Biocellular Systems Engineering

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

OR equivalent,

OR:

OR equivalent.

None.

This subject introduces biomedical systems engineering, complementing and reinforcing material learned in related Biology subjects. Students will be introduced to the process of developing engineering and computational models and simple conceptual designs in the context of biological systems.

Students will examine biological systems at the cellular and tissue level. Systems of ordinary differential equations will be employed to describe various cellular processes, including gene circuits and metablolic pathways. Fundamental transport processes, relevant to biological systems and employed in clinical applications, such as dialysis, will be described and applied in variety of contexts.

Students will be required to complete a concept design.

Upon completion, students should be able to:

• Recognise and characterise a variety of problems as a system of ordinary differential equations, and solve these equations in a variety of contexts;
• Formulate problems in chemical systems, identifying fundamental transport processes and the equations that describe these systems;
• Analyse the transport systems and find basic solutions to these problems, including analysis of the one-dimensional transient diffusion equation using the finite difference method;
• Formulate problems in electrochemical systems engineering, identifying fundamental potentials influencing the behaviour of chemicals in biological systems;
• Perform simple laboratory experiments that deepen and amplify theoretical concepts;
• Apply the design process and engaged in the conceptual design stage of the design process;

Two written assignments of 2500 words each due between week 7 and week 12 (30%)

One examination of three hours duration at the end of the semester (70%)

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

:On completion of this subject, students should have devleoped their

• Ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals.
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution.
• Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance.
• Proficiency in engineering design.
• Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with community at large.
• Capacity for creativity and innovation.
• Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, as a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member.
• Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development.