Units / MEC3602
MEC3602 · Biomedical microsystems
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 3Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This interdisciplinary unit will present the fundamental basis of biomedical microsystems for applications in small-scale engineering, biological sciences, and medicine. Selected topics include the fundamentals of miniaturization, microfabrication and material properties, microscopy methods, sensing and detection methods using microsystems, along with relevant applications and medical device regulations and standards. Biomedical microsystems are rapidly emerging as a dominant part of the biomedical industry, and these disciplines are central to biomedical engineering.
Areas of study: E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Specialisation: Biomedical engineering
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | In-semester test(s) | Quiz / Test | 20% | Threshold |
| 2 | Moodle quizzes | Quiz / Test | 20% | Threshold |
| 3 | Laboratory report(s) | Written | 20% | Threshold |
| 4 | Final assessment | Examination | 40% | Threshold |
Continuous assessment: 60% Final assessment: 40% This unit contains a hurdle requirement 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
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Apply micro-scale engineering principles to design biomedical microsystems.
- Evaluate different materials for fabricating biomedical microsystems and apply the relevant microfabrication processes.
- Analyse the performance of biomedical microsystems by selecting the appropriate visualisation and quantification methods to optimise device characteristics.
- Discuss the underlying principles of operation and characteristics of various microsystems for sensing and detection applications.
- Appreciated the basic requirements for translation of biomedical microsystems.
- 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.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Workshops | 24 hours |
| Practical activities | 24 hours |
| Laboratories | 4 hours |
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