Anatomy and Physiology for Engineers

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

200 hours

Admission to Master of Engineering (Biomedical) or (Biomedical with Business)

and

one of the following subjects:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

AIMS:

This subject introduces engineering students to human anatomy and physiology, with direct application of the knowledge to considerations for designing and manufacturing medical devices and equipment to assist in overcoming physical disabilities.

INDICATIVE CONTENT:

Anatomical terminology. The structure and appearance of cells and tissues. The appearance of bone and cartilage, the organisation of dense connective tissues. Skeletal muscle structure and function. Principles of excitable tissues. The structure and function of sensory systems, including the eye and vision and the ear and hearing. Principles of sensory motor control. Cardiac mechanics and cardiac biophysics. Multiscale modelling of physiological systems. Technologies, quantitative measurements and experimental techniques used to investigate the structure and function of different tissues, organs and organ systems.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)

Having completed this unit the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate correct usage of the terminology used to describe anatomical structures.
2. Describe the organisation of cells and tissues.
3. Describe the principles relating to the structure of connective tissues, skeletal muscle, bones and joints.
4. Describe the principles of excitable tissues.
5. Describe the structure and function of the human eye and ear and the mechanisms of vision and hearing.
6. Describe the principles of sensorimotor control.
7. Describe cardiac mechanics and cardiac biophysics.
8. Develop quantitative descriptions of physiological properties and systems.
9. Describe the application of technologies and techniques for investigating the structure and function of the body.
10. Demonstrate communication skills (oral and written) to describe the structure and function of the human body.

• Attendance and participation in four workshops in Weeks 4 to 10, each with a written assignment and/or short oral presentation requiring 13-15 hours of work including preparation (10% each). ILOs 1-10 are addressed in these workshops.
• One written assignment of up to 2000 words due in Week 12 and requiring 26-30 hours of work, 20%. ILOs 8-10 are addressed in the assignment.
• One written 2-hour end-of-semester examination (40%). ILOs 1-10 are addressed in the exam.

Hurdle requirement: Students must pass end of semester examination to pass the subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals
• Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large
• Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development
• Profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship