Skip to main content
Unit outline_

BMET1961: Biomedical Engineering 1B

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This biomedical engineering core junior unit of study provides an introduction to various aspects of biomedical engineering, and rapidly growing field of bioengineering and regenerative medicine. Biomedical engineering is an interdisciplinary field of science that is characterised by the application of engineering principles to the field of biology and medicine. Concepts and methodologies in biomedical engineering extend throughout the medical and biological sciences. This course introduces wide range of basic concepts from human anatomy (tissue and organ levels) to cell biology (cellular level), and to molecular biology (molecule level). On the base of the understanding human anatomy, the emerging approaches for improving health care and health services, including bioreactors, bioinformatics, gene therapy and stem cell technology are also introduced; thus integrating biomedical engineering principles, biology and medicine.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Biomedical Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
AMME1961
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Yogambha Ramaswamy, yogambha.ramaswamy@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small test Early Feedback Test
Course Insights and early lecture content #earlyfeedbacktask
5% Week 03
Due date: 13 Aug 2024 at 23:59
30 min
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Small test Quiz 1
Short answer type questions. Quiz will be held in your tutorials.
15% Week 06 1 hr
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO3 LO2
Skills-based evaluation Theory of practical: Laboratory assessment
Theory of practical quiz for lab 1&2. The quiz will be held during the lab.
5% Week 06 15 min
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Skills-based evaluation Laboratory report 1
Report of the laboratory activity & observations for Lab 1 & 2 (5% each)
10% Week 07
Due date: 15 Sep 2024 at 23:59
Prepare report based on lab sessions
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Presentation group assignment Presentation
Presentation on the assigned topic held during the tutorials (wk 10 & 11).
15% Week 10
Due date: 08 Oct 2024 at 08:00
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Skills-based evaluation Theory of practical: Laboratory assessment
Theory of practical quiz for lab 3 & 4. Quiz will be held during the lab.
5% Week 10 15 min
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO2
Assignment group assignment Major Assignment
Report writing on tools & techniques used for bioengineering applications
20% Week 13
Due date: 03 Nov 2024 at 23:59
10 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Small test Quiz 2
Short answer type questions.Quiz will be held in your tutorials.
15% Week 13 1 hr
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Skills-based evaluation Laboratory report 2
Report of the laboratory activity & observations for Lab 3 & 4 (5% each)
10% Week 13
Due date: 03 Nov 2024 at 23:59
Prepare report based on lab sessions
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
group assignment = 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

  • Team seminar: Topics will be allocated in week 2/3 in the tutorials.Presentation on the assigned topic held during the tutorials (wk 10 & 11).Students will work on the topic in groups and will get an opportunity to interact with senior students enrolled in BMET3921.  An optional consultation time has been set up for both UoS in the timetable (Thu 4pm) to enable meeting time and foster interaction between the stduents of two unit of study.  
  • Major Assignment: Major report should be submitted in week 13 and the topics are related to lab based techniques, analytical tools and technologies used for biomedical applications. The report can be conceptualized during the semester and submit the report in week 13. Topics and the details of the assignment will be given during the tutorials in week 3. 
  • Small test: Short answer type of questions will assess the topics covered in the lecture. The Quiz will be held during the tutorials. 
  • Skill-based evaluation: Theory of practicals quiz (Short answer type of questions) will be conducted in the lab. The practical assessments are designed to asses your knowledg gain and prepare you for laboratory activities. 
  • The final lab report should be submitted that includes the details of laboratory activity, observations made, and data analysis. Two reports to be submitted. Report 1: Related to the lab 1&2 submit in week 7: Report 2: Related to lab 3 & 4, submit in week 13

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Distinction

75 - 84

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Credit

65 - 74

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Pass

50 - 64

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Fail

0 - 49

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard established by the faculty. This grade, with corresponding mark, should also be used in cases where a student fails to achieve a mandated standard in a compulsory assessment, thereby failing to demonstrate the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard. In such cases the student will receive the mark awarded by the faculty up to a maximum of 49.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalized by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to course and biology for biomedical engineers Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 02 Nucleic acids: Introduction, analytical methods, and application Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 03 Proteins and carbohydrates: Introduction, analytical methods, and application Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 04 Stem Cell Technology Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Lab 1: Introduction to equipment and general lab skills Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 05 Gene Therapy Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 Personalized Medicine Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Lab 2: Introduction to basic cell culture Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Bioethics Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Additive Manufacturing in Biomedical Engineering Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Lab 3: Extraction of nucleic acids from cells Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Biomedical Nanotechnology Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Public Holiday (Student study time) Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Lab 4: Polymerase chain reaction & gel electrophoresis Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Bioreactors Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Bioimaging and Artificial Intelligence Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Course Revision & Insights into Innovation and Commercialization Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures: On campus

Tutorials – On campus

The Lecture based Quizzes will be held in the tutorials during your respective tutorial time

Lab activities – Face-to-face lab activities.

Note: There are 4 labs and the laboratory activities are group based but the submission of the report will be individual. 

Note: Attendance will be taken for each lab session

The Lab based Quizzes will be held in the lab during your respective lab sessions.

Presentation: This will be a group presentations and topics will be given to you in the tutorials. Each group will get an opportunity to interact with a senior student from BMET3921 (Biomedical design and technology) in a mentee/mentor role that will enable you to enhance your knowledge in biomedical design, technology, clinical perspective, and commercialization pathways.

 

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

Reading resources related to each lecture will be provided during the lectures and any additional resources will be communicated and uploaded to CANVAS.

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.

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

  • LO1. Demonstrate scientific oral, and written communication skills, ethics in scientific research, and application of engineering technology in biomedical applications
  • LO2. Demonstrate a general understanding of cell biology, the functions of their inbuilt cellular components, integrating engineering principles to life sciences, and their applications in biomedical engineering.
  • LO3. Demonstrate a practical understanding of gene therapy, personalized medicine, biomedical imaging techniques and their applications in the field of biomedical engineering
  • LO4. Demonstrate a general understanding of the bioreactors, process analysis and automation, and computation. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of Additive manufacturing, nanotechnology concepts and their applications in biomedical engineering.
  • LO5. Demonstrate procedure for working safely, correctly and effectively in a molecular biology laboratory. Learn and demonstrate a range of practical techniques in molecular biology. Demonstrate a collaborative experimental work, effective data acquisition, analysis, data recording and experimental report writing
  • LO6. Demonstrate an understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of biomedical engineering, fundamental knowledge and its relevance in biomedical device design, clinical perspective, industry relevance and basic knowledge in translation pathways. Demonstrate collegial communication skills, professionalism and taking ownership of learing and developmental needs through effective communication with his/her mentors/senior UoS colleagues.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

A new learning outcome has been introduced and other significant changes to assessment weightage has been made since this unit was last offered

All the information regarding the course will be provided on canvas.

Students can ask questions during the tutorial sessions.

Monthly zoom session will be set up on last Friday of the month for any consultation with the coordinator. You are encouraged to ask any questions to the tutors during the weekly tutorials.

Work, health and safety

Health and safety requirements must be met during the practical sessions and students will be briefed during the tutorial sessions.

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.