BI2ST17-Sensors and Transducers for Biomedical Engineering

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: BI1PH17 Physics for Biomedical Engineering BI1EE17 Electronics
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr John Bowen
Email: j.bowen@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Sensors and transducers are important in biomedical engineering for monitoring physiological parameters, in the control of assistive technologies, and as the basis of many diagnostic and medical imaging systems. This module will cover the different types of sensors and transducers used for biomedical application areas, their characteristics and principles of operation. By the end of the module, you will be able to choose appropriate sensors and transducers for a given application and be able to calculate how the output signals they produce are related to the quantities they are sensing. The module consists of lectures reinforced by laboratory practicals.

Aims:
This module aims to describe sensors and transducers for biomedical application areas, their characteristics and principles of operation.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module the students should be able to choose appropriate sensors and transducers for a given application, understand the principles of their operation and be able to calculate their responsivities.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Classification of Sensors and transducers, examples. Transducer parameters. Transducer bridges. Displacement transducers. Accelerometers. Temperature transducers. Phototransducers. Fibre optic sensors for biomedical applications. Patch clamps. Multielectrode arrays. Flexible electrodes. Functionalized biosensors. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices. Respiration measurement. Pulse oximetry. Blood pressure measurement.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module comprises 2 lectures per week, associated laboratory practicals, and some revision tutorials. Laboratory practicals are used to reinforce the relevant lectures.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Tutorials			2
Practicals classes and workshops	9
Guided independent study:	65		4
Total hours by term	94		6
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Set exercise	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2-hour paper.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Three 3-hour laboratory practical reports, each contributing 10% of the total assessment of the module. Submission dates throughout the Autumn term depending on the scheduling of laboratory practical sessions for individual students.

Formative assessment methods:

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%

Reassessment arrangements:

Examination only (2-hour paper)

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: 29 March 2022