Biocellular Systems Engineering

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Estimated 120 hours

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

OR

AND

either of the following subjects (or equivalent):

OR

AND

both of the following subjects (or equivalent)

None

None

This subject replaces:

(421-285) Bioengineering Systems Modelling 1

For the purposes of considering applications for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005) and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, this subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the Subject Co-ordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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 cell migration and metabolic 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
• 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 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%
• 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

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• 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 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