Course Descriptions

To enrol in a course in GSBME you will need to know the course code and course name.  This applies to enrollment in both  coursework and research project courses.  Below you will find brief descriptions of all coursework courses and research thesis courses currently offered by GSBME. Note that courses offered may change from time to time, so you should always check this page when considering changes to your program.

Abbreviations

All courses are 12 weeks duration

Coursework Courses

BIOM1010 Engineering in Medicine and Biology

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 4, S2

You can download the course outline

This course introduces the field of biomedical engineering. Topics include:

• a basic introduction to biological systems
• the engineering approach to biological systems
• the application of basic engineering concepts to solving biomedical problems, with examples from cutting-edge technologies such as the artificial heart, bionic eye, magnetic resonance imaging and tissue engineering.

BIOM2451 Biomechanics for Sports Scientists

For timetable and contact information see Class Details

UoC 6, HpW 5, S1

You can download the course outline

Note: This course is NOT available to students enrolled in a Bachelor of Engineering.

This course focuses on the basic principles of biomechanics and applies them to the analysis of human movement and the musculoskeletal system. Basic mechanics (statics, kinematics and dynamics) will be studied in two dimensions. Topics include:

• the biomechanics of the human gait - walking and running
• the mechanics of tissues in the musculoskeletal system
• methods of assessing movement - quantitative and qualitative

BIOM9027 Medical Imaging

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3, S2
You can download the course outline

NOTE: Medical imaging is offered every 2 years. The course will be held in second session 2013, not at all during 2014, and then first session 2015.

Assumed Knowledge: Biological Signal Analysis or equivalent

 This course includes:

• the fundamentals of producing a medical image
• image collection techniques
• image reconstruction algorithms
• Image analysis methods

It also entails a detailed examination of the three areas of medical imaging and the clinical application of each area:

• nuclear medicine and positron emission tomography
• x-ray imaging and CT
• magnetic resonance imaging

BIOM9060 Biomedical Systems Analysis

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3, S2
Assumed knowledge: Stage 2 Maths (or please consult Staff Contact)
You can download the course outline

Assumed knowledge: Stage 2 Maths (or please consult Staff Contact)

This course focuses on the analysis of compartmental systems in biology and medicine. Applications include pharmacology, physiology and nuclear medicine.  Topics include:

• the mathematics of linear compartmental systems
• non-linear systems
• tracer methods
• parameter estimation by fitting models to data
• the optimum design of experiments
• methods of control

BIOM9311 Mass Transfer in Medicine

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3. S1
You can download the course outline

The focus of this course is mass transfer in the living organism and in extracorporeal medical devices. It includes:

• principles of diffusion and convection
• models of gas transfer in the lung
• transfer of solutes at the capillary level
• haemodialysis, haemofiltration, plasma filtration and blood oxygenators
• transfer across the peritoneal membrane-dialysis or drug delivery
• drug delivery across the skin

BIOM9332 Biocompatibility

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC6 HpW3 S1
You can download the course outline

Assumed knowledge: Not recommended for Stage 2 and 3 students

This course includes:

• the interaction of biological fluids and cells with foreign surfaces
• in vitro tests to assess biocompatibility and thrombogenicity
• the current status of biocompatible materials as applied to extracorporeal systems
• surgical implants and prosthetic devices

BIOM9333 Cellular and Tissue Engineering

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3, S1
You can download the course outline

Note: Entry to the course by interview only. Please contact the course coordinator for further information.

This course outlines concepts underlying development of cell-based products and aims to give students a theoretical and practical understanding of the tools available for producing such ‘devices’ as well as the biological, physical and chemical constraints of these systems. It includes:

• introductory cell biology
• cellular mechanics
• mass transfer in cells and tissues
• analysis of cell and tissue functions
• regulatory requirements for biological products and tissue engineering applications

Lab classes allow students to gain practical experience with cell and scaffold manipulations.

BIOM9334 Comprehensive Biomaterials Science

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 0, Summer Session 2012-2013
You can download the course outline 

Note: BIOM9334 is an on-line course. There is one full week of interactive sessions requiring your attendance on campus from 3-7 December 2012. Students will also be required to attend an additional day on campus for presentations at the end of the summer session.

 This course is only available to students in Stage 3 and above. All non-Biomed students require enrolment permission from the Course Coordinator, Dr. Penny Martens.

Material covered includes:

• The prinicples of biomaterials science
• The application of biomaterials to implantable medical devices and pharmaceutical technology
• The application of biomaterials science to regenerative medicine and diagnostic/ imaging systems
• Current and future biomaterials

Many of the topics will be discussed on the basis of personal experiences of our guest lecturer Professor David Williams (Professorial Fellow at UNSW, and the Editor-in Chief of Biomaterials, the world's leading journal in biomaterials science. The topics will discuss the experiences of Professor Williams within academia, clinical practice, industry and commerce, health care product regulation, health economics and litigation, with a widespread use of case histories.

BIOM9410 Regulatory Requirements for Biomedical Technology

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, S2
You can download the course outline

Note: BIOM9410 is predominantly on-line subject. However, students will be required to attend a 2 hour lecture / tutorial on campus on Tuesdays of Weeks 1,3,7 and 11.

The regulatory requirements of medical devices in Australia, Japan, North America and Europe will be reviewed in this course. The aims of this course are to:

• give a broad overview the regulation of medical devices around the world and
• relate these regulations to the development and marketing of a variety of medical devices

BIOM9420 Clinical Laboratory Science

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3, S2
You can download the course outline   

The course will cover the technologies, tests and operation of a variety of clinical laboratory testing systems (biochemistry, haematology and immunology) and how they apply to a particular organ or system.

Students will also be exposed to the underlying principles involved in the measurement of certain physiological parameters from some of the complex organ systems including the urinary, cardiac and gastro-intestinal systems. An important component of the course is two practical sessions.

The first focuses on the fundamentals of enzyme biochemistry and how this might be useful in generating a test for a particular disease and the second will build upon this knowledge and to design, fabricate and test a working diagnostic test strip for glucose.

BIOM9432 Chemistry and Physics of Synthetic and Biological Polymers (Introductory Polymer Chemistry)

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3, S2
You can download the course outline

This course outlines the chemistry and physics of synthetic and natural polymers. It is introductory level, covering:

• polymerisation
• synthesis of macromolecules and networks
• polymer behaviour in solution and solid state
• biological polymers, including the synthesis and characterisation of biological polymers using proteins, polysaccharides and DNA as examples.

BIOM9450 Clinical Information Systems

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3, S2
You can download the course outline

This course introduces medical informatics with a focus on healthcare information and communications technology, including:

• evidence-based medicine and clinical decision support systems
• physiological measurements and telehealth systems
• medical coding and classification
• standards for medical data interchange
• aspects of database design, dynamic HTML and web services

Students will learn HTML, Structured Query Language (SQL) and PHP scripting and use these tools by way of tutorials and a major project.

BIOM9510 Introductory Biomechanics

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3, S1
You can download the course outline

BIOM9510 is an introductory course and is organised to cover introductory information on human anatomy and fundamental mechanics followed by the application of this knowledge to the analysis of the human body as a system in order to understand the resultant impacts of motion or motions. The course includes:

• the principles of the mechanics of solid bodies
• force systems
• kinematics and kinetics of rigid bodies
• stress-strain relationships
• stress analysis of simple elements' applications to musculoskeletal system

BIOM9541 Mechanics of the Human Body

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3, S2
You can download the course outline

 Assumed knowledge: BIOM9510 and ANAT2511

 This course covers in-depth methods used in the analysis of the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. It includes:

• methods to analyse body segment and joint kinematics
• joint kinetics
• work and power
• muscle forces and associated energy cost
• applications of biomechanics in clinical, occupational and recreational areas

BIOM9551 Biomechanics of Physical Rehabilitation

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3, S1
You can download the course outline

Note: This course is offered every even year from 2008 onwards.

This course provides students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the application of biomechanics in physical rehabilitation.  The course will first cover the rehabilitation setting including typical conditions and goals of rehabilitation.

The basic biomechanical capabilities and limitations for normal movement will be broadly covered. The course will then focus on three important areas of rehabilitation – amputees, sensory motor control and spinal cord injuries. Each of the topics will be addressed with a biomechanics focus.

BIOM9561 Mechanical Properties of Biomaterials

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3, S2
You can download the course outline

Assumed knowledge: BIOM9510 or equivalent.

This course covers the physical properties of materials having significance to biomedical engineering, including human tissues; skin; soft tissues; bone; metals; polymers and ceramics; as well as the effects of degradation and corrosion.

BIOM9621 Biological Signal Analysis

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3, S1
You can download the course outline  

Note: Basic electronics and mathematics background required

 This course focuses on the use of digital computers to extract information from biological signals. It covers:

• signal processing using filtering, averaging, curve-fitting and related techniques
• analysis using model simulations, correlation, spectral analysis etc.

BIOM9640 Biomedical Instrumentation

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3, S1
You can download the course outline

This course is an introduction to physiological measurement of bioelectric phenomena and neurostimulation. Its aim is to give you an understanding of the physical principles that govern the measurement of a biological variable or system by a transducer, which converts the variable into an electrical signal.

By the end of the course you should understand various measurement devices and approaches including the underlying biological process that generates the quantity to be measured or controlled. The basic medical instrumentation used clinically to perform these functions is also examined.

The course has a focus on bioelectric phenomena, bioelectrodes, medical electronics and neurostimulation. It includes a revision of DC and AC circuit theory, hands-on practice in the use and testing of medical transducers and electromedical equipment commonly used in hospitals and research laboratories to make measurements of biomedical variables of clinical significance. 

BIOM9650 BioSensors and Transducers

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3, S2
You can download the course outline

Assumed knowledge: BIOM9640

 This course is an introduction to physiological measurement using biosensors and transducers. Its aim is to give you an understanding of the physical principles that govern the measurement of a biological variable or system by a transducer, which converts the variable into an electrical signal.

By the end of the course you should understand various measurement devices and approaches including the underlying biological process that generates the quantity to be measured or controlled. The basic biosensors and transducers used to measure pressure, flow, volume and biochemical sensing are examined along with aspects of imaging instrumentation. 

BIOM9660 Implantable Bionics

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3, S2
You can download the course outline

This course is an introduction to the engineering issues related to implantable bionics for therapeutic electrical stimulation of neural and muscle tissue. Its aim is to give you an understanding of the requirements (electrical, mechanical, chemical, etc.) of implantable neurostimulators.

During the course, in small groups students will design an illustrative example of a medical device (e.g. a cochlear implant) and conduct extensive practical tasks to reinforce the material presented in the lectures and tutorials. The example will be comprised of a single, or multi-channel neurostimulation circuit, an electrode array, and a package that can protect the circuitry from corrosive biological fluids.

BIOM9670 Advanced Bionics

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 4, S1
You can download the course outline

Enrolment Requirements - pre-requisite BIOM9660 must be completed prior to enrolment in this course. If you have not done the pre-requisite you may still enrol with permission from the course coordinator. Please contact Associate Professor Gregg Suaning.

Advanced Bionics builds upon the outcomes of BIOM9660, Implantable Bionics which provides the theoretical background that will enable an informed approach to practical implementation of therapeutic bionic devices such as cardiac pacemakers, cochlear implants and bionic prostheses. This course takes advantage of leading edge research, and a wide range of hands-on experiences which aim to provide the students with the appropriate knowledge and experience to conduct research, devise and analyse applications of therapeutic bionic devices.

BIOM9701 Dynamics of the Cardiovascular System

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6, HpW 3, S1
 You can download the course outline   

Assumed knowledge: Some mathematical knowledge essential
 

 This course covers the structure of the heart, organisation of the mammalian vasculature, the mechanical, electrical and metabolic aspects of cardiac pumping, solid and fluid mechanics of blood vessels, the rheology of blood, as well as biomedical engineering applications in the cardiovascular system. 

BIOM9711 Modelling Organs, Tissues and Devices

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC6 HpW3 S1
 You can download the course outline

 Assumed knowledge: Some mathematics background desirable

 Computer modelling of complex physiological systems and their interaction with medical devices is becoming increasingly important in modern medical device design. This course provides a practical overview of computational modelling in bioengineering, focusing on a range of applications including:

• electrical stimulation of neural and cardiac tissues
• implantable drug delivery
• cancer therapy
• biomechanics
• blood flow
• 3D surface techniques for realistic modelling and visualisation of organs, tissues and devices.

GSOE9712 Engineering Statistics and Experiment Design

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC6 HpW3 S0
You can download a course outline

This course covers selected topics in statistics that are relevant to engineers. Topics include:

• a brief review of basic statistical concepts and methods (random variables, statistical models and hypothesis tests)
• linear models (analysis of variance and regression)
• the design of efficient experiments, including factorial experiments
• models for discrete data and failure-time data
• the effective display of data using tables and graphs

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Research Project Courses

Please see the GSBME list of Research Thesis Topics for guidance on planning your thesis topic.  Enrollment in part B of your thesis project is dependent on a satisfactory performance in part A.  Students should not automatically enrol before receiving the result for part A.

Undergraduate Research Thesis Courses

BIOM5001 - Research Thesis A

UoC 6, HpW 0, S1, S2

This research thesis course is for first part of the thesis project for students undertaking the concurrent

• Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) / Master of Biomedical Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic) / Master of Biomedical Engineering

BIOM5003 - Research Thesis B

UoC 6, HpW 0, S1, S2

This research thesis course is for second part of the thesis project for students undertaking the concurrent

• Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) / Master of Biomedical Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic) / Master of Biomedical Engineering

BIOM5910 - Research Thesis A

UoC 6, HpW 0, S1, S2

This research thesis course is for first part of the thesis project for students undertaking the concurrent 

• Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) / Master of Biomedical Engineering  
• Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Science) / Master of Biomedical Engineering  
• Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunications) / Master of Biomedical Engineering

BIOM5911 - Research Thesis B

UoC 6, HpW 0, S1, S2

This research thesis course is for second part of the thesis project for students undertaking the concurrent 

• Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) / Master of Biomedical Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Science) / Master of Biomedical Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunications) / Master of Biomedical Engineering

BIOM5930 - Research Thesis A

UoC 6, HpW 0, S1, S2

This research thesis course is for first part of the thesis project for students undertaking the concurrent Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) / Master of Biomedical Engineering.  

BIOM5932 - Research Thesis B

UoC 6, HpW 0, S1, S2

This research thesis course is for second part of the thesis project for students undertaking the concurrent Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) / Master of Biomedical Engineering.

BIOINFORMATICS STUDENTS

NOTE for 2012 Enrollment: Please see the School of Computer Science & Engineering before enrolling.

This research thesis course is for students undertaking the concurrent Bachelor of Engineering (Bioinformatics) / Master of Biomedical Engineering. Course codes are available from the School of Computer Science & Engineering.

BIOM5950 - Research Thesis A

UoC 6, HpW 0, S1, S2

This research thesis course is for first part of the thesis project for students undertaking the concurrent Bachelor of Engineering (Computing) / Master of Biomedical Engineering.  

BIOM5951 - Research Thesis B

UoC 6, HpW 0, S1, S2

This research thesis course is for second part of the thesis project for students undertaking the concurrent Bachelor of Engineering (Computing) / Master of Biomedical Engineering.

BIOM5960 - Research Thesis A

UoC 6, HpW 0, S1, S2

This research thesis course is for first part of the thesis project for students undertaking the concurrent Bachelor of Engineering (Software) / Master of Biomedical Engineering.  

BIOM5961 - Research Thesis B

UoC 6, HpW 0, S1, S2

This research thesis course is for second part of the thesis project for students undertaking the concurrent Bachelor of Engineering (Software) / Master of Biomedical Engineering.

Postgraduate Research Thesis Courses

BIOM9914 Masters Research Project

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 12, HpW 0, S1 or S2
 You can download the thesis proposal form

 Assumed knowledge: Candidates must contact the School for consent to enrol.

 This is the course for the postgraduate masters research projects to be undertaken in 1 semester. It consists of 12 UOC. It allows coursework students to experience research training either within the School or with collaborating institutions. Candidates should complete the thesis proposal form (see link above) in consultation with a GSBmE supervisor who will act as their supervisor. A second co-supervisor/assessor must also be nominated on this application. All thesis proposal forms must be approved by the Head of School.

This research work can also be conducted over 2 semesters by enrolling in two 6UOC courses - see information for courses  BIOM9020and 9021. Performance is assessed on the basis of a report in the format of either a thesis or a publication-ready research paper. Other assessment tasks may apply, so please discuss current requirements with the GSBME supervisor.

Performance is assessed on the basis of a report in the format of either a thesis or a publication-ready research paper. Other assessment tasks may apply, so please discuss current requirements with the GSBME supervisor.

BIOM9020 and BIOM 9021 Masters Research Project

For timetable and contact information see Class Details
UoC 6 per semester, HpW 0, S1 or S2
 You can download the thesis proposal form

 Assumed knowledge: Candidates must contact the School for consent to enrol.

 These courses form the postgraduate masters research project to be undertaken over two semesters. It allows coursework students to experience research training either within the School or with collaborating institutions. Candidates should complete the application form (as above) in consultation with a GSBME supervisor who will act as their supervisor. A second co-supervisor/assessor must also be nominated on this application.

Performance is assessed on the basis of a report in the format of either a thesis or a publication-ready research paper. Other assessment tasks may apply, so please discuss current requirements with the GSBME supervisor.

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