Biomedical Signal and Image Processing module (BE31001)

Medical signals and images play a vital role in diagnosis and treatment. These range from heart rate monitoring to CT scans. These tools help healthcare professionals make informed decisions. This module introduces you to the techniques used to process and analyse biomedical data using digital tools. You will explore how digital signals and images are captured, cleaned up and interpreted. You will explore how these provide meaningful insight into the body’s condition.

You do not need any prior knowledge to take this module. You will start with the basics of how digital signals and images are formed and then explore a range of processing techniques. You will learn how to remove noise, extract key features and visualise data in meaningful ways. The focus is on hands-on learning using MATLAB and medical datasets, with guidance provided through lectures and labs.

You will work independently to analyse clinical data and complete practical reports based on real-world signal and image processing tasks. These skills are valuable in healthcare technology, medical research and the growing field of biomedical AI.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• explore common biomedical signals such as ECG, EEG and EMG, and biomedical images such as CT and MRI
• use signal processing tools like Fourier transforms, digital filters and wavelets transform
• apply image processing methods including segmentation, thresholding and 3D reconstruction
• work with real clinical data to solve practical problems
• build software tools in MATLAB or SIMPLEWARE to automate processing tasks
• develop reports that explain your programming choices and results

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• explain the difference between digital and analogue signals and images
• apply filters and transformations to enhance biomedical signals
• use image processing tools to detect and highlight key features
• build and test analysis tools using MATLAB or SIMPLEWARE
• compare different processing methods and justify your approach
• interpret and communicate your results clearly in written reports

Assignments / assessment

• coursework (100%)
  • This will consist of a series of five individual reports. These will be based on hands-on tasks using MATLAB or SIMPLEWARE. They will cover signal filtering, image enhancement, segmentation and 3D reconstruction. Each report tests your ability to apply core methods and explain your problem-solving process.

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures
  • These will introduce key concepts such as signal formation, noise reduction and digital filtering
• lab work
  • This will help you apply processing techniques to real-world biomedical signals and images
• guided project work
  • This will support your development of individual software tools using MATLAB or SIMPLEWARE
• self-directed study
  • This allows you to build confidence in using processing tools and interpreting data

This module focuses on hands-on experience using clinical data and real processing tasks.