Bridging the Gap: Evaluating Biomedical Engineering Internship Structures in Sudan and Globally
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Keywords
Biomedical engineering education, Internship programs, Curriculum development
Abstract
This study presents a comparative analysis of internship structures within undergraduate Biomedical Engineering (BME) programs in Sudanese and international universities. A total of 51 programs were examined 9 from Sudan and 42 from institutions in Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America using content analysis of official curriculum documents. The investigation focused on key parameters, including internship type, duration, semester of implementation, credit hour allocation, training location, student evaluation methods, and the scope of skills acquired. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), with mode values employed to identify the prevailing trends. Findings reveal that Sudanese internships are predominantly mandatory semester-long placements focused on technical and operational roles, primarily within hospital settings. In contrast, global programs offer a more diverse range of internship types, including industrial, research, and summer placements, implemented across a wider range of academic semesters. These programs also offer more durations that are flexible, a broader range of credit hour allocations, and multifaceted evaluation methods that incorporate presentations, reports, and integrated assessments. Furthermore, international internships expose students to a wider array of professional domains, such as product development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, and quality assurance. The study identifies significant gaps in the scope, flexibility, and alignment of Sudanese internship programs with global best practices. It recommends curricular reforms that emphasize industry collaboration, diverse training environments, and comprehensive evaluation frameworks. These enhancements are essential to strengthen the practical competencies of graduates, improve their employability, and align BME education in Sudan with international standards and evolving demands of the healthcare industry.
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