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EG505J: FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE (2022-2023)

Last modified: 31 Jul 2023 11:19


Course Overview

This course will introduce students to core topics in engineering in medicine, such as the nature and origin of physiological signals, the methods by which those signals are acquired and understood, and how they are used in medical devices. Students will also gain an understanding of the role of biomedical engineers in the design, safe use and management of medical devices.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Edward Chadwick

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Postgraduate Programme

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

In this course, students will learn the fundamental principles of engineering in medicine, and gain a foundation from which to enter into more detailed study of specialised topics. The following topics are indicative of what will be covered:

 - Medical devices and instruments; introduction to the generalised model.

- Physiological signals in medical devices (their origin, nature, range of normal values)

- Biomedical instrumentation (sensing technologies, acquisition and processing of physiological signals, calibration, errors and their impacts)

- Principles of medical device design (design processes, safety and reliability, usability)

- Medical Device Regulations (EU regulations, covering both hardware and software)

- Medical device risk management (life cycle approach, quality systems, reliability and availability)


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

First Attempt

1x Online Oral Presentation (30%)
1x Coursework Essay (70%)

Alternative Resit Arrangements

Resit of only the failed assessment component(s)

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandDescribe the origin, acquisition and use of physiological signals in medical instruments and devices.
ProceduralEvaluateDiscuss methods for processing physiological signals, showing awareness of their strengths and weaknesses in terms of the safe use of medical devices.
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate different approaches to the safe and effective management of medical equipment and technology services.
ProceduralApplyDemonstrate working knowledge of quality systems and the principles of medical device regulation.
ConceptualCreateDiscuss the role of biomedical engineers in ensuring the safe and effective provision of medical technology and services.

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