Department of Materials Science &
Engineering
Module Description 2012/13
Module Code: MAT291
Module Title: Biomedical
Instrumentation
Module Convenor: Dr S Matcher
Module Links:
Credits: 10
Semester: 2
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Brief Description (including aims of the course):
This unit provides an overview of important topics in biomedical instrumentation. The
module is designed around the measurement needs in hospital-based critical care
monitoring and in particular how the instrumentation engineer can help the clinician
to answer a specific but vital question: is tissue oxygen delivery adequate? This
central clinical scenario is used as the basis upon which to describe a number of key
topics in transducer design and signal processing. An important feature of the
module is that key topics in electrocardiography, respiratory monitoring and signal
processing are illustrated via 5 hands-on lab sessions, whose continual assessment
forms a substantial part of the overall module mark.
This unit aims to illustrate the use of key instrumentation principles to address a vital
clinical challenge.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding the application of instrumentation principles to
clinical practice;

Demonstrate key communication skills (report writing and oral presenting) and
team working.
Assessment:
Exam: 60%
Lab Report: x 2 20% & 20%
Booklist (A) Core Test; (B) Secondary Text; (C) Peripheral Reading:
“Medical Physics and Bioengineering”, BH Brown et al, Taylor and Francis.
“Bioinstrumentation”, JG Webster, Wiley.
“Biomedical Engineering Fundamentals”, J Bronzino (E-book)