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

Based on the Biodesign methodology of innovating medical technologies, this unit provides students with the opportunity to identify and research real clinical unmet needs, brainstorm a medical technology solution, and learn the medical device development process.

Students will work together in a group, over 7 full day workshops, to develop a medical technology project.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025OnlineOnline flexible
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify an unmet clinical need appropriate for project development; (2) develop basic market and stakeholder analysis for a clinical unmet need; (3) generate solutions based on the design thinking methodology; (4) identify suitable intellectual property protection

; (5) identify regulatory pathways; (6) identify reimbursement pathways; and (7) create a development pathway towards translation of a medical technology.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) group written assignment; (2) class participation; and (3) oral presentations. 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)
Ms Intan Oldakowska
Unit rules
Advisable prior study
Well suited, but not restricted to, participants with an academic background in: biological sciences, physics, engineering, medical science, medicine
or business/commerce.
Contact hours
45 hours, 7 full days of intensive tuition spread over roughly six weeks. Study and assessment: Approximately 45 hours of pre-reading material prior to the intensive weeks, and approximately 60 hours to study and prepare assessments during and post intensive tuition.
Texts

Biodesign: The process of Innovating Medical Technologies (2nd Edition). 

Paul G. Yock, Stefanos Zenios, Josh Makower, Todd J. Brinton, Uday N. Kumar, F. T. Jay Watkins, Lyn Denend, Thomas M. Krummel, Christine Q. Kurihara


Cambridge University Press, 2 Feb 2015 

  • 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.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • 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.