BI3AT17-Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Faustina Hwang
Email: f.hwang@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module examines how human capabilities are affected by ageing and impairment, and how this affects interactions with technology that can improve quality of life and independence.

It introduces a range of examples where the application of engineering principles and practices have been used in the design and development of assistive technology devices and rehabilitation systems.

The module comprises 20 hours of in-class lectures and interactive exercises plus a programme of guided independent study/directed reading. The module is assessed by research and/or design work and a written report on the work.

Aims:

To develop students’ awareness and understanding of the challenges stemming from ageing and disability.

To equip students with the skills and knowledge to design and develop more inclusive technology.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module the students should be able to:

• Explain social versus medical models of disability


• Analyse and explain how ageing and impairment affect interactions with technology


• Propose designs of technology that are more inclusive and can support a wide range of user needs


• Discuss the benefits and challenges of adopting a multidisciplinary approach to design

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Design for older adults and people with disabilities: this part of the module will look at how human capabilities change with ageing and impairment, and how this affects interactions with technology. Topics covered will include definitions and models of disability and impairment, conditions associated with ageing and impairment, human-computer interaction and assistive technologies, and inclusive design.

Assistive technology devices and rehabilitation systems: the part of the module will look at a range of developments related to assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering including how these developments have met a real-world clinical or independent living need.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module comprises lectures and guided independent study.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Guided independent study:		80
Total hours by term		100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Conduct research and/or design work relating to assistive technology and/or rehabilitation engineering, and write a report on the work.

Formative assessment methods:

During interactive sessions, there will be opportunities to discuss the project and to receive feedback from peers and the lecturers.

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 the coursework. 

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: 8 April 2021