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. 

• LO1. Design electronic circuits for the collection of physiological measurements. (AHEP4 C1/M1, C2/M2, C4/M4, C13/ M13) 

• LO2. Demonstrate the ability to analyse and design amplifiers for small signal amplification. (AHEP4 C1/M1, C2/M2, C13/ M13) 

• LO3. Become familiar with the process of acquisition and amplification in various physiological signals. (AHEP4 C4/M4, C13/ M13) 

• LO4. Develop skills in selecting electronic components based on design requirement. (AHEP4 C1/M1, C2/M2, C4/M4, C13/ M13) 

• LO5. Gain knowledge of transducers and circuit modules used in medical applications.(AHEP4 C1/M1, C2/M2) 

• LO6. Apply principles of electrical safety for clinical applications. (AHEP4 C4/M4, C7/M7, C14/M14) 

The Engineering Council sets the overall requirements for the AHEP (Accreditation for Higher Education Programmes). It is the standard used by the UK engineering profession to assess the competence and commitment of individual engineers and technicians and is in its 4th iteration. Link: ahep-fourth-edition 

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. .

Subject specific skills:  

• Design of electronic systems to interface physiological conditions.  

• Selection of most suitable set-up for measuring vital electrophysiological signals 

• Understanding of working principle of electronics for collecting, amplifying, conditioning electrophysiological signals 

• Calculation of circuit parameters and selection of electronic components. 

Professional & Practical Skills (AHEP4): 

• C1: Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study. 
  • M1 Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering. 
• C2 Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles 
  • M2 Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. 
• C4 Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems 
  • M4 Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems 
• C7 Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems and minimise adverse impacts. 
  • M7 Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire lifecycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts. 
• C13 M13 Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations 
• C14 M14 Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of complex problems  

Transferable/Employability Skills (Graduate Attributes): 

Ethically, socially and environmentally aware: 

• ESA1: Consider own personal and professional ethical, social and environmental responsibilities, and act as global citizens 

• ESA2: Demonstrate personal and professional integrity, reliability and competence 

• ESA3: Understand organisations, their stakeholders and their impact on the community 

Independent and critical thinkers 

• ICT1: Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information 

• ICT2: Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding 

• ICT3: Investigate problems and offer effective solutions, reflecting on and learning from successes and failures 

Reflective & Resilient 

• RR1: Actively reflect on own studies, achievements and self-identity 

• RR2: Demonstrate resilience, adaptability and creativity in dealing with challenges, and be open to change 

• RR3: Identify and articulate own skills, knowledge and understanding confidently and in a variety of contexts 

• RR4: Engage with new ideas, opportunities and technologies, building knowledge and experience to make informed decisions about own future 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT  

This module is assessed through an examination held at the end of the Spring semester, worth 100% of the module mark (LOs 1-6) 

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT 

Students will also undertake a formative lab to put into practice some of the theory covered.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:   

Reassessment is via written exam.  This reassessment will cover the same learning outcomes (LOs 1-6) 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.  

1. Introduction to the excitable cell and nerve conduction 

2. Bodily propagation of electrical signals 

3. Patient monitoring using electrical signals and equipment 

4. EEGs and MEGs 

5. Oximeters 

6. Physiological interaction with electromagnetic waves 

7. Extraction of sample properties using EM resonance 

8. Principles of electrical safety in clinical engineering