University of Technology Sydney

43022 Advanced Biomedical Engineering Studio B

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 (49261 Biomedical Instrumentation OR 42001 Bioinformatics))

Description

This advanced studio subject introduces students to emerging areas of clinical biomedical engineering research. Students select one studio project stream from the following two research project streams:
Project Stream 1: Origami engineering and spinal implants
Project Stream 2: Electroencephalography classification using artificial intelligence

Project Stream 1 students explore the application of origami engineering in the field of biomedical engineering. In particular, they use the art of origami engineering to develop a flat-foldable spinal implant to address an unmet clinical problem: low back pain. This project stream allows students to prepare a paper-based spinal implant model, perform foldability analysis (ORIPA, Origami Simulator, and Origami Editor software), conduct engineering approaches (AutoCAD and SolidWorks), perform computational modeling and finite element analysis (Solid Works simulation), and prototype their implant model (additive manufacturing techniques: 3D printing or laser cutting). They were exposed to a range of techniques currently in use in the industry.

Project Stream 2 introduces Electroencephalography (EEG) classification using artificial intelligence. Motor imagery technology allows people to use their brains to control machines, which is convenient for people with movement disorders. Students learn to extract features from EEG signals and build an effective classifier to recognize the imaginary actions based on the features. Students are trained in EEG data collection, signal processing, feature extraction and classifier design. The system can be used to classify basic instructions, including left-hand imagination movement, right-hand imagination movement and tongue imagination movement.

At the completion of this subject, students have developed skills in project design, problem solving, stakeholder analysis 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. Ideate a solution through design and prototyping, using current biomedical technologies. (C.1, D.1)
4. Prepare a report consistent with industry standards and best practice. (E.1)
5. Reflection 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 provides two 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 develop their project outside of class times. To foster this, students are allowed to enter the lab with prior arrangement.

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 reflection 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 will be two Project Streams; students (groups of 4) will only select one advanced studio project stream.

Projects Stream 1: Origami engineering and spinal implants

  • The concept of origami engineering and its application in biomedical engineering
  • The clinical challenge: low back pain and intervertebral disc pathology
  • Origami theories and software
  • Advanced Solidworks software
  • Understanding the process from ideation (paper model) to engineering design and optimization (use of software to build an engineer model and assessment including foldability evaluation and mechanical charecterisations), and model fabrication (additive manufacturing: 3D printing or laser cutter)

Projects Stream 2: EEG classification using artificial intelligence

  • Understanding how to collect EEG data using 8 channel EEG device.
  • Understanding EEG signal pre-processing includes denoising, filtering and resampling.
  • Analyse the EEG signals and extract effective features.
  • Build an artificial intelligence system to classify

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:

10-minute oral 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 clear 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.

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:

15-minute presentation with appropriately designed slides, followed by a Q and A session of 5 minutes.

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: 6-8 pages, double column (IEEE format).

Minimum requirements

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