This module provides you with insights into the world of medical electronics. It will enable you to learn how to design electronic circuits in medical environment and understand the working principles of medical equipment and devices. It is a fundamental component of becoming a medical engineer and builds on your prior modules such as electronics, anatomy, and programming. It will see you equipped with the necessary skills to acquire electrophysiological signals and understand how an MRI scanner works. 

LO1. Understand how electronics interacts with human bodies and physiological processes. 

LO2. Demonstrate the ability to analyse and design amplifiers for small signal amplification. 

LO3. Familiarise the process of acquisition and amplification in various physiological signals.  

LO4. Develop skills in choosing electronic components based on design requirement. 

LO5. Gain knowledge of transducers and circuit modules used in medical applications. 

LO6. Learn about the principles and technologies behind medical imaging devices. 

The module will be delivered through a blend of face-to-face teaching (such as lectures, laboratories, tutorials, and formative feedback sessions), and online learning material (such as recorded lectures, quizzes, numerical examples and sample tutorial problems). Additional reading will be advised for students to appreciate the implications of the topics discussed in classes. Case studies and research-led teaching will supplement coursework studies. .

Skills developed through formal module learning outcomes and summative assessment link to the graduate attributes for ‘Critical Thinking’ and ‘Communication’, these include: 

Academic skills: you will develop both critical thinking skills and verbal communication skills. You will also develop skills in deciding on the most suitable set-up for measuring vital electrophysiological signals and be able to explain the working principle of electronics for collecting, amplifying, conditioning these signals. In addition, essential skills in calculation of circuit parameters and selection of electronic components are also developed.   

Subject specific skills: you will be trained in using both experimental and theoretical skills for problem solving and developing your analytical skills. You will develop the skills to apply new knowledge to a practical situation, and to design electronic system to interface physiological conditions.  

The module evaluation involves a comprehensive two-hour formal examination scheduled during the Spring Semester Examination Period. All questions on this exam are mandatory, strategically crafted to afford you the opportunity to showcase your understanding of the learning outcomes. 

The examination aims to assess Learning Outcomes (LOs) 1 through 6. Following the examination, feedback will be provided in the form of both generic cohort feedback and your individual grade. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:   

In the event that reassessment is required for this module, a 100% written assessment will be administered during the August Resit period. This reassessment will cover the same learning outcomes (LO1-6) as in the main session examination. 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period.   

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session.  

• Introduction to the excitable cell and nerve conduction 

• Bodily propagation of electrical signals 

• Patient monitoring using electrical signals and equipment 

• EEGs and MEGs 

• Oximeters 

• Physiological interaction with electromagnetic waves 

• Extraction of sample properties using EM resonance 

• The working and design principles of an MRI scanner