Biomedical Instrumentation module (ME51011)

Level:

• SHE level 5 (MSc) 

Volume:

• 10 credits

Assessment:

• Coursework 20%
• Exam 80%

Aims:

• To provide a formal training on human anatomy and physiology, medical instrumentation applications and design, medical ethics and safety issues.
• To provide a grounding in the theory of biomedical measurement systems, including sensors, signal conditioning methods, measurement techniques, patient interfacing and  instrumentation used in biomedicine;
• To impart the fundamentals of the special aspects of instrumentation design that are required for biomedical instruments;
• To demonstrate how modern biomedical instruments combine traditional instrumentation techniques and technological innovation, including software presentation and analysis of data.
• To develop competence in scientific writing and reporting

Intended learning outcomes:        

• Understand  principles of operation of important sensors used in biomedical instrumentation and measurement
• Understand the technical specifications of commercially produced sensors  used for this purposes;
• Be able to specify and design instrumentation and measurement systems that employ these sensors and which, as appropriate, enable safe interface with the human body
• Recognised and understand the characteristics of the physiological signals being measured;
• Be able to offer realistic solutions to clinical measurement problems and to justify the choices;
• Sufficient knowledge in the subject to be able to investigate and evaluate new designs of biomedical sensors and instruments.
• competence in writing to accepted academic standards

Indicative content:          

• Physiological quantities, basic concepts and principles of medical instrumentation
• Bio-potentials, electrodes and amplifiers, static and dynamic characteristics of measurement systems, noise and noise reduction;
• Measurement constraints in the clinical environment, invasive and non-invasive measurements and medical Imaging;
• Biomedical and chemical biosensors;
• Measurement of blood pressure, flow and volume, pulse oximetry and respiratory performance;
• Clinical laboratory instrumentation, and applications in patient monitoring
• Protection and safety: medical ethics; mechanical safety; electrical safety; biological hazards; chemical safety; radiation protection. 

Teaching and learning:  

• A combination of lectures, laboratory experimentation, coursework, including 40 hours of lectures and tutorials, and 60 hours of self-study.

Modes of delivery and student participation:

• Classes/tutorials and laboratory experiments (face to face teaching).