Outline

Overview

Biomedical Engineering 1A introduces students to the exciting interdisciplinary field of Biomedical Engineering through a combination of expert lectures, deep-dive tutorials, creative research and design tasks with your peers, and practical hands-on training. Some of the areas you will learn about are: medical imaging; biomaterials and tissue engineering; nanomaterials and nanotechnology; medical devices and sensors; biomechanics and computational biomedical engineering; biomanufacturing; and bionics and neuromodulation. You’ll also be introduced to most of the Biomedical Engineering staff who you’ll encounter throughout the rest of your degree, discovering how they became interested and established in the field. We hope this introductory unit stirs your passion and interest in the exciting field of Biomedical Engineering!

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Biomedical Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ENGG1960 OR ENGG1800 OR CIVL1900 OR CHNG1108 OR MECH1560 OR AERO1560 OR MTRX1701 OR AMME1960 or ELEC1004 or ELEC1005
Assumed knowledge ?	HSC Mathematics Extension 1 (3 Unit)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Andre Kyme, andre.kyme@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Andre Kyme, andre.kyme@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Online task	Weekly quiz Weekly lecture quiz (released wks 1,2,4-13; due Mon 12 pm wks 2,3,5-14)	18%	Multiple weeks	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Engineering Skills SolidWorks - lab-based module Arduino - lab-based module	20%	Multiple weeks	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Early feedback task Weekly lecture review quiz for early feedback #earlyfeedbacktask	2%	Week 03 Due date: 04 Mar 2024 at 12:00	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 1 Biomedical ethics creative presentation	15%	Week 05 Due date: 24 Mar 2024 at 23:59	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 2 Critical literature review and biomedical problem proposal	15%	Week 08 Due date: 17 Apr 2024 at 23:59	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Biomedical Design Task Group presentation in Week 13 tutorial; group report	20%	Week 13 Due date: 24 May 2024 at 11:59	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Tutorial Assessment Participation and portfolio	10%	Week 13 Due date: 24 May 2024 at 23:59	Whole semester
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Weekly lecture quiz (18%): Students are required to complete an online quiz following each lecture. Each quiz will assess students’ understanding of lecture content. The quiz will be released on Mon 2 pm in Wks 1, 2, 4-13 and students have 1 week to complete the quiz (2 attempts). Students may only use Generative AI for this assessment task as per the BMET1960 Generative AI Policy on Canvas.
Early feedback task (2%): The Week 3 weekly quiz functions as an early feedback task. This quiz will assess students' understanding of the lecture content from Wks 1-3. Students have 1 week to complete the quiz (2 attempts). Students may only use Generative AI for this assessment task as per the BMET1960 Generative AI Policy on Canvas.
Assignment 1 (15%): Group assignment requiring students to develop a creative and persuasive response to an ethically challenging biomedical scenario. Students may only use Generative AI for this assessment task as per the BMET1960 Generative AI Policy on Canvas.
Assignment 2 (15%): Critical literature review and problem solution proposal for a specific area in biomedical engineering. Students may only use Generative AI for this assessment task as per the BMET1960 Generative AI Policy on Canvas.
Biomedical Design Task (20%): Group design task to develop a low-cost solution to a relevant biomedical engineering problem. Students may only use Generative AI for this assessment task as per the BMET1960 Generative AI Policy on Canvas.
Tutorials (10%): Students assessed on holistic participation in tutorials over the semester and a submitted portfolio demonstrating engagement with the course material. Students may only use Generative AI for this assessment task as per the BMET1960 Generative AI Policy on Canvas.
Engineering Skills (20%): Students assessed on skills, quality of work and practical knowledge for SolidWorks (10%) and microcontrollers (10%). Students may only use Generative AI for this assessment task as per the BMET1960 Generative AI Policy on Canvas.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per day

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to course; introduction to tomographic medical imaging.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to regulatory affairs; introduction to engineering ethics.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to unit; choosing and evaluating sources; academic integrity; paper discussion (med imaging); BME mindmap; Assignment 1 introduction	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Anatomy and physiology for engineers.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Regulatory affairs; Assignment 1 planning	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Introduction to biomaterials, tissue engineering and mechanobiology.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Tissue engineering focus	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Nanomaterials in medicine.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Nanomaterials and nanotechnology focus	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Introduction to technology in disability; introduction to bioelectronics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Introduction to Assignment 2; literature reviews	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Fluid dynamics, microfluidics and their applications in biomedical engineering.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Bioelectronics; assignment 2 consultation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Application of biomedical engineering in sleep research and medical devices.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Biomedical design task introduction; concept drawings	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Biomechanics and computational biomedical engineering.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Biomechanics focus; biomedical design task planning and consultation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Biomanufacturing.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Biomedical design task - planning and consultation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Introduction to neuromodulation and implantable bionics.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Fluid dynamics focus	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Introduction to Industry - networking, presentation and Q&A	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Biomedical industry focus	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	CANNES Film Festival (Assignment 1 showing + award)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Biomedical design task presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Weekly	Private revision	Independent study (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance is not assessed in this unit, however students are encouraged to be present at live lectures to engage with the lecturer and ask questions to improve learning outcomes. Part of the tutorial assessment is based on holistic engagement with the tutorial material and activities over the course of the semester – students will not score well in this component if they are not present.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There are no required text books for the course, however various readings will be provided/recommended to students throughout the course (on Canvas) to supplement the tutorials and lectures.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. generate a concise engineering report
LO2. develop basic skills in engineering drawing, specifications and computer aided design
LO3. develop and articulate a design and development process for a medical device
LO4. develop basic design skills for biomedical engineering, including sustainable design
LO5. gain a working understanding of microcontrollers (Arduino) and how to implement such a device in a simple biomedical project
LO6. understand what Biomedical Engineering is as a discipline and how it relates in a professional context to the medical devices industry and healthcare sector
LO7. understand and relate the key anatomical and physiological systems for medical device applications: (1) support and movement; skeletal system and muscular system; (2) control; nervous system; (3) regulation and maintenance; cardiovascular system
LO8. understand and articulate the interrelationships between different areas of biomedical engineering
LO9. understand the current state-of-the-art in some areas of biomedical engineering
LO10. understand and apply ethical principles and regulations as they relate to biomedical engineering research and industry
LO11. understand some of the key mathematical concepts, tools and tasks in biomedical engineering
LO12. design, describe and justify a rigorous scientific experimental approach to solve a biomedical engineering problem

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Several changes will be made for 2024, including: Assignment 2 preceding, and feeding into, the Biomedical Design Task; improved clarity of the weekly quiz questions; slight reordering of lecture content for better alignment with tutorials and assignments.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

BMET1960: Biomedical Engineering 1A

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect