University of Technology Sydney

43021 Advanced Biomedical Engineering Studio A

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: 12 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): (41162 Fundamentals of Biomedical Engineering Studio A AND 41163 Fundamentals of Biomedical Engineering Studio B AND (42026 Biomedical Polymers OR 26101 Health Economics and Evaluation))

Description

This advanced studio subject introduces students to emerging area of biomedical engineering research. Students select one studio project from the following two research project streams i) Single Cell Sequencing in Cancer and ii) Lateral Flow Assay Stream. The first project focuses on how to use single-cell sequencing as a technology for cancer research. It involves learning key skills in bioinformatics analysis of existing datasets in cancer. In the second project, students learn about fabrication and have the opportunity to build their own rapid diagnostic lateral flow assay (LFA), which is the same technology as the COVID-19 rapid antigen test (RAT). Students develop comprehensive skills including nanoparticle technology, LFA fabrication, 3D printing, SolidWorks and MATLAB modelling.

At the completion of this subject, students have developed skills in project design, problem solving, and acquired various technical skills associated with emerging biomedical engineering areas.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

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

1. Communicate and collaborate in working groups to manage projects. (E.1)
2. Evaluate relevant scientific literature and apply these resources to the studio project. (C.1)
3. Learn key computer and laboratory-based skills such as LFA cassette design, nanoparticle engineering, handling cells/tissues and running on biomedical instruments for lateral flow assay. (D.1)
4. Undertake bioinformatic analysis on single-cell sequencing data to interpret complex biological processes in cancer. (D.1)
5. Undertake data analysis on LFA detection of analytes. (D.1)
6. Prepare a presentation and report of scientific findings consistent with research standards and best practice. (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:

  • 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
  • 1.4. Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
  • 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
  • 2.4. Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.
  • 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
  • 3.3. Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
  • 3.4. Professional use and management of information.
  • 3.5. Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
  • 3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership.

Teaching and learning strategies

In this course we are placing you in the guise of a researcher! Through the semester you will:

  1. Form into research groups
  2. Choose a research project
  3. Learn fundamental research skills
  4. Undertake novel research a part of a team
  5. Contribute to project discussions and activities.
  6. Present your research proposal and project findings as a group
  7. Prepare an individual project report
This studio provides various group-based projects for students based on their expertise and interests. Teaching staff will provide mentorship of the project work during weekly interactive sections. This studio will be a learning partnership between the student and academic advisor with ownership of the project given to the students. As this is a 12CP, students are required to self-learn and develop their projects outside of class times. The subject is run on-campus using face-to-face classes and virtual attendance will not be an option. All students are encouraged to collaboratively work with their group members using a variety of online tools and face to face meetings. They will be encouraged to keep a record of this interaction, and update sessions will be held during the studio via a conversation. Weekly feedback will be given on all projects to encourage progress and interaction. This will include both design and technical feedback on the project and how each team can progress. Problem solving skills will be developed in each session through focus discussions.

Content (topics)

There are 2 streams for you to choose prior to semester beginning:

Single Cell Sequencing in Cancer Stream
Primary contact: Daniel Carter (daniel.carter@uts.edu.au)
In this studio, students will act as a cancer researcher, using new sequencing technology that allows us to assess the genetics of individual cancer cells. We have multiple projects that use single cell sequencing data to evaluate cancer mechanisms of drug resistance, tumour microenvironments, and metastasis. You will learn the bioinformatics skills to interrogate large single cell sequencing datasets.

Lateral Flow Assay Stream
Primary contact: Ying Zhu (Ying.Zhu@uts.edu.au)
In this studio, students will develop the lateral flow assays (LFA), which are quick, simple and cheap assays to analyse biological samples at the point of care or in the field. LFA is exactly the assay used in COVID-19 rapid antigen test. In this project, students will propose new LFA solutions to a specific biomedical application and then develop an LFA to detect prostate-specific antigen, which is the model analyte. Students will learn both lab-based skills for developing the LFA assay and SolidWork/CAD 3D printing skills for fabricating the LFA cassette. We will also provide tutorials for other academic skills such as scientific writing and data analysis using MATLAB.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Mid-term group presentation

Intent:

To demonstrate a clear and thorough understanding of the field related to your project and the experimental design for your project dataset
Objective(s):

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

1, 2 and 6

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

C.1 and E.1

Type: Presentation
Groupwork: Group, group assessed
Weight: 20%
Length:

10-20-minute oral presentation with a 5-10 minute Q and A session

Assessment task 2: End-term group presentation

Intent:

To communicate scientific findings of your research project.
Objective(s):

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

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

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 and individually assessed
Weight: 30%
Length:

20-minute oral presentation with a 5-10 minute Q and A session

Assessment task 3: Project final report

Intent:

To articulate in a written format the studio project. This report will reflect on the achievements of the individual and must demonstrate a clear understanding of the biomedical problem and its solution.
Objective(s):

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

2, 4, 5 and 6

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: 30%
Length:

3000 words, excluding title page, references, and figure legends.

Assessment task 4: Project collaboration and contribution

Intent:

To encourage contribution to your project and collaboration with academic supervisors and team members
Objective(s):

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

1, 3, 4 and 5

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

D.1

Type: Project
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%
Length:

Dependent on activity (~1-2 pages per week or 5-10 slide ppt presentations for progress)

Minimum requirements

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