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Course profile

Quantitative Methods in Biomedical Engineering (BIOE3001)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Chemical Engineering School

Analysis and modelling of physiological systems. Modelling and simulation techniques for pharmacology and medical devices. Origins and characteristics of bio-signals and data; interference, artefact and simple noise removal techniques. Use of modelling and data analysis to understand normal function, impact of disease, and impact of intervention with medical devices and other treatments.

Modern day clinical medicine and biomedical sciences increasingly leverage engineering principles for the development of new surgical implants, instrumental analysis,ᅠ or medication strategies. This trend hasᅠled to the establishment of biomedical engineering as a field of study, which relies heavily on physiological systems understanding, computational simulations, and quantitative methods to manage, analyse, and build models from biomedical data to solve clinical problems. Biomedical engineers are often hired by medical product manufacturers and, more recently, have been incorporated in clinical engineering departments of major hospitals. Following from BIOE1001's introduction, BIOE3001 now aims to equip biomedical engineering students with a computational skillset inᅠ physiological systems modelling and biomedical data analysis supporting upper-level BIOE classes, research projects, and employment opportunities. This course aims to instil:

  • An appreciation for how engineering models can be used to simulate physiological systems, leverage clinical data, and enhance patient treatment.ᅠ
  • The knowledge and skills (both theoretical and numerical) required to develop computational methods and data analysis to formulate, implement, and assess biomedical models.

As an effort to be accessible and useful to the biomedical engineer specialised in mechanical, chemical, or electrical engineering, the 2024 version of this course will include a 2-hour lecture and 2-hour programming tutorial per week, where the seven core learning objectives are well-mapped to lecture content such as:

  • Introduction to physiological system modelling
  • Transport mechanics and the vascular system
  • Cell dynamicsᅠ and the bloodᅠsystem
  • Electrophysiology and the cardiac system
  • Biomedical data and image analysis
  • Parameter estimation and model assessment
  • Epidemiology and biostatistics

Teaching & Learning activities allow the student to develop a conceptual understanding of traditional and current quantitative methods in biomedical engineering. Weekly tutorials with hands-on computer programming will strengthen the knowledge of how to formulate, program, and validate biomedical models and how to process and incorporate biomedical data. This knowledge will be assessed by oral presentation, programming demonstration, a project report, and a final exam.ᅠ

Course requirements

Assumed background

  • Basic programming skills in Python (pre-req ENG1001).
  • Basic formulation and solutions of ordinary differential-algebraic systems of equations (pre-req MATH1052/MATH1072).
  • Basic understanding of physiological systems at cell, tissue, organ, and whole-organism scale (pre-req BIOE1001).

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

BIOE1001 and (MATH1052 or MATH1072) and ENGG1001

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Tutor

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

  • Lectures are scheduled on Tuesdays from 12 noon-2pm in 45-204 of the Mansergh Shaw Building of Mechanical and Mining Engineering.
  • Tutorials are scheduled on Thursdays from 12 noon-2pm in 46-441 of the Andrew N. Liveris Building of Chemical Engineering.

Aims and outcomes

The design, manufacture, operation, and implementation of lifesaving biomedical technologies is increasingly dependent on quantitative methods in biomedical engineering. This course aims to equip students with an understanding of how to formulate, implement, and assess engineered models of physiological systems and biomedical data.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Describe the key physiological systems in the human body, how they support life, and the principals of homeostasis.

LO2.

Apply mathematical models to describe and simulate the behaviour of human physiological systems, disease states, and treatment interventions.

LO3.

Implement and simulate physiological models using a computer programming language such as Python.

LO4.

Describe the limitations of mathematical models for describing physiological systems, and discuss the considerations associated with choosing appropriate model complexity.

LO5.

Describe the origins and characteristics of selected bio-signals and associated noise or interference; and to describe and implement noise removal strategies such as linear filtering, and signal averaging.

LO6.

Describe and implement strategies for parametrising physiological models using bio-signal data; and describe how these can be used to provide information to assist the clinical management of patients.

LO7.

Describe and interpret key concepts and terms in biostatistics and epidemiology used to describe the individual and population burden of disease and the impact of interventions.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Presentation Project Presentation Slides
  • Online
with Oral Presentation below.

19/08/2024 5:00 pm

Presentation Project Oral Presentation
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
10%

20/08/2024 - 23/08/2024

Week 5

Computer Code, Role play/ Simulation Project Programming Code
  • Online
with Programming Demo below.

16/09/2024 5:00 pm

Computer Code, Practical/ Demonstration Project Programming Demo
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
10%

17/09/2024 - 20/09/2024

Week 9

Paper/ Report/ Annotation Project Final Report
  • Hurdle
  • Online
40% Hurdle

21/10/2024 5:00 pm

Monday of Week 13

Examination Paper Final Exam
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
40% Hurdle

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Project Presentation Slides

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Presentation
Weight
with Oral Presentation below.
Due date

19/08/2024 5:00 pm

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L04

Task description

Throughout the semester, students will conduct a physiological modelling and programming project. In week 5, students will present an oral presentation outlining the project motivation, clinical approaches, and model design, formulation, and expected results.

Presentations are expected to run 8 min (roughly 8 slides of content), with 4 min available to answer examiner questions.

On the Monday prior to the oral presentations, students must submit their presentation slides in powerpoint (.pptx) or .pdf format. These must be identical to those used in their oral presentation later in the week.

AI and ChatGPT Statement: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Submission guidelines

Submit presentation slides by Turnitin on Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.

Penalties Apply for Late Submission

Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)

Project Oral Presentation

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Oral
Category
Presentation
Weight
10%
Due date

20/08/2024 - 23/08/2024

Week 5

Other conditions
Student specific, Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L04

Task description

Throughout the semester, students will conduct a physiological modelling and programming project. In week 5, students will present an oral presentation outlining the project motivation, clinical approaches, and model design, formulation, and expected results.

Presentations are expected to run 8 min (roughly 8 slides of content), with 4 min available to answer examiner questions.

On the Monday prior to the oral presentations, students must submit their presentation slides in powerpoint (.pptx) or .pdf format. These must be identical to those used in their oral presentation later in the week.

The programming demonstrations will run in individual 15 minute time slots out-of-class-hours during week 5 from Tuesday to Friday (20th August to 22nd August). Time slots will be between 9am and 4pm either in-person in seminar room 46-970. Students must reserve an available demonstration time slot on Blackboard in advance of week 5.

AI and ChatGPT Statement: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.

Penalties Apply for Late Submission

Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)

Project Programming Code

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Computer Code, Role play/ Simulation
Weight
with Programming Demo below.
Due date

16/09/2024 5:00 pm

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Throughout the semester, students will conduct a physiological modelling and programming project. In week 9, students will present a programming demonstration outlining model suitability, implementation, programming syntax, simulation success, plotting, commenting, and formatting. Demonstrations are expected to run 8 min, with 4 min available to answer examiner questions.

On the Monday prior to the programming demonstrations, students must submit their programming code as a python file (.py) or copy-pasted into a word document (.docx). This must be identical to the one used in their programming demonstration later in the week. 

AI and ChatGPT Statement: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Submission guidelines

Submit in a .py or a .docx file to Turnitin through Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.

Penalties Apply for Late Submission

Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)

Project Programming Demo

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Oral
Category
Computer Code, Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
10%
Due date

17/09/2024 - 20/09/2024

Week 9

Other conditions
Student specific, Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Throughout the semester, students will conduct a physiological modelling and programming project. In week 9, students will present a programming demonstration outlining model suitability, implementation, programming syntax, simulation success, plotting, commenting, and formatting. Demonstrations are expected to run 8 min, with 4 min available to answer examiner questions.

On the Monday prior to the programming demonstrations, students must submit their programming code as a python file (.py) or copy-pasted into a word document (.docx). This must be identical to the one used in their programming demonstration later in the week. 

The programming demonstrations will run in individual 15 minute time slots out-of-class-hours during week 9 from Tuesday to Thursday (17th September to 19th September). Time slots will be between 9am and 4pm either in-person in seminar room 46-970. Students must reserve an available demonstration time slot on Blackboard in advance of week 9.

AI and ChatGPT Statement: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.

Penalties Apply for Late Submission

Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)

Project Final Report

  • Hurdle
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
40% Hurdle
Due date

21/10/2024 5:00 pm

Monday of Week 13

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Task description

Throughout the semester, students will conduct a physiological modelling and programming project. In week 13, students will submit a final project report. This project report is intended to assess student's ability to implement their own developed mathematical system in a programming language, and assess the accuracy of their mathematical system compared to biomedical data. This report will also reiterate capabilities to describe and formulate a mathematical system to describe a different physiological system under homeostasis, disturbances, and treatment. Strong reports will also undertake substantial literature review. 

On the Monday of Week 13, students must submit their programming report in word document format (.docx) which includes a bibliography of references and an appendix including all programming code. The programming code copied into the appendix of the word document must be identical to that used to generate figures and results throughout the report. 

This assessment is a hurdle. This means that you must achieve >/= 45% for this assessment item in order to be eligible to pass this course.

AI and ChatGPT Statement: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Hurdle requirements

This is assessment is a hurdle. This means that you must achieve >/= 45% for this assessment item in order to be eligible to pass this course.

Submission guidelines

Submitted electronically through Turnitin and/or Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.

Penalties Apply for Late Submission

Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)

Paper Final Exam

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
40% Hurdle
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L04, L05, L06, L07

Task description

This is an open book final exam at the end of semester summarizing all concepts throughout the class. This is a paper exam, signifying that no programming will be performed, although programming approaches and understanding can be questioned. Students will complete on campus as an invigilated exam.

This is assessment is a hurdle. This means that you must achieve >/= 45% for this assessment item in order to be eligible to pass this course.

AI and ChatGPT Statement: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

This is assessment is a hurdle. This means that you must achieve >/= 45% for this assessment item in order to be eligible to pass this course.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

Any calculator permitted

Open/closed book Open Book examination
Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Description
1 (Low Fail)

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Little or no knowledge demonstrated, major assessment items missed or largely incomplete. Typically an overall mark of less than 20%.

2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Poor knowledge, reasoning, and implementation. Typically an overall mark of 20-44.9% OR an overall mark >=45% but < 25% on either the final project OR the final exam.

3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: Fails to satisfy basic requirements for a passing grade. THIS IS A FAILING GRADE. Typically an overall mark of 45-49.9% OR an overall mark >=50% but < 45% on either the final project AND/OR the final exam.

4 (Pass)

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Good knowledge; basic reasoning skills and implementation demonstrated. Typically a mark of 50-64.9% AND at least 45% on both the final project AND the final exam separately.

5 (Credit)

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Good knowledge; good reasoning skills and implementation. Typically an overall mark 65-74.9% AND at least 45% on both the final project AND the final exam separately.

6 (Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Very good knowledge plus good complex reasoning skills and skilled implementation. Typically an overall mark of 75-84.9% AND at least 45% on both the final project AND the final exam separately.

7 (High Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Excellent knowledge with excellent complex reasoning skills and excellent implementation. Typically an overall mark of 85-100% AND at least 45% on both the final project AND the final exam separately.

Additional course grading information

The final project and the final exam are both hurdles in this class. This means that students must obtain at least 45% on BOTH the final project AND the final exam SEPARATELY to receive a final course grade of 4 or higher.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Lecture

Physiological Systems & Homeostasis - LECTURE 1

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Tutorial

Physiological Systems & Homeostasis - TUTORIAL 1

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Lecture

Introduction to Biomedical Model Formulation - LECTURE 2

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Tutorial

Introduction to Biomedical Model Formulation - TUTORIAL 2

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Lecture

Transport and Vascular Blood Flow - LECTURE 3

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Tutorial

Transport and Vascular Blood Flow - TUTORIAL 3

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Lecture

Transport and Vascular System Mechanics - LECTURE 4

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Tutorial

Transport and Vascular System Mechanics - TUTORIAL 4

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Workshop

Project Oral Presentations - ASSESSMENT 1

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Lecture

Biochemical Reactions and the Immune System - LECTURE 5

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Tutorial

Biochemical Reactions and the Immune System - TUTORIAL 5

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Lecture

Cell Dynamics and the Immune System - LECTURE 6

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Tutorial

Cell Dynamics and the Immune System - TUTORIAL 6

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Lecture

Electrophysiology and the Cardiac System - LECTURE 7

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Tutorial

Electrophysiology and the Cardiac System - TUTORIAL 7

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Lecture

Mid Semester Review - LECTURE 8

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Tutorial

Mid Semester Review - TUTORIAL 8

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Lecture

Biomedical Signal Analysis - LECTURE 9

Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07

Tutorial

Biomedical Signal Analysis - TUTORIAL 9

Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07

Lecture

Parameterisation and Model Complexity - LECTURE 10

Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07

Tutorial

Parameterisation and Model Complexity - TUTORIAL 10

Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07

Lecture

Biomedical Image Analysis - LECTURE 11

Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07

Tutorial

Biomedical Image Analysis - TUTORIAL 11

Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07

Lecture

Epidemiology and Biostatistics - LECTURE 12

Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07

Tutorial

Epidemiology and Biostatistics - TUTORIAL 12

Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07

Workshop

Project Final Report - ASSESSMENT 3

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Lecture

Final Semester Review - LECTURE 13

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Tutorial

Final Semester Review - TUTORIAL 13

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

School guidelines

Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:

  • Safety Induction for Practicals

Course guidelines

Safety Induction for Practicals

Anyone undertaking courses with a practical component must complete the UQ Undergraduate Student Laboratory Safety Induction and pass the associated assessment.

Specific instructions, usage guidelines and rules for each of the undergraduate laboratories will be delivered as part of each course.

In some cases, students may be required to attend a specific face-to-face laboratory induction/training session.