Competency-Based Assessment of Biomedical Engineering Students Through the Project-Based Learning Process

The trainers of future biomedical engineers must provide during their studies the teaching methodologies, technological and experimental tools that motivate and bring the student closer to the professional world and acquire the necessary skills to face the labor market, increase their employability and encourage their proactivity. This paper describes the educational experience in the subject “Introduction to Research and Development Practice I” of Biomedical Engineering, applying the Project-Based Learning methodology. During the course, an exchange of students who attended this subject the previous year was proposed. The projects served as motivating axes to bring students closer to the profession, the “know-how” and enhance their vocation related to biomedical engineering, since after the covid-19 pandemic no projects were developed or have been left unfinished. The students involved in this methodology and organized in groups analyzed the transfer and finished the projects, developing a 3D printing device and two Raspberry Pi devices. The implementation of this active teaching methodology added to the use of technological tools increased the motivation and self-confidence of our students, allowing the acquisition of several skills: digital, project management, verbal and written communication, problem identification and resolution, reading comprehension, autonomy, self-regulation of learning and teamwork.