UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

The human body can be viewed as an engineering system and many core functions of the body can be explained using engineering principles. Furthermore, the body comprises many complex systems and processes running in parallel. In this unit, the function of the human body will be considered from a systems engineering perspective. Once this overarching framework is in place, specific systems within the body will be analysed using main concepts of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and materials engineering. For example, in the nervous system, the transmission of signals from the brain to various organs of the body will be framed as an electrical circuit problem. In addition, how various medical devices interact with the body to improve and restore function will be described in detail and incorporated within the systems engineering framework. In summary, this unit introduces students to systems engineering as a means to deepen understanding of the human body and reconciles underpinning principles of both human biology and engineering.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Details for undergraduate courses

• Level 3 core unit in the Biomedical Engineering major sequence

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify different types of engineering systems in the human body, and their different applications and relevance in regenerative medicine; (2) explain the fundamentals of electromagnetic wave interaction with biological tissues and their application to medicine, including the challenges in medical imaging and electromagnetic safety of devices; (3) use a multiphysics computational modelling software to design and analyse a medical device, such as a neurostimulator; (4) assess demand and the regulatory requirements involved when bringing a medical device to market; (5) analyse risk and safety associated with the development of medical devices, including relevant standards associated with the clinical investigation of medical devices and ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects; and (6) write concise reports using the conventions of the discipline.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes; (2) group project report; and (3) group project design and presentation. 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)

Dr Lena Kranold

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Enrolment in

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or an associated Combined Degree

and Successful completion of

( IMED1001 Form and Function
and PHYS1001 Physics for Scientists and Engineers
and GENG2000 Engineering Practice 2
and PHYL2002 Physiology of Cells

)
or
Enrolment in

MJD-ENGSC Engineering Science

and Successful completion of

( IMED1001 Form and Function
and PHYS1001 Physics for Scientists and Engineers
and PHYL2002 Physiology of Cells

)

Incompatibility

ENSC3023 Biomedical Engineering

Contact hours

lectures: 2 hours per week
activities: 2 hours per week