University of Technology Sydney

43027 Space Bioengineering

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 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Biomedical Engineering
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 96 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Degree owned by FEIT OR 96 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Honours Embedded Degree owned by FEIT OR 96 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Degree owned by FEIT OR 96 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Honours owned by FEIT OR 96 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Degree co-owned by FEIT OR 96 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Honours Degree co-owned by FEIT
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.

Description

This studio subject introduces students to the emerging industry of space bioengineering or humans in space. Students gain knowledge of the human spaceflight challenges that are currently being studied across the different space agencies around the world. In their project, students identify one of these challenges by either the space agencies or working with one of the space industries partners to develop a practical solution.

This studio includes lectures and guest speakers from leading space industry institutions, who share their contribution to advancing humans in space. This provides students with the opportunity to lead an open discussion with industry leaders.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

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

1. Utilize and apply the NASA Gene Lab database to analyze different physiological traits in space. (D.1)
2. Apply human physiology and biology principles to the design of biomedical engineering solutions for human health in space. (C.1)
3. Understand the socio-economic principles associated with humans in space. (B.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

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

  • Socially Responsible: FEIT graduates identify, engage, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs and cultural perspectives, establish priorities and goals, and identify constraints, uncertainties and risks (social, ethical, cultural, legislative, environmental, economics etc.) to define the system requirements. (B.1)
  • 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)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject will offer several different modes of learning activities to enhance the student’s learning experience both individually and in groups.

This will include weekly face-to-face classes (1hr lectures) covering disciplinary topics on space biomedical engineering and guest lectures from global space agencies to share the current aims and future focuses and allows student in-depth insight into the global space economy.

The subject will include hands-on learning experiences that are computer-based laboratory sessions (instructor guided) to provide the student with real-world experience in designing and operating biological and technical software systems commonly utilized in the space industry.

The knowledge gained in both the lecture and practical classes is reinforced and applied in the industry group project where students are given the opportunity to solve an existing “industry task” and provide a competent solution.

Content (topics)

The subject will cover a series of topics:

  • Introduction to Space 2.0
  • Space Health and Biology: Human Future
  • The New Space Economy
  • Space Entrepreneurship
  • Space Agency Case Studies

Assessment

Assessment task 1: NASA Gene Lab Project

Intent:

The intent of this assessment is to demonstrate and train students into the utilization of the NASA Gene Lab.

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: Laboratory/practical
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 30%
Length:

2000 words

Assessment task 2: Space Industry Project

Intent:

To gain an understanding of space industry challenges by solving a real-world space engineering problem.

Objective(s):

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

2 and 3

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

B.1 and C.1

Type: Project
Groupwork: Group, individually assessed
Weight: 40%
Length:

4000 words

Assessment task 3: Presentation

Intent:

To present their project at a professional standard.

Objective(s):

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

2 and 3

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

B.1 and C.1

Type: Presentation
Groupwork: Group, group assessed
Weight: 30%
Length:

10 mins per group

Minimum requirements

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