ECE4081 · Medical instrumentation

Overview

This unit shows how engineering principles are used in the design and construction of biomedical instrumentation. This includes the application of electrochemistry to biological membranes, application of cable theory to nerve axons, application of electronic design principles to the recording of biological electrical signals, application of quantitative optics to spectrometry. In addition, the operating principles of a wide range of medical and laboratory instruments will be explored, ranging from ECG machines, pressure transducers to cochlear and vision implants.

Areas of study: E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Specialisation: Biomedical engineering

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 60% Final assessment: 40% This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Analyse major design components of common medical devices and evaluate the benefits of common hospital equipment.
2. Integrate and apply engineering principles to record and analyse electrical signals in the body.
3. Assess the quality of medical devices through the analysis of physiological signals using the knowledge of how these signals are generated in the body.
4. Engage with project collaborators to research and design medical devices by analysing design issues surrounding medical device technology.
5. Justify through presentations the outcomes of research and design of a medical device to a wide audience.
6. Function as an effective team member by participating in all group activities and conducting regular self- and peer-assessment of individual and team performance.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.