BIMCT17-Current Topics in Biomedical Engineering

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Ying Zheng
Email: ying.zheng@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module will draw upon the expertise of the academic staff in the Department or suitable external speakers who will lead sessions on areas of interest or in which they have published academic papers. Topics may vary from year to year. Students will write and submit two essays from the range of topics presented. Attendance will be monitored by sign-up sheet.

Aims:

The module aims to inform students about the current state of knowledge and debate in biomedical engineering. Topics reflect the expertise in the department, including assistive technology, rehabilitation, medical instrumentation and imaging, human computer interface, tissue engineering and dynamic modelling of biological systems.

Intended learning outcomes:

Understand a range of current research in biomedical engineering. Summarise and critically evaluate a research topic, identify the main questions and findings, explain the findings for a non-specialist reader, and relate them to contemporary literature.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students will be expected to

• write concise essays and summarise academic research in a style appropriate for an interested, non-specialist reader;


• present and critically discuss a current research topic in biomedical engineering;


• gain an appreciation for the relevance of their studies to advanced research fields;


• appreciate the significance of the selected research topics in the wider context of bioengineering and its applications.

Additional outcomes:

It is anticipated that the training in this module will provide the requisite theoretical background to the students in taking up a career in further research (e.g. a PhD) in biomedical engineering and related disciplines.

Outline content:

Students will attend research lectures delivered by academic staff and external speakers in order to develop an overview of current topics in biomedical engineering. Students will choose two topics to focus their study and write a scientific report on each topic. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching and learning methods include two series of research lectures delivered in an informal setting to facilitate discussion and debate. Students are required to write an essay presenting topics of their choice based on each series.  

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	20
Guided independent study:	80
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Two essays (2000 words maximum), 50% each.

Formative assessment methods:
Feedback will be provided.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of the failed essay(s).

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: 30 March 2023