BI2SM21-Biomedical Systems Design and Project Management

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Eur ing prof Simon Sherratt
Email: r.s.sherratt@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 and is fit for purpose. A group work approach is adopted, whereby students work in teams to achieve common goals within the practical periods and through independent study. A substantial group project 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 associated with developing an engineered system from initial problem statement to delivery. Students gain experience of working in teams to design and develop a project 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:

• Apply project management concepts (including planning and risk analysis), across system lifecycle stages to achieve a given specification.


• 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.


• Understand the importance of, and distinction between, a logbook, PID (Project Initiation Document) and Report

Additional outcomes:

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

• Appreciation of the importance of systems engineering for bioengineering/biomedical engineering systems;


• 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 on Engineering Applications and practical sessions linked to the development of a group project will be delivered by module staff. Outline content includes:

• Project management (Gantt, WBS, Risk)


• Project Documentation (PID, Logbook, Final Report)


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


• Safety and standards

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The lectures will introduce students to 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 and lab-based practicals will enable students to develop creative solutions, and critically apply the methods to design and document the resultant product. A group approach is adopted, whereby students work in te ams 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	10
Seminars		2
Practicals classes and workshops	20	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	10
Wider reading (directed)	10
Advance preparation for classes	5
Group study tasks	8
Carry-out research project	25
Total hours by term	88	12	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	50
Project output other than dissertation	30
Class test administered by School	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Lab demonstration (30%) – Week 11 Autumn Term

Project report (50%) – Week 8 Spring Term

Engineering Applications Blackboard Test (20%) – Week 10 Autumn Term

Formative assessment methods:

Students receive oral feedback in lab demonstrations on weekly basis.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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:

40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of Spring term report

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 28 June 2021