The following classes are available to exchange students studying in the Department of Biomedical Engineering:
Guide to choosing classesBiomedical Engineering
Semester 1 – Level 1
These classes run from September until December
- Class code: BE101
- Level: 1
- Semester (including exams): 1 (September to December)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
The aim of this class is to provide an insight into these areas and in doing so will deal with two applications: Prostheses and Orthoses (e.g. Artificial limbs and splints), Artificial Kidneys. The process of evolving the design specification from knowledge of normal body function and the matching of material properties to the body environment will be described.
Semester 1 – Level 2
- Class code: BE205
- Level: 2
- Semester (including exams): 1 (September to December)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to introduce students to fluid mechanics within biomedical engineering. This will include looking at the different mechanisms of how fluid flows in the body and its importance to biomedical engineering.
- Class code: BE206
- Level: 2
- Semester (including exams): 1 (September to December)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to provide you with a tool set of analytical skills to enable you to undertake valid biomechanical analyses of human movement. This includes the science, engineering and mathematical skill to produce kinematic and kinetic analyses of human movement and the external and internal load actions experienced by humans during activity. The class will provide generic analysis skills but examples will focus primarily on human gait.
Semester 1 – Level 3
- Class code: BE306
- Level: 3
- Semester (including exams): 1 (September to December)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
With vast experience in active micro-optics and optical sensing of, amongst others, acoustic behaviours, our research has moved into biomedical imaging applications underpinned by this expertise. Both photoacoustic and fluorescence based imaging approaches are investigated, with our expertise in micro-optics, optical fibre sensors and optical ultrasound detection allowing the development of novel systems and multi-modal approaches to tackle application needs in clinical and biomedical research settings.
- Class code: BE301
- Level: 3
- Semester (including exams): 1 (September to December)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
You'll gain a deeper understanding of the key characteristics of physiological systems and interactions between them, both in health and disease.
- Class code: 94304
- Level: 3
- Semester (including exams): 1 (September to December)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
The aim of this class is to develop your skills to recognise and respond to the trends that shape prosthetics & orthotics.
Semester 1 – Level 4
- Class code: BE400
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 1 (September to December)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to widen the scope of prior human movement analysis to include three dimensional analysis of movement and biomechanical signal processing.
- Class code: BE404
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 1 (September to December)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
You'll be given a detailed description of the principles and applications of a number of the most widely used biomedical instrumentation systems and devices found in the modern hospital environment. You'll understand the diagnostic and research applications of the various instrumentation- related techniques currently available and to appreciate their limitations.
- Class code: BE420
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 1 (September to December)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to give students a broad overview of cardiovascular devices used In the clinical setting for the treatment of a range of clinical conditions. Students will be able to demonstrate and develop an understanding of the clinical, design and regulatory challenges involved in developing devices for this clinical sector. Upon finishing this class, students will be able to offer some insight into the pathologies underlying the need for cardiovascular device technologies.
- Class code: BE421
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 1 (September to December)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to provide you with a tool set of analytical skills to enable you to undertake valid biomechanical analyses of human movement. This includes the science, engineering and mathematical skill to produce kinematic and kinetic analyses of human movement and the external and internal load actions experienced by humans during activity. The class will provide generic analysis skills but examples will focus primarily on human gait.
- Class code: BE428
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 1 (September to December)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to provide an introduction to the philosophy, ethics and methodology of research. It will outline the role that the biomedical engineer plays in the solution of clinical problems. This class will also provide training in the principles, assessment and application of safety procedures in areas relevant to medical physics and biomedical engineering. The class will also aim to provide an awareness of the importance of regulatory issues in medical device design and manufacturing. Finally, this class aims to equip students with the skills necessary to use mathematics and statistics tools including software in experimental design and data visualisation.
- Class code: BE402
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 1 (September to December)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to provide an introduction to the philosophy, ethics and methodology of research. It will outline the role that the biomedical engineer plays in the solution of clinical problems. This class will also provide training in the principles, assessment and application of safety procedures in areas relevant to medical physics and biomedical engineering. The class will also aim to provide an awareness of the importance of regulatory issues in medical device design and manufacturing.
- Class code: BE431
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 1 (September to December)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This module aims to provide students with the evidence and rationale for embedding technology into rehabilitation practice considering the technological, design and cultural barriers to adoption. This module will teach: broad principles of rehabilitation including strengthening, flexibility, neuroplasticity and motivation; application of design techniques to rehabilitation technology; the gamification of rehabilitation activities, role of competition and fun, principles of motor learning, body worn sensors to provide movement feedback, virtual reality in rehabilitation, robotics in rehabilitation, brain computer interface technology, barriers to adoption, case studies from neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. On completion of the module students are expected to be able to justify the use of rehabilitation technologies within a modern health service and apply understanding of rehabilitation principles to the design of technologies. Students should also be able to appraise current technologies within a specific area of rehabilitation in terms of efficiency and usability as well as analyse the design features of rehabilitation technologies
- Class code: BE403
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 1 (September to December)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to equip you with the skills necessary to use mathematics and statistics tools including software in experimental design and data visualisation.
- Class code: BE418
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 1 (September to December)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to provide an introduction to the mechanical properties of human tissue using a PBL approach. With the aid of an existing finite element (FE) model of the knee, students will virtually dissect the knee joint identify the different tissue types in the knee. Discussion will take place to determine how to incorporate the material properties of the different tissues into the model. A Journal “club” will be used to discuss recent literature, informing and directing you to perform appropriate experimental methods to determine the mechanical properties. these can then be incorporated into the FE model. A fully working FE knee joint will be the objective of the class.
Semester 2 – Level 1
Classes run from January to May
- Class code: BE105
- Level: 1
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This module aims to provide students with foundation level knowledge relating to the basic functions of cells. It will set out the principles of biological action and function that you will encounter through all four years of study. This class will expose you to the basic suite of teaching, learning and assessment paradigms used throughout your degree with a particular focus on oral communication and presentation.
Semester 2 – Level 2
- Class code: BE203
- Level: 2
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
The aim of this module is to help you understand the important role you play in infection prevention and control and the support available to you. Upon completing this module, students should be able to define a healthcare associated infection and describe the consequences of infections to the person receiving care and the person providing care. Lastly, students should be able to describe the important part they play in preventing and controlling infections, as well as how to contact the right person and access the correct resources to get the support needed to prevent and control infection.
- Class code: BE204
- Level: 2
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class will cover important research within the mechanics and materials topic such as: mechanics (including solid mechanics), polymers and polymer composites, tribology and tribo-corrosion.
Semester 2 – Level 3
- Class code: BE300
- Level: 3
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 20 (10ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to develop the knowledge, understanding and practical experience of synthetic materials used in different biomedical applications. This is together with a qualitative understanding of the mechanical behaviour of a variety of tissues.
- Class code: 94303
- Level: 3
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class will provide knowledge of the structure and functioning of skeletal muscle tissue. The effects of exercise on the respiratory, cardiovascular and skeletal muscle systems will be considered. You'll develop an understanding of the pathophysiological changes underlying conditions affecting locomotion. Selected pathologies of particular relevance to prosthetic and orthotic practice will be covered in depth, including stroke, diabetes and contractures.
- Class code: BE304
- Level: 3
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This course will cover the practical and theoretical components of clinical gait analysis. It will include a revision of the gait cycle, the mechanics of gait (joint angles, moments and powers), a discussion on the theories of gait (why we walk the way we do) and an introduction to gait abnormalities. Including an in depth case study. The course will use a combination of video, audio supported PowerPoint lectures, word documents, quizzes and weekly discussion forms. There is no expectation of existing knowledge of biomechanics or gait analysis.
- Class code: BE302
- Level: 3
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
The class aims to develop knowledge, understanding and practical experience of kinematic and kinetic analysis of human movement.
Semester 2 – Level 4
- Class code: BE422
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to provide fundamental information on the properties of synthetic biomaterials, and how these are evaluated experimentally and from the literature. It will outline how material properties are influenced by methods of processing and will explore, with the aid of appropriate examples, what is meant by biocompatibility. This class will provide an overview of the host responses to and interactions with biomaterials, and how these interactions are assessed and influenced by surface properties. Finally, students will be introduced to the principles of toxicology and should be able to identify the major toxic interactions with foreign chemicals and the protective mechanisms which enable us to survive most toxic insults. Assessment of the safety of materials according to the International standards will be discussed.
- Class code: BE401
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to give the student a thorough introduction to the use of electronic circuits for the pre-conditioning, acquisition and display of biomedical signals and to provide an understanding of the components required in a basic biomedical measurement device.
- Class code: BE417
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to familiarise students with the fundamentals and concepts of signals and systems (both continuous-time and discrete-time), and to develop a framework for processing and analysing a variety of biomedical signals and images (biosignals), including electrocardiograms (ECGs) and magnetic resonance images. You'll also develop valuable Mathcad and MATLAB signal/image processing skills, through non-compulsory self-study laboratory exercises.
- Class code: BE416
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to provide you with the ability to appraise the role of biomechanics and biomechanical measurement techniques in the development and evaluation of clinical practice in rehabilitation and in the production and management of sports injuries. The class will also allow you to assess the role of biomechanics and biomechanical measurement in the improvement of human function and the optimising of sports performance. The class will focus on orthopaedic and neurological issues.
- Class code: BE415
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class will give you an appreciation of the methods and levels of accuracy of those gait assessment techniques that are currently available. They range from the simple to the sophisticated, (or the inexpensive to the costly), and the advantages and limitations of each will be explored. The module will help you to develop an awareness and practical understanding of the interpretation of the data and its relevance to clinically observed conditions.
- Class code: BE426
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This module aims to introduce the concepts and the design of medical robotics and its applications in various medical disciplines including, interventions, surgery and rehabilitation. The course focuses on fundamental principles such as kinematics, dynamics, control and artificial intelligent combined with medical applications and examples.
- Class code: BE427
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: For those with no knowledge of matlab, some pre-class preparatory work will be required and expected.
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This module aims to provide experience of using numerical modelling tools, in particular Matlab, in a Biomedical Engineering context. Case studies will be presented from the departmental research portfolio that require the use of numerical modelling. These case studies will be explained in detail, together with a methodology of the required numerical modelling to answer the research question. Students will be expected to write their own code to answer the research question, to appropriately graphically present results and to interpret the results in context. On completion of the module students should be able to: design numerical modelling tools to solve research-related problems in the field of Biomedical Engineering; create appropriate methods of data presentation of structured data; interpret numerical solutions to address research question(s) in the context of the presented case studies.
- Class code: BE429
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class helps you to acquire the knowledge and understanding of the sciences which underpin the orthotic management of common spinal deformities. In addition, you'll formulate and analyse treatment protocol for management of these patient groups. This class will present a multidisciplinary and patient-centred approach to the orthotic management of neurological disorders as well as enabling students to synthesise and analyse their knowledge of the role of lower limb orthoses in the management of neurological disorders. Students should be able to review the available evidence base for orthotic intervention in neurological disorders, and use this to inform practice. You'll gain the knowledge and understanding of the sciences which underpin the orthotic management of the diabetic foot.
- Class code: BE423
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to demonstrate to you how biomechanical principles can be applied to the design, manufacture, fitting procedures and evaluation of prostheses, orthoses and other devices externally applied to the body of patients in need of rehabilitation. It is hoped that you should be able to join manufacturing companies, research groups or clinical teams responsible for the delivery of such systems.
- Class code: BE430
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
The class builds on the introduction to prosthetics socket design, components and materials studied in Prosthetics & Orthotics Science 1, 2 and 3. You'll gain knowledge of advanced clinical and technical aspects required to become a competent and professional practitioner. The class will build on the cross-curricular links with other relevant and complimentary modules, e.g. human biological sciences, professional skills for healthcare, principles of prosthetic and orthotic design, and health services research.
- Class code: BE419
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
You'll learn to describe the developments and advances in regenerative/repair medicine in terms of: Source of cells; Cell expansion/seeding and bioreactor technology; Tissue Scaffolds: design criteria, fabrication and characterisation; Clinical status of replacement tissues and organs.
- Class code: BE405
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to provide you with an understanding of the injury mechanisms of the different tissues of the body, an ability to assess protective equipment and be able to evaluate current rehabilitation practice.
- Class code: BE425
- Level: 4
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This training programme equips you with the basic knowledge and terminology in current life science subjects to allow you to explore LSI topics in your own research project with direction from your supervisor.
Semester 2 – Level 5
- Class code: BE928
- Level: 5
- Semester (including exams): 2 (January - May)
- Credits: 10 (5 ECTS)
- Level of study: Postgraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This module aims to provide students with the evidence and rationale for embedding technology into rehabilitation practice considering the technological, design and cultural barriers to adoption. This module will teach: broad principles of rehabilitation including strengthening, flexibility, neuroplasticity and motivation; application of design techniques to rehabilitation technology; the gamification of rehabilitation activities, role of competition and fun, principles of motor learning, body worn sensors to provide movement feedback, virtual reality in rehabilitation, robotics in rehabilitation, brain computer interface technology, barriers to adoption, case studies from neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. On completion of the module students are exacted to be able to justify the use of rehabilitation technologies within a modern health service and apply understanding of rehabilitation principles to the design of technologies. Students should also be able to appraise current technologies within a specific area of rehabilitation in terms of efficiency and usability as well as analyse the design features of rehabilitation technologies.
Full Year - Level 1
Classes run from September until May
- Class code: BE103
- Level: 1
- Semester (including exams): Full Year (September - May)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
You'll learn the essential and basic numerical and analytical techniques for biomedical engineering problems. On completion you're expect to be able to use appropriate algebraic, geometric and calculus techniques.
- Class code: BE100
- Level: 1
- Semester (including exams): Full Year (September - May)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to provide you with the basic knowledge of the anatomical structure of the major body systems, together with an understanding of their physiological functioning. This knowledge is fundamental to understand and to develop specific topics that will be taught later in the course.
- Class code: 94157
- Level: 1
- Semester (including exams): Full Year (September - May)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class will give you a general understanding of key concepts in human anatomy and general pathophysiology to act as a basis for discussion in this and subsequent modules. The physiology and pathophysiology of skin and cardiovascular system pathologies are examined in detail. The basic changes in metabolism that occur in diabetes are studied.
- Class code:94154
- Level: 1
- Semester (including exams): Full Year (September - May)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class provides you with a basic grounding in the theory & application of the broad engineering sciences that underpin prosthetic & orthotic practice.
Full Year - Level 2
- Class code: 94206
- Level: 2
- Semester (including exams): Full Year (September - May)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class will provide knowledge of: the aetiology and pathogenesis of congenital disorders; the physiology and pathophysiology of the nervous system; the detailed anatomy of the upper limb and spinal column and cord.
- Class code: 94207
- Level: 2
- Semester (including exams): Full Year (September - May)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class builds on the basic grounding provided on Principles of Prosthetic and Orthotic Design 1. You'll learn to generalise the approaches & methodologies adopted in year 1 to a broader case set.
- Class code: BE208
- Level: 2
- Semester (including exams): Full Year (September - May)
- Credits: 20 (10 ECTS)
- Level of study: undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, tutorials
Class descriptor
This class aims to look at how statics and dynamics can be applied and utilised within the human body.