Anatomy & Physiology for Bioengineering (BMEN20002)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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This subject introduces students to human anatomy and physiology relevant to bioengineering applications, including medical devices and technology that overcomes physical disabilities. Students will be introduced to anatomical terminology, the structure and appearance of cells and tissues, biomedical engineering technologies, quantitative measurements and experimental techniques used to investigate the structure and function of different tissues, organs and organ systems. The anatomy and physiology taught in this subject may include the musculoskeletal system, sensory systems, neural systems and the cardiovascular system.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate correct usage of the terminology used to describe anatomical structures
  • Describe the organisation and behaviour of specific cells, tissues and organ systems
  • Develop quantitative descriptions of physiological properties and systems
  • Apply the principles of engineering to the applications of technologies and techniques for investigating and interacting with the structure and function of organs
  • Demonstrate communication skills (oral and written) to describe the structure and function of the human body.

Generic skills

  • The ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals
  • The ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
  • A capacity for creativity and innovation
  • The ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance
  • Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning
  • Profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship
  • A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Option 1

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BIOL10002 Biomolecules and Cells
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOL10004 Biology of Cells and Organisms No longer available
BIOL10008 Foundational Biology: Life's Machinery
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOL10009 Biology: Life's Machinery
Not available in 2025
 12.5

Option 2

Admission into the MC-BIOMENG Master of Biomedical Engineering

AND

Note: the following subject/s can also be taken concurrently (at the same time):

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BIOL10002 Biomolecules and Cells
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOL10004 Biology of Cells and Organisms No longer available
BIOL10008 Foundational Biology: Life's Machinery
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOL10009 Biology: Life's Machinery
Not available in 2025
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ANAT20006 Principles of Human Structure
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOM20002 Human Structure and Function
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 25
PHYS20008 Human Physiology
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

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.

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: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

11 multiple choice quizzes held weekly

  • 20 minutes (each)
Weeks 2-1210%

Four assignments, in either written or oral format. Assignments in Weeks 4 and 6 involve group work. 500 words per written assignment or 5 minutes per oral presentation

  • 500 words (each)
Weeks 4,6,8,10 40%

One open-book written examination

  • 2 hours
Hurdle requirement: Students must pass the end of semester examination to pass the subject.		During the examination period50%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorHamish Meffin
    CoordinatorDaniel Heath
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours2 hours pre-recorded lectures per week (total 24 hours); 1x2-hour discussion session per week (total 24 hours) ; 4x 3-hour workshops (total 12 hours) 
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 contact information

    Associate Professor  Hamish Meffin

    Email: hmeffin@unimelb.edu.au

    Associate Professor Daniel Heath

    Email: daniel.heath@unimelb.edu.au

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.

  • Subject notes

    LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
    The subject is delivered through lectures, tutorials, quizzes and workshops. Assessment is in the form of workshop reports, an assignment, and a final exam.

    INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES 
    Students are provided with lecture slides and recording, tutorials with worked solutions, tutorials with discussed solutions, previous exam questions with discussed solutions, and textbook references.

    CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
    The lecture series features numerous guest lecturers from industry. Collectivlely, these lectures illustrate  many examples of how the  knowledge and concepts taught about the anatomy and physiology of systems of the body can be related to clinical applications relevant to biomedical engineering.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    Specialisation (formal)Biomedical with Business
    Specialisation (formal)Biomedical
    MajorBiomedical Engineering Systems
    MajorBiomedical Engineering Systems
  • 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.

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 4 March 2025