BI2SF1: Biomedical Signal Processing and Feedback Systems

Module code: BI2SF1

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Professor Ying Zheng, email: ying.zheng@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Sillas Hadjiloucas, email: s.hadjiloucas@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE BI1MA3 OR TAKE BI1MA17 (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module will introduce students to the fundamentals of processing biomedical signals, including analysing signals in both the time and the frequency domain. It will also familiarise students with feedback systems which are essential for almost all body functions and processes. The importance of system stability will be discussed. Applications of signal processing techniques and linear systems theory to solving biomedical problems will be emphasised. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Describe and analyse signals in both the time and the frequency domain, convert a simple time domain function into its Laplace transform and vice versa 
2. Understand the properties of different types of filters, use Matlab to design filters given frequency domain specifications, and apply filters appropriately to analyse biomedical signals 
3. Calculate the power spectrum of biomedical signals in Matlatb, perform correlation and coherence analysis in Matlab given multiple biomedical signals and able to provide clear interpretations 
4. Explain the concept of the Nyquist frequency, be able to select the appropriate sampling frequency of a given continuous system, and analyse simple discrete systems using the z-transform 
5. Describe the dynamic characteristics of linear first and second order systems, establish mathematical models and transfer functions of simple systems, and analyse stability of feedback systems 
6. Perform frequency domain analysis using Bode diagrams, discuss the principle of feedback control and describe the action potential of neurons by a simple first order system 

Module content

Laplace transforms, inverse Laplace transforms and their application to solving differential equations.  

Fourier series and Fourier Transforms. Sampling theory and Nyquist frequency. Autocorrelation, correlation, convolution and their properties. Principles of filter design. Low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch filters. Order and band-width of a filter. Use Matlab to filter biomedical signals with a range of band-width specifications. Power spectral density analysis. Random noise and its power spectrum. Coherence analysis. An introduction to the z-transform. Difference equations. 

Linear feedback systems. Block diagrams. Transfer function of linear systems. Modelling of simple Resistor-Capacitor-Inductor circuits. First order and second order systems. Time constant, damping ratio and natural frequency. PID controllers. Stability of feedback systems. Poles and zeros. Root locus analysis, State-space representation. Frequency domain analysis of linear time-invariant systems. Simple models of neurons.  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module comprises 4 hour lectures per week for 10 weeks, associated with 8 hours Matlab tutorials on signal processing and feedback systems using Simulink. Matlab sessions are used to reinforce the relevant lectures.

Study hours

At least 40 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Students will be encouraged to complete tutorial sheets that highlight aspects of the course. These will be discussed during lectures and practical classes.  

Reassessment

Additional costs