43022 Advanced Biomedical Engineering Studio B
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 12 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): (41162 Fundamentals of Biomedical Engineering Studio A AND 41163 Fundamentals of Biomedical Engineering Studio B AND (49261 Biomedical Instrumentation OR 42001 Bioinformatics))
Description
This advanced studio course offers an in-depth exploration into the growing and innovative field of medical device development. Students delve into a variety of areas, ranging from the creation and refinement of physical instruments to the development of sophisticated software solutions. These biomedical devices play a crucial role in the diagnosis of specific diseases and are indispensable tools in hospitals and pathology labs around the world.
- Project Stream 1: Creating a medical device – Building a PocketPCR and/or SMART Pipette – (Collaboration with The University of South Australia)
- Project Stream 2: Medical Imaging and artificial intelligence
In project 1, students design, assemble, and prototype an integrated Point of Care PCR device and a SMART pipetting system. This includes assembling the PCR machine to amplify DNA and RNA sequences for detecting pathogens, testing it with control samples, and documenting the process. Alternatively, students develop a SMART pipette, integrating sensors to ensure precise reagent dispensing and create a user manual and training protocol. Both instruments are indispensable in the diagnostic industry.
Project Stream 2 specialises in creating cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to address medical imaging challenges. Medical imaging encompasses the utilisation of diverse technologies to generate visual depictions of the human body's internal structures and functions. These images are vital for diagnosing and monitoring diseases and conditions. Routine medical imaging techniques comprise X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound, among others. AI involves the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks typically requiring human intelligence. Deep convolutional neural network (CNN) is a particular subset of AI that holds great significance in medical imaging. In this stream, students are required to employ deep CNN to tackle a variety of medical imaging problems.
Upon completing this subject, students develop a comprehensive set of professional skills. These include expertise in project design and prototyping, enabling them to conceptualise and create functional models effectively. They have also honed their problem-solving abilities, allowing them to tackle complex issues systematically and efficiently. Additionally, students become proficient in stakeholder analysis, equipping them with the capability to identify and understand the needs and influences of various stakeholders in a project.
Furthermore, they have acquired a range of technical skills pertinent to the industry, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of their professional field.
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 (D.1) |
| 3. | Ideate a solution through design and prototyping, using current biomedical technologies (C.1) |
| 4. | Develop report writing skills consistent with industry standards and best practice (E.1) |
| 5. | Reflect on continuous progress, management of self and professional conduct (F.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)
- Reflective: FEIT graduates critically self-review their performance to improve themselves, their teams, and the broader community and society. (F.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
This studio offers group-based projects tailored to students' expertise and interests. The teaching staff will mentor the project during weekly interactive sessions. The studio fosters a learning partnership between students and academic advisors, with project ownership belonging to the students. As this is a 12-credit course, students are expected to develop their projects outside of class time. To support this, students can access the lab facilities by prior arrangement.
Collaboration among group members is encouraged through various online tools and face-to-face meetings, with students keeping a record of their interactions. Reflection sessions will be held during the studio through conversations. Weekly feedback will be provided on all projects to promote progress and interaction. This feedback will cover both design and technical aspects, helping each team advance. Problem-solving skills will be developed in each session through focused discussions.
Content (topics)
Students are required to work in teams of four and can focus on one project or move between the streams depending on their interests.
Projects Stream 1: Medical device ideation and prototyping
- Overview of medical devices in the diagnostics industry
- Advanced 3D CAD skills (Solidworks or Fusion 360) and 3D additive manufacturing
- Parts integration to develop a functional medical device
- Developing a rational plan for prototyping and testing of devices
- Stakeholder or client analysis to identify needs and value
Projects Stream 2: Medical Imaging and artificial intelligence
- Understanding how to develop an AI system.
- Understanding Medical imaging problems
- Understanding how to implement AI into medical imaging system
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Seminar 1 - Ideation Poster
| Intent: | To demonstrate a clear and thorough understanding of the engineering problem and identify possible solutions or problems. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 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: | 20% |
| Length: | 8-10-minute oral poster presentation with a 5 minute Q and A session |
Assessment task 2: Individual Journal
| Intent: | To document your design process and reflect on your developing capabilities. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2, 3 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and F.1 |
| Type: | Journal |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Minimum is one page per class session |
Assessment task 3: Seminar 3 - Final Pitch
| Intent: | To demonstrate a professional understanding of the biomedical engineering background and problems associated with the selected studio project. This will include a demonstration of the background knowledge, design, and ideation steps, followed by an articulation of the solution and future directions. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 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: | 20% |
| Length: | 10-minute presentation with appropriately designed slides, followed by a Q and A session of 5 minutes. All students must do an individual presentation of their team project. |
Assessment task 4: Research paper
| Intent: | To articulate in a written format the studio project. This research paper will reflect on the achievements of the individual through research 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): 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): E.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Research article: 4000-5000 words, double column (IEEE format). |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.