Biosystems Design (BMEN30008)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
This subject involves undertaking biosystems design group projects from concept to reporting and communicating the design proposal through to possible development, and so will provide an integrated capstone experience for the Bioengineering major.
The emphasis of each of the projects is associated with a well-defined project description that may be based on a task required by an academic or external, industry-based client. The topics covered will include design processes, formulation of the problem, conceptual designs, partitioning of design activities, analysis of system components, integration of design, quality and safety assessment, project management, and engineering professional attitudes.
The open-ended nature of the design task will result in students having exposure to historical, sociological and environmental factors in invention and innovation, professional ethics, regulatory and statutory requirements, legal and ethical responsibilities, and environmental considerations.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics include:
- Design control processes -design and development planning, design input, design control, design output, design review, and design verification.
- Theory of measurement – understanding and applying the limitations of measurement.
- Amplifier circuits –design and construct basic op-amp circuits to the application of high precision instrumentation amps.
- Data acquisition systems – programming and applying industry standard engineering software and hardware tools.
- Sensors – adapting and implementing simple displacement and electrochemical sensors.
- Physiological dynamics – understanding physiological dynamic parameters and applying parameter estimation techniques to acquire physiological signals.
- Non-invasive physiological system – use of sensors, amplifiers, data acquisition systems and parameter estimation to design and construct a physiological system.
Intended learning outcomes
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)
Upon completion of this subject students should be able to:
- apply fundamental concepts of engineering design through various stages of the design process, problem formulation and structuring, ideation, decision making and communication;
- demonstrate awareness of the integrative nature of engineering design through the experience of balancing a range of factors, including uncertainties relating to safety, regulatory, safety and economic requirements; and have observed the close interrelation between the properties of engineering materials and the design process;
- design simple engineering components for desired performance specifications;
- write a professional technical report and/or design specifications.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution.
- Understanding of social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities and the need to employ principles of sustainable development.
- Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance.
- Proficiency in engineering design.
- Ability to conduct an engineering project.
- Understanding of the business environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large.
- Ability to manage information and documentation.
- Capacity for creativity and innovation.
- Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities, and commitment to them.
- Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, as a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member.
- Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for this subject are one of -
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMEN30006 | Circuits and Systems | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ELEN30012 | Signals and Systems |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Winter Term (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Note: ELEN30012 Signals and Systems may be taken concurrently
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Assessment
Additional details
- Attendance and participation in weekly workshop classes with three individually written design reports of approximately 1500-2000 words each spread from week 4 to week 10 (10% each) each requiring approximately 8 to 10 hours of work including preparation;
- One individual poster describing the design project due in week 11, requiring approximately 8 to 10 hours of work (10%);
- One team-based presentation (10%) with 3 to 4 team members of approximately 15 to 20 minutes duration due in Week 12, requiring 8 to 10 hours of work;
- One team-based report (50%) with 3 to 4 team members of approximately 10,000 words due in Week 12, each member committing 50-60 hours of work.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 4 are assessed in workshop classes, poster assignment, and continuous assessment of submitted project work. (ILOs) 1 to 3 are also assessed in the team-based presentation.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator David Grayden Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 12 hours of lectures; up to 36 hours of workshops Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Email: grayden@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
This subject is delivered through lectures and workshop classes for hands-on laboratory activities.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
Students are provided with lecture slides, electronic resources, industry standard engineering software and hardware tools, project specifications, component specifications and reference lists.
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
Exposure to biomedical instrumentation through guest lectures by representatives of hospitals, industry and/or medical research institutes.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) Biomedical with Business Informal specialisation Master of Engineering (Biomedical) Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Specialisation (formal) Biomedical Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Major Bioengineering Systems Informal specialisation Master of Engineering (Biomedical with Business) Major Bioengineering Systems - Breadth options
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 20 March 2025