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
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
- Contact hours
- lectures: 2 hours per week
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.
- 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.