MODULE DESCRIPTOR
MECHGB04 – Applications of Biomedical Engineering
Code:
MECHGB04
Alt. Codes(s)
None
Title:
Applications of Biomedical Engineering
Level:
M
UCL Credits/ECTS: 15/6
Start:
September
End:
March
Taught by:
Prof. M Edirisinghe (50%) (Module Coordinator)
Dr S. Jayasinghe (10%)
Dr B. Hanson (10%)
Others (30%)
Prerequisites
No previous experience is required.
Course Aims
The course aims to impart knowledge of the latest applications in the wide area of biomedical engineering
such as drug delivery, cardiovascular engineering, biophysics, dental materials, orthopaedic engineering.
Method of Instruction
Lecture presentations, tutorial classes, visiting seminars, directed reading and laboratory
demonstration classes.
Assessment
The course has the following assessment components:
 Written Examination (2 hours)
To pass this course, students must:
 Obtain a pass mark of 50%
The examination rubric is:
Answer FOUR questions only (from six offered). All questions carry equal weight.
Resources

Journal articles cited during lectures from: J. Royal Society Interface, Biomaterials, J. Mater.
Sci. Mater. in Medicine, J. Biomedical Research, Annals of Biomedical Engineering, Journal of
Biomaterials Applications etc.
Additional Information
This module contains a high proportion of lectures delivered by visiting experts.
Content
The lectures of this module are delivered by UCL lecturers and other visiting experts. The module will
include contributions from the Furlong Research Charitable Foundation, Eastman Dental Institute, UK
industry, foreign & UK university visiting speakers, UCL visiting and honorary professors and research &
academic staff of the department of Mechanical Engineering.
Examples of components delivered under the theme of this module:
Drug Delivery & Targeting: This series of lectures will include the general principle and state-of-the-art of
drug delivery and targeting, role of liposomes, noisomes, pharmaceutical nanoparticles, polymers and
gene therapeutics. Several new methods useful for drug delivery capsule preparation, scaffold
deposition, multilayer coating and microbubbling have been developed in the Department of Mechanical
Engineering at UCL. A summary of these new developments will be described in these lectures.
Cardiovascular Engineering: This part of the module looks at the heart as a complex and efficient
electrically-controlled mechanical pump. We investigate its function from a mechanical point of view and
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consider the implications of various heart diseases. We then review ways in which engineers have
attempted to restore the performance of weakened or failing hearts. Students investigate these issues
using a computer-based model of the cardiovascular system. Topics covered include: Cardiovascular
mechanics, Modelling heart diseases and their consequences, Cardiac assist devices and pacemakers.
Biophysics: These lectures will endeavour to cover the current status quo and on-going developmental
studies carried out with a molecular biology approach, which has exploited the physical sciences. The
course will introduce, in particular, and in detail all the associated fundamentals of florescent activated
cell sorting (FACScan) with particular emphasis on flow cytometry, thus covering all the closely linked
science and technology connected with both hydrodynamics (fluid focusing) and lasers to those novel
approaches for de-clustering/agglomerating cellular clumps through advances in fluid dynamics.
The course will not only introduce research and developmental aspects of florescent activated cell sorting,
but will proceed to demonstrate medical relevance for a wide range of cellular/tissue malignancies in a
clinical setting.
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Learning Outcomes1 for MECHGB04 Applications of Biomedical Engineering
General Learning Outcomes
Ability to develop, monitor & update a plan, to reflect a changing operating environment
N/A
Ability to monitor and adjust a personal program of work on an on-going basis, and to learn
independently
A significant amount of self-learning is expected, the student is guided in this activity.
The ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or
leader
N/A
The ability to learn new theories, concepts and methods etc and apply these in unfamiliar
situations
The lectures are given by individuals whose research specialities are in this subject area, so ability
to learn new theories, concepts and methods and how to apply them is provided.
Specific Learning Outcomes
Underpinning science & Mathematics
A comprehensive understanding of the relevant scientific principles of the specialisation
The students have degree level physical and/or life sciences knowledge, and at the
start of the module some bridging lectures are provided.
A critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights much of which are at, or informed by,
the forefront of the specialisation.
Each component in the module is illustrated by case studies and in some instances by
relevant practical demonstrations.
An understanding of concepts relevant to the discipline, some from outside engineering, and the
ability to critically evaluate and apply them effectively.
Some concepts relevant to Medicine and clinical practice are taught.
Engineering Analysis
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies
Biomedical Engineering is an evolving subject, the students receive details of this scenario via
lectures and tutorials in six different areas (drug delivery, biomedical materials and advances in
dentistry, biophysics, orthopaedics, cardiovascular engineering and novel processes for
biomedical engineering). New concepts/approaches are studied and evaluated in each sub-section
of the module.
Ability to apply appropriate models for solving problems in engineering and the ability to assess
the limitations of particular cases;
Some parts of the module, e.g. cardiovascular engineering, accommodate this by having
simulation exercises and/or practicals.
The ability to collect and analyse research data and use appropriate engineering tools to tackle
unfamiliar problems, such as those with uncertain or incomplete data or specifications, by the
appropriate innovation, use or adaptation of engineering analytical methods.
N/A
1 EAB website http://www.engab.org.uk/documentation document Accreditation Of Masters Degrees Other Than MEng last
accessed 10 Aril 2012
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Design
The ability to apply original thought to the development of practical solutions for products,
systems, components or processes
N/A
Economic, Social and Environmental Context
Knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations,
and how these may be applied appropriately, in the context of the particular specialisation
N/A
The ability to make general evaluations of risks through some understanding of the basis of such
risks
The ethical aspects of applying biomedical engineering in medical practice are covered
wherever necessary.
Engineering Practice
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely
new developments
This is delivered in the lecture components.
Advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and
components
This is a very important aspect in each section of this module; drug delivery, biomedical materials in
dentistry, biophysics, orthopaedics, cardiovascular engineering and novel processes for biomedical
engineering.
The ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial
constraints
This is a very important aspect in each section of this module; drug delivery, biomedical materials in
dentistry, biophysics, orthopaedics, cardiovascular engineering and novel processes for biomedical
engineering.
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