics are currently undergoing a rapid evolution characterized by an increasing degree of specialization. This in turn imposes new requirements in the field of 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. The European Union has supported an initiative for the development of two twin multinational advanced courses in Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics, initially within the ERASMUS and subsequently also within the TEMPUS programs. The courses, draw expertise from a large multinational academic community and address a respective multinational audience. As such they present an enormous potential for achievement of excellency, through this extensive cooperative effort. A Quality Assurance system has been designed and implemented over the past three years, aiming to create the necessary potential and provide an appropriate framework for mutual recognition amongst the participating institutions. It was possible to set standards that would comply with the goals specified in the Quality Policy, prescribe and evaluate procedures against the requirements of standards, build a robust monitoring system and design the necessary corrective mechanisms. The approach has lead to a comprehensive quality system encompassing all relevant aspects. It is expected that this process will also prove valuable in assisting in the establishment of the mutual credit recognition arrangements amongst participating universities that are currently in process