University of Technology Sydney

41160 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Biomedical Engineering
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Anti-requisite(s): 42721 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering

Description

Biomedical engineering is the application of the principles and problem-solving techniques of engineering to biology and medicine. This is most prevalent in healthcare, from diagnosis and analysis to treatment and recovery, and encompasses a diverse range of technologies from implantable medical devices such as pacemakers and artificial hips, to more futuristic technologies such as stem cell engineering, biomechanics, advanced imaging, nanomedicine, biosensors, 3D printing of tissues and organs, etc.

This subject showcases the principles and technologies underpinning the diverse field of biomedical engineering, including in the subject areas of tissue engineering, imaging, bio-instrumentation, nanotechnology, cell and molecular biology, biomedical devices and systems, biomechanical design and computational modelling. Using the materials and information presented in lectures and laboratories, students embark both individually and in groups on a journey to devise their own solutions to an imminent medical problem by utilising knowledge and techniques in biomedical engineering.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Identify the scope of biomedical engineering and its applications to healthcare. (D.1)
2. Design a biomedical engineering solution to real-life medical and clinical problems. (C.1)
3. Communicate ideas and findings in biomedical engineering in verbal and written forms. (E.1)
4. Collaboratively generate a biomedical engineering solution to a complex biomedical problem. (E.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

  • Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
  • Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
  • Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:

  • 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
  • 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
  • 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
  • 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
  • 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

Teaching and learning strategies

Student learning is enhanced by attending one lecture per week, as well as tutorials and lab sessions which are held in certain weeks throughout the semester as defined by the course schedule.

Successful students spend 2 hours of reading, studying and self-paced learning for every hour of synchronous contact time. This may include reviewing lecture notes and recordings, pre-reading and pre-work for tutorials and labs, working on projects (information gathering, compilation, analysis and presentation) individually and in groups, and preparing for assessments.

Lectures

Lectures (1.5 hrs per week) will be delivered by researchers who are working at the forefront of various subject areas under the umbrella of biomedical engineering. Lectures serve as inspiration for new ideas, techniques and approaches that can be applied towards devising and completing projects that are assessed at the end of the subject. These lectures introduce and explore fundamental theories and practices in biomedical engineering. Furthermore, guest lectures will provide state-of-the-art advances in specific areas of expertise. Lecture slides and recordings will be provided to assist with student learning.

Tutorials

Tutorials (3.0 hrs per week) give students the opportunity to work on their individual and group projects. The teaching staff will run structured tutorials to help students conceptualise projects, select individual topics as well as form groups (for the group project), gather and process information from the literature, develop solutions, and present their designs and findings. The tutorials will also involve workshops on improving scientific writing and presentation skills. Students are encouraged to interact with the teaching staff during tutorials and to report on the progress of their projects throughout the semester.

Laboratories

There will be 7 labs throughout this course, run in certain weeks as defined by the course schedule:

  • Introductory (2 labs) - PC2 induction, basic lab skills (pipetting, using labware, making buffers, etc.)
  • Cell culture and analysis - sterile culture techniques, cell morphology, cell counting, proliferation, fixing
  • Computer aided design (CAD) Software SolidWorks (2 labs) - use CAD software SolidWorks to design 3D structures
  • Lab tour - the UTS 3D printing facility (ProtoSpace) to gain insight into various 3D printing techniques
  • ImageJ/FIJI software - fluorescent microscopy imaging analysis

Content (topics)

  1. Introduction to biomedical engineering and course overview (Peter and Ali)
  2. Block 1: Tissue engineering and biomaterials (JJ)
  3. Block 1: Stem cells and biological nanoparticles (JJ)
  4. Block 1: Guest lecture
  5. Block 2: Fundamentals of biomechanical design - Part 1 (Ali)
  6. Block 2: Fundamentals of biomechanical design - Part 2 (Ali)
  7. Block 2: Guest lecture
  8. Block 3: Biophysics: Key Numbers in Biology (Peter)
  9. Block 3: Biophysical Nanotools and Technologies (Peter)
  10. Block 3: Guest lecture
  11. Group presentations
  12. Individual report preparation

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Group presentation

Intent:

This task involves a group presentation on developing a biomedical engineering solution for a medical problem. Students will identify a medical problem, conduct a small literature survey to understand the latest advances in biomedical engineering in the area, and design a new solution to tackle the problem. This task will increase awareness of the latest developments in biomedical engineering, and how they can be harnessed to produce solutions for current medical challenges.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2, 3 and 4

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

C.1, D.1 and E.1

Type: Presentation
Groupwork: Group, group assessed
Weight: 25%
Criteria:

1. Content: Knowledge and critical analysis – background (5%), medical need (15%), biomedical engineering solution (25%), practicality of solution/challenges/future work (10%), referencing (5%)

2. Presentation: Delivery (15%), quality of slides (15%), question answering (5%), within time limit (5%)

Assessment task 2: Individual report

Intent:

This task encourages students to practice their scientific writing, critical analysis of information, and ability to generate a literature review.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2, 3 and 4

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

C.1, D.1 and E.1

Type: Report
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 25%
Length:

Maximum 2,500 word counts (approx. 5 A4 pages), Times New Roman size 12 font, single space, 2cm margins on each edge.
References and optional appendix are excluded from this word and page limit.
Criteria:

1. Quality of the report content: background and medical need (6 marks), review of literature (12 marks), challenges and future directions (4 marks).

2. Adequate referencing (2 marks), cohesiveness and logical flow of information (1 mark).

Total 25 marks.

Assessment task 3: Quizzes on the lecture content

Intent:

Quizzes will be held at the end of each block of lectures to assess the students’ understanding of the lecture content. Three quizzes will be held throughout the semester. The quizzes will be held during the tutorials and students will individually complete the quiz through Canvas on a personal electronic device.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1 and 2

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

C.1 and D.1

Type: Quiz/test
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 30%
Criteria:

Ability to understand, synthesise and communicate information relating to different topic areas from the lectures, including the advances, impact and applications of these areas.

Assessment task 4: Laboratory worksheets

Intent:

Laboratory worksheets will be given to students during lab sessions, requiring students to complete questions to demonstrate understanding of the concepts/theory behind the lab activities, and/or completion of the lab tasks and generation of results. There will be 4 lab sheets to be submitted through Canvas throughout the semester, on the Friday in the same week for which the corresponding lab session was held.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1 and E.1

Type: Laboratory/practical
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%
Criteria:

Ability to understand biomedical engineering concepts and techniques covered in lab sessions, and to complete hands-on

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

Recommended texts

W. Mark Saltzman, Biomedical Engineering: Bridging Medicine and Technology, Cambridge University Press