Innovative Approaches to Medical Device Design Education: A Collaborative Industry-Academia Model

This paper describes a collaborative industry-academia model for teaching medical device design, which combines active learning with input from industry experts.The course covers interdisciplinary topics such as biological testing, human factors, usability engineering, risk management, and regulations, areas that go beyond the expertise of a single instructor.Industry professionals contribute through guest lectures, mentorship, and real-world case studies, ensuring that students gain practical, industry-relevant knowledge.Students work on hands-on projects that simulate real-world scenarios, helping them develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.Active learning activities like sensor-based labs and prototype development further engage students and prepare them for careers in the medical device field.Drawing on two years of course implementation, this paper discusses the challenges, successes, and key outcomes of this approach, offering practical advice for educators interested in creating similar industry-collaborative courses.