Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Biomedical engineers develop materials, processes and devices that help prevent or treat disease or rehabilitate patients. This unit covers the three fundamentals of bioengineering: (a) biomaterials—artificial materials that can be placed into the body (e.g. implants, artificial valves, etc.); (b) biomechanics—study of the structure and function of human biological systems through engineering mechanics, and investigation of hard (e.g. bone), mixed (e.g. musculoskeletal) and soft (e.g. cardiovascular) tissue systems; (c) biomedical imaging—how imaging is applied to the diagnoses or treatment of disease.

Students gain an insight into how engineering and the body interact and the methods by which engineering can be used to help characterise, monitor, diagnose illness and disease, and repair the human body.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) differentiate between different types of biomaterials for different applications and describe contemporary manufacturing methods for biomedical applications, such as regenerative medicine; (2) understand how biomechanics and biology interact ; (3) explain the fundamentals of tissue optics and their application to medicine, including the challenges in developing optical imaging probes; (4) understand the regulatory requirements involved when bringing a medical device to market and be able to assess the market; (5) use medical engineering software to analyse medical images and plan the use of an implantable medical device for cardiovascular surgery; and (6) write concise reports using appropriate discourse conventions.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments; (2) group project; and (3) a final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Vincent Wallace
Unit rules
Prerequisites
(ENSC1002 Material Behaviour from Atoms to Bridges
or ENSC1004 Engineering Materials) and (ENSC2001 Motion
or ENSC2004 Engineering Mechanics) and (PHYL2002 Physiology of Cells or equivalent)
Incompatibility
GENG4408 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
Advisable prior study
CITS2401 Computer Analysis and Visualisation
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
practical classes/activities: 2 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.