Biocellular Systems Engineering

Subject BMEN30007 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3 x one hour lectures + 1 x one hour tutorial per week + 2 x 90 minutes of laboratory work per semester
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites:

Students must have taken either of the following subjects (or equivalent) prior to enrolling in this subject:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
OR
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

AND

either of the following subjects (or equivalent):

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
OR
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

AND

(Note the following subject can also be taken concurrently)

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Summer Term, Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects:

This subject replaces:

(421-285) Bioengineering Systems Modelling 1
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Andrea O'Connor

Contact

Email: a.oconnor@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

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, such as 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.

Objectives:

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;
  • 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;
Assessment: Two lab-based assignments spread throughout semester and worth a total of 10%; five assessable questions spread throughout semester and worth a total of 5%; one written assignment of up to 2500 words due in the second half of the semester worth 15%; and an end of semester examination worth 70%. A mark of 40% or more in the end of semester examination is required to pass the subject.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

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

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.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject, students should have developed 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.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Science
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Bioengineering Systems
Master of Engineering (Biomedical)

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