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Unit outline_

BMET9901: Anatomy and Physiology for Engineers

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study provides the underpinning knowledge needed in biomedical engineering designs. The anatomic and physiological functional knowledge gained in this subject will enhance prototype development of biomedical designs. Students should gain familiarity with anatomical and physiological terms and their meaning, understanding of the gross anatomy of the major systems in the human body and their importance in the design of biomedical devices and understanding of the major physiological principles which govern the operation of the human body.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Biomedical Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
AMME5901 OR AMME9901 OR MECH2901 OR BMET2901
Assumed knowledge
? 

6cp minimum of Junior level Biology

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Hamish Fernando, hamish.fernando@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Hamish Fernando, hamish.fernando@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final exam
Short - medium length answers
30% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Presentation group assignment Roundtable discussion
Deep-dive into selected biomedical application
15% Multiple weeks 20-30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Small continuous assessment Laboratory worksheets
Completed worksheets for each lab
5% Multiple weeks _
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Presentation Weekly biomedical task
2-minute video on weekly topic-specific application question
35% Multiple weeks Weekly 2-minute video
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Small test Mid-semester checkpoint
30 application MCQs
15% Week 08
Due date: 22 Sep 2023 at 11:30
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Laboratory worksheets: Practical worksheets need to be completed during the practical and submitted.
  • Weekly biomedical application task: Ongoing topic-specific question given each week. Students must work out a solution to a biomedical engineering problem based on their understanding of anatomy and physiology, and record a 2-minute video for submission. Discussion points will be provided to aid student answers. Best 7 out of 9 will be selected for the final score for this assessment.
  • Roundtable discussion: Deep-dive into one of the biomedical engineering problem tackled prior to the mid-semester break. Activity undertaken in pairs. Students will select the problem they would like to focus on. The tutor will lead this discussion, and the discussion points will not be explicitly stated. This would require students to have a broad and thorough understanding of the selected topic. 
  • Mid-semester checkpoint: The test will consist of MCQs covering material from the musculoskeletal, nervous, and cardiorespiratory systems, from both lectures and practical classes. 
  • Final exam: The exam will cover all material in the unit from both lectures and practical classes. Short-medium length answers (no MCQs or essays). Postgraduate students will also get one question from each of the guest lectures, and would have to complete them all. 

 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result Name Mark Range Description
High Distinction 85-100% Demonstrates outstanding  and comprehensive knowledge  and ability for critical thinking
Distinction 75-84% Demonstrates excellent  and comprehensive knowledge  and ability for critical thinking. actve participation in group discussion and leadership in group presentations
Credit 65-74% Demonstrates good understanding and  comprehensive knowledge  and a good level  of critical thinking and participation in discussions
Pass 50-65% Demonstrates acceptable if limited knowledge and understanding
Fail 0-49% Unsatisfactory level of knowledge, engagement in discussion and shows little evidence of critical thinking 

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 penalised 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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Ongoing Study per week = Approx 3 hours x 13 = 39 Independent study (39 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week -01 Nervous System I: Neurons, neurotransmitters and nerve impulse propagation preparation lecture Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 01 Nervous System I: Neurons, neurotransmitters and nerve impulse propagation lectorials Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Nervous System II: Central and peripheral nervous systems preparation lecture Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Nervous System II: Central and peripheral nervous systems lectorials Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Neuroanatomy Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Musculoskeletal System I: Bone preparation lecture Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Musculoskeletal System I: Bone lectorials Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Musculoskeletal System II: Joints preparation lecture Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 04 Musculoskeletal System II: Joints lectorials Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Skeletal anatomy Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Musculoskeletal System III: Muscle preparation lecture Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 05 Musculoskeletal System III: Muscle lectorials Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Cardiovascular system I: Heart preparation lecture Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 06 Cardiovascular system I: Heart lectorials Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Skeletal muscle anatomy Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Respiratory System preparation lecture Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 07 Respiratory System lectorials Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Cardiovascular System II: Blood and blood vessels preparation lecture Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 08 Cardiovascular System II: Blood and blood vessels lectorials Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Cardio-respiratory anatomy Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 09 Nervous System I: Extension/Research/Industry application guest lecture Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Cardiovascular system: Extension/Research/Industry application guest lecture Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 10 Skeletal system: Extension/Research/Industry application guest lecture Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Mid-semester quiz discussion Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Cardiovascular physiology Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Renal System preparation lecture Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 11 Renal System lectorials Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Endocrine System preparation lecture Online class (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 12 Endocrine System lectorials Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Respiratory physiology Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Nervous System II: Extension/Research/Industry application guest lecture Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Immune System preparation lecture Independent study (0.25 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 13 Immune System lectorials Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Revision Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Lectorials will be recorded but attendance is recommended.

3 out of 4 Extension/research/application guest lecture attendance is required to sit for the Final Exam. 

The Faculty of Engineering resolution on attendance requirements can be found here: Faculty of Engineering Faculty Resolutions 2022 (sydney.edu.au)

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

The purchase of Complete Anatomy (interactive 3D anatomy software), would be ideal. If you have any difficulty doing this (due to cost, technical issues etc), please contact unit coordinator. 

Elizabeth Co (2023). Anatomy & Physiology 1st Edition. Cengage Learning. 

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. Identify the gross anatomical features of the human body
  • LO2. Explain the functioning of the major body systems at an in-depth level (nervous, circulatory, respiratory, musculoskeletal, digestive, renal, reproductive)
  • LO3. Describe how major body structures relate to their functions well as how different structures may work together to impact function
  • LO4. Develop strong written communication skills suitable for both peers as well as a more general audience
  • LO5. Demonstrate how biomedical engineering can be used for the treatment of various traumatic injuries and diseased states
  • LO6. Work in groups to critically analyse an existing biomedical engineering technique that is used for the treatment of a traumatic injury or diseased state

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.

Change in course structure: Introduce Nervous System first as it is a key system that connects all others. Assessments: Allow for more study time as the unit has a high volume of content and the knowledge gained from it forms the grounding for the human biology component of their degree. Therefore for assessments, less time is put into research reports and more towards ensuring students understand the content on a weekly basis and understand how it will be applied towards the broader biomedical engineering space. Also, additional steps towards protecting academic integrity, especially when considering AI use, has been taken.  Tutorials have been dropped for lectorials with the lecturer, due to the positive student feedback regarding lecture engagement. Due to the very high volume of content noted in student feedback, the unit focuses more on consolidating knowledge gained within the unit, and less on research (which they will get to do in many other units).

Work, health and safety

Anatomy Laboratory entry requires closed shoes, lab coats and rubber gloves to be worn at all times. Students will need to purchase their own lab coats.

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.