BI2SM17-Biomedical Systems Design and Project Management

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Prof Rachel McCrindle

Email: r.j.mccrindle@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to the concepts, practice and management associated with undertaking a project during which a technological solution is created for a given problem situation. The module addresses the lifecycle activities associated with developing a system as well as the management activities required to ensure that the product is developed on time, within budget and is fit for purpose. A group work approach is adopted, whereby students work in teams to achieve common goals within the lecture/seminar periods. The module also incorporates case studies and examples to show the application of the concepts and principles to real-world systems related to biomedical engineering. A substantial group project(s) is undertaken.

Students also receive an introduction to good engineering practice and the properties, behaviour, fabrication and use of relevant materials and components intended to bridge the gap between academic work and what is needed to make a real product.

Aims:

This module will provide students with an understanding of the concepts, practice and management of associated with developing biomedical systems. Students gain experience of working in teams to design and develop a project(s) designed to solve an identified real-world need.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be expected to be able to:

• Understand the context of systems/software engineering and the importance of systems/software engineering for biomedical engineering systems;


• Describe the systems life cycle and the activities associated with each phase of it (feasibility, requirements, design, implementation, testing, handover, maintenance and evolution);


• Describe the essential concepts of proje ct planning, risk analysis, configuration management and testing;


• Understand the difference between plan-based and agile-based approaches to systems development;


• Understand how the systems lifecycle stages ‘come into play’ within a number of different process models;


• Appreciate the importance of systems engineering for bioengineering/biomedical engineering systems


• Apply system lifecycle activities and project management concepts to a given specification (linked to the assignments).


• Be able to develop a practical system (Raspberry Pi based) to solve a given real world specification.


• Understand good engineering practice and its relevance to real-world systems.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to encourage the development of the following skills:

- Working with others in a group project and understanding a team approach to projects;

- Understanding why planning is important in their own work;

- Appreciating the need for back-ups and contingency plans;

- Innovation and creative thinking

- Communication and documentation

- Critical evaluation of technical, team and individual performance

Outline content:

A series of lectures, seminars and practical sessions will be delivered by module staff and invited speakers on areas relevant to core skills. Lectures will be supported by guided discussion in tutorials/seminars, case studies, worked examples, guided independent study and a team project(s).

Topics include:

• Introduction to the module, systems and software engineering and project management


• Introduction to, and examples of, b iomedical systems


• Stages of the systems/software development lifecycle and their application in a biomedical engineering context


• Project, risk and configuration management activities and techniques


• Good engineering practice


• Design and development of a real-world system using the Raspberry Pi

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will take a problem-based learning approach. The lectures will introduce students the theories, concepts and underpinning principles specified in the indicative content. Students will be supervised in the practicals to apply the concepts and principles to a given problem context and develop a technical solution. The lectures, tutorials, and lab-based practicals will enable students to inquiry the cutting-edge solutions, and critically apply the methods to design and document the r esultant products. A group approach is adopted, whereby students work in teams to achieve common goals within the lecture/seminar periods as well as outside of the classroom as part of guided independent study. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	18	18	4
Tutorials	10
Practicals classes and workshops		10
Guided independent study:	67	67	6
Total hours by term	95	95	10
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	70
Set exercise	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This is a practical module focused around two design and development projects which students undertake in teams based on a given specification. There will be two multiple-choice Blackboard tests linked to the theory delivered in lectures.

Formative assessment methods:

Students receive guidance and feedback on their project work in the tutorial and practical sessions throughout the term

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
By examination

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 6 October 2020