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Unit outline_

BMET5953: Rehabilitation Engineering

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

Rehabilitation Engineering is a staple course of biomedical engineering programs worldwide. This unit focuses on rehabilitation devices, external and internal, for communication and mobility. Rehabilitation engineering is the application of engineering analysis and design expertise to overcome disabilities and improve quality of life with assistive technologies. The unit will cover the inclusive design or 'design for all' process with consumer engagement, human-computer interfaces, mobility and communication needs. All students will design a project that addresses an unmet need. There will be visits to disability services organisations and learn about the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The unit will be taught through lectures and the design lab including computational and hands on design. Communication skills will be tested through a project 'pitch' presentation. Some teaching will be provided by rehabilitation engineers working in industry.

Unit details and rules

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

1000-level mathematics and 1000-level biology

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Alistair McEwan, alistair.mcewan@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation group assignment Group work presentation
Group project pitch
15% Multiple weeks
Due date: 10 May 2024 at 23:59
15min in tutorial class weeks 12-13
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Small continuous assessment MCQs development
Develop multiple choice questions
15% Multiple weeks Several MCQs designed by the student
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3
Assignment hurdle task individual report
Final individual project report
30% Week 05
Due date: 22 Mar 2024 at 23:59
3 pages and a video
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Small continuous assessment group assignment Group report draft
Draft group lab report
5% Week 07
Due date: 12 Apr 2024 at 23:59
5 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO2
Small test Quiz 1
quiz from MCQs submitted from all students
7.5% Week 07 1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3
Assignment hurdle task group assignment Final group report
Final group project report
20% Week 12
Due date: 17 May 2024 at 23:59
15 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO2
Small test Quiz 2
quiz from MCQs submitted from all students
7.5% Week 13 1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO4 LO3
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

The multiple choice quiz question development is a peer reviewed development of quiz questions based on the lecture and tutorial material. They will be assessed against ability to test recall and comprehension, application and analysis and evaluation. These will be trialled in the in-class multiple choice quiz.

The individual report is a review of assistive technologies in particular those that use the latest technology including AI.

The group report and presentation are based on a user study of an assistive technology design and development.

You must get 50% in each of the the individual and group work components to pass the unit.

Assessment criteria

See table at https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.html

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 penalty for lateness is 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.

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 rehabilitation engineering Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Introduction to communication and user based design for inclusion Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 03 Introduction to Mobility needs Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 04 Lower Limb Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 05 Rehabiliation robotics Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Upper Limb Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 07 Transfer Systems Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Hearing Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Assistive Technology for communication Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 10 Speech recognition Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Funding supports and services Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 12 Occupational Therapy Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 13 Review Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

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.

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. Present evaluations and interpretations of theoretical issues and concepts. Clarify requirements to determine inquiry/research needs; evaluate & interpret data; manage research. Use information for basic analytical reporting & show understanding of discipline theoretical and methodological issues; interpret and discuss situations involving uncertainty, ambiguity, conflicting information.
  • LO2. Small project proficiency. Proficiently apply standard project management tools & methodologies for assigned project activities on a small team scale.
  • LO3. Professional reflection. Exercise sound critical judgement, at general level, on professional context and conduct issues.
  • LO4. Interdisciplinary contexts & systems. Understand the integration of system components to accomplish specific set of objectives in interdisciplinary contexts. Evaluate design solutions from multiple perspectives including ecological, social sustainability, cultural values, as well as, economic risk & safety, and technical perspectives.
  • LO5. Full cycle design. Understand the impact of high uncertainty and/or context on the design cycle & the benefit of systems design/engineering framework.
  • LO6. Justify creative solutions to non-routine & complex problems/opportunities. Use a structured process of inquiry & evidence based research to clarify reasoning and decisions; experiment with different (systems) methodologies or thinking approaches & strategies for innovation.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
4. ENGINEERING APPLICATION EXPERIENCE
4.3. Proficiency in the engineering design of components, systems and/or processes in accordance with specified and agreed performance criteria.
4.4. Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements.
5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials.
5.4. Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;.
5.8. Skills in recognising unsuccessful outcomes, sources of error, diagnosis, fault-finding and re-engineering.
Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - EA
1.3 (L2). Specialist discipline knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
1.4 (L2). Discipline research knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline

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

In the past there were concerns of too much written assessment so this has been reduced.

Disclaimer

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

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