Biomedical Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year MEng

Core modules:

Introduction to Electric and Electronic Circuits

This module introduces the concepts and analytical tools for predicting the behaviour of combinations of passive circuit elements, resistance, capacitance and inductance driven by ideal voltage and/or current sources which may be ac or dc sources. The ideas involved are important not only from the point of view of modelling real electronic circuits but also because many complicated processes in biology, medicine and mechanical engineering are themselves modelled by electric circuits. The passive ideas are extended to active electronic components; diodes, transistors and operational amplifiers and the circuits in which these devices are used. Transformers, magnetics and dc motors are also covered.

20 credits

Modelling, Analysis and Control

This module will introduce principles of modelling of simple continuous dynamical systems. This module also introduces analysis of linear models. It includes a detailed analysis of the dynamical behaviour of 1st and 2nd order systems linking behaviour to physical parameters, e.g. Rise time, settling time, overshoot, steady-state. Damping and damping ratio and resonance. Frequency response is also discussed. We will introduce control and feedback as a topic by providing examples of open-loop and closedloop control, and undertake detailed analysis of linear models with a focus on 1st and 2nd order systems. Students are introduced to simple practical feedback mechanisms, including PID controllers and performance criteria such as offset, stability, poles and zeros. You will learn about the principles of how to use Laplace Transforms to solve linear differential equations, and for system representation, using transfer functions and block diagram algebra. You will also develop an appreciation of frequency-domain implications of system analysis through the use of Fourier series. MATLAB is used to reinforce the simulation and analysis of all module contents and coursework assignments.

20 credits

Systems Engineering Mathematics I

This module contains the core mathematical competencies required by students for a systems engineering programme. This covers basic algebra and functions, elementary calculus (differentiation and integration), solution of low order differential equations, Taylor series and iterative methods, matrix algebra and simultaneous equations, vectors and complex numbers. The content is delivered within a systems engineering context. Student learning is encouraged by regular formative assessment and supportive resources. 

20 credits

Biomaterials I

This module introduces the human body from an engineering perspective; looking at it as a structure, a mechanism and a sensor. It then introduces both natural and replacement biomaterials discussing properties in relation to function using Ashby charts. Finally, the course discusses lessons that can be learnt from biomaterials by materials engineers in general (biomimetics). 

10 credits

Engineering with Living Systems 1

As we face some of the emerging challenges of this century, from global pandemics, the environment to energy, water and health, it has become increasingly evident that engineering biological systems represent some of the most sustainable and advanced solutions. To progress these innovative approaches, there is an increasing need to train the next generation of engineers with knowledge of fundamental science applied with chemical engineering principles.  

This module will provide students with knowledge of fundamental biological processes, whilst enabling a clear link to how these are exploited within industry for biomanufacturing. More specifically,  this module is an introduction to biological engineering covering the basics of host cell systems (e.g. yeast, E. coli) exploited within the biomanufacturing industry i.e. cell types, structure, function. The working of the cell will be introduced; cell chemistry (biochemistry) and cell structure (macromolecules). These will be described in terms of products (e.g. protein biopharmaceuticals, fatty acid fuels), cell cultivation (basic and industrial microbiology, fermentation) and methods to improve cell productivities e.g. metabolic engineering, synthetic biology. Modelling of fermentation processes will be expanded through enzyme catalysis and Michelis Menten kinetics and linked to applications e.g. departmental relevant research. The concepts described in the module will be reinforced through labs embedded at relevant points of the semester.

By taking this course students will be: 

1. Introduced to biological engineering.

2. Shown that manufacturing can be achieved using living systems.

3. Introduced to microorganisms and microbiology. 

4. Introduced to novel products such as biopharmaceuticals, and new environmental processes such as bioremediation.

5. Introduced to enzymatic catalysis.

6. Introduced to the key process of fermentation.

7. Introduced to synthetic biology and metabolic engineering.

10 credits

Introduction to Bioengineering

This module will introduce the application of engineering principles to biological and medical problems and give the student an appreciation of the breadth of bioengineering and identify to students what knowledge areas and skills are needed in order to contribute to the development of the fast growing field of bioengineering. It will also help create links with students and draw on the other modules that students will take in year 1

10 credits

Materials Under Stress

The module will provide you with a basic understanding of the mechanics of materials relevant to bioengineering practice with application to simple components. You will learn about how structures behave under load and how to analyse them using equilibrium equations; free body diagrams; the concepts of stress and strain; and elastic and plastic response.  You will gain knowledge of a wide range of engineering materials, their properties and behaviour in tension, compression, bending, shear and torsion. You will reinforce your academic understanding of the mechanics of materials through laboratory experiments. The module will highlight bioengineering relevant examples of the mechanical behaviour of materials.

10 credits

Physics of Living Systems 2

The aim is to introduce biomechanical descriptions of the human body. We look at its structure and its performance as a physical machine. The structural characteristics of human bones and tissue are investigated, together with the mechanical functions of the skeleton and musculature. Simple fluid dynamic characteristics of the body are introduced, including descriptions of blood-flow in the arteries and veins and air-flow in the lungs.

10 credits

Tissue Structure and Function

This course introduces students to the tissues of the human body. The principal tissues that make up the body will be described including the cells, proteins and other extracellular components that make up the tissue. The structure of the tissue will be discussed in detail, in particular how it relates to its specific function in a healthy human body. Basic anatomy - how tissues combine to create organs and where each organ can be found in the human body will be studied. Practical classes on human anatomy and histology will be used to demonstrate tissue structure. Finally, how tissue damage causes loss of function will be considered. This course should enable students to understand enough about human tissues so that they can progress to understanding how engineering techniques are used to support, monitor and repair damaged human tissues. 

10 credits

Global Engineering Challenge Week

The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme. The project has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills as well as widen their horizons as global citizens. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of 5-6, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, Waste Management, Energy and Digital with scenarios set in an overseas location facing economic challenge. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Engineering for people design challenge*.

*The EWB challenge provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects identified by EWB with its community-based partner organisations.

Core modules:

Systems Engineering Mathematics II

This module provides an introduction to the use of analytical mathematical techniques and numerical methods and algorithms for subsequent higher level module studies and for solving a wide range of engineering problems as well. Students will develop their skills in the theory and application of core mathematics tools required for systems engineering and the application of these in system simulation and data based modelling. A brief summary of topics covered includes: complex variables and Fourier transforms, analysis of matrices and systems represented by matrices, optimisation of functions of many variables, probability, numerical integration techniques and data modelling and analysis. The module is embedded throughout with engineering examples using the mathematical techniques.

20 credits

Advanced Bioengineering Topics

This module follows on from An Introduction to Bioengineering delivered in year 1, and continues the integration of the course modules delivered in year 1 and year 2, while providing links to modules in years 3/4. It will build on the knowledge and skills developed in year 1 and support students as they begin to specialise by providing more in-depth information on topics from the 4 streams of the degree. The module will also use flipped learning sessions to teach key skills in statistical analysis of data for bioengineers, using examples drawn from the field of Bioengineering.

10 credits

Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving

This module introduces basic concepts of computer programming, through an introduction to problem solving and the development of simple algorithms using the programming language Python. The module will stress the importance of good programming style and good code design and will introduce how an object-oriented approach can help to achieve these aims.

10 credits

Engineering - You're Hired

The Faculty-wide Engineering - You're Hired Week is a compulsory part of the second year programme, and the week has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of about six, students will work in interdisciplinary teams on a real world problem over an intensive week-long project. The projects are based on problems provided by industrial partners, and students will come up with ideas to solve them and proposals for a project to develop these ideas further.

Biomaterials II

This course will explore the range of materials, both synthetic and natural, that can be used as implants in the human body, from a materials science perspective. This course will highlight the materials properties of implant materials, and will give an overview of possible host responses to the implant materials. Additionally, both physical and chemical routes to reduce the host response will be discussed. Case studies of hard and soft tissue implants will be discussed. Finally, the course will highlight the use of artificial organs. 

10 credits

Optional modules:

Communication Electronics

This module introduces the basic structure of a communication system and examines the various circuits and signal engineering strategies that
are necessary to make a system work. The fundamental building blocks of a communications system are introduced and analysed in terms of the critical design metrics. Following on from the system approach, a range of circuit components are introduced and analysed such as filters and oscillators. This approach will provide you with a range of levels of system and component understanding such that you can apply these to designs.

20 credits

Control Systems Design and Analysis

This module gives a solid theoretical foundation for understanding feedback control system analysis, design and application and is suitable for general engineering students. This is supported by hardware laboratories, PC laboratory activities and coursework. Content covers standard analysis tools such as root-loci, Bode diagrams, Nyquist diagrams and z-transforms. The latter part of the course focuses on the design of common feedback strategies using these analysis tools and students will undertake indicative designs and reinforce learning through application to laboratory and hardware systems. 

20 credits

Introduction to Mechanical Properties and Structural Materials

The basic concepts of stress, strain and moduli are introduced. The links between atomic bonding and the mechanical properties of all the main classes of materials (ceramics, metals, polymers, natural materials and composites) are then explored. Modes of failure, stress concentrations, dislocations, ductility and creep are also covered. The linkages between materials properties and microstructures of materials are investigated with an emphasis on links between processing, microstructure and the mechanical properties of metals,

20 credits

Mechatronics

This unit covers methods to represent, analyse and design mechanical, electrical and computational systems and their integration into mechatronics systems. This module will enable students to design, analyse, develop and integrate mechatronic systems. The unit includes lectures on the principles of mechatronic systems, 2D/3D CAD design, sensors and instrumentation, actuation, digital data acquisition, signal pre-processing, hardware interfaces, microcontroller programming and peripherals; practicals on analysing mechatronic components; and project work on designing, developing and testing a mechatronic system.

20 credits

Engineering with Living Systems 2

This module focuses on the production of a range of important products using living systems. The module will introduce the biotechnology industry and outline typical products in each sector.  The module will cover general microbiology of cell growth including growth kinetics in batch and continuous systems. An overview of a typical fermentor for biomass production will be included. The module will describe how genetic engineering and metabolic engineering of biological systems is used for the production of important products. As examples a number of case studies will be used.

15 credits

Introduction to Pharmaceutical Engineering

This module introduces pharmaceutical manufacturing (including biopharmaceuticals) using real world examples. Regulatory affairs and quality management regarding their manufacturing will be introduced.

15 credits

Aspects of Medical Imaging and Technology

This module provides an introduction to medical technology, with a particular bias towards ionising and non-ionising electromagnetic radiation and its diagnostic role in medicine. The module begins with the generation and behaviour of electromagnetic waves and the breadth of technological application across the electomagnetic spectrum. This extends from magnetic resonance imaging at low energies to high energy photons in X-ray systems. The importance of radiation in diagnosis is acknowledged by discussion of imaging theory and primary imaging modalities, such as planar radiography and CT. The therapeutic role is examined by a brief consideration of radiotherapy.

10 credits

Biology and Chemistry of Living Systems II

This course expands the range of biological systems covered that are core to the Cell and Human Biology element of the Biomaterials and Bioengineering courses. The following are included: the extracellular matrix; cell adhesion and spreading; cell communication and signalling; cytokines and HIV: complement activation and development of new biomaterials to improve biocompatibility; toxicity and toxicology including information on mutagenic effects, teratomas, carcinogens and neurotoxicity; classification of tumours, spread of tumours and clinical relevance. Two practical classes cover hands-on in vitro cell culture and toxicity testing of biomaterials. This unit aims to: investigate the extracellular matrix and its many functions; Investigate cell adhesion and spreading and how they are influenced by the physico-chemical characteristics of the underlying substrata; Provide an introduction to cell communication and cell-signalling, including information on hormones, local mediators, contact-dependent signalling molecules, and neurotransmitters; Explore the biological defences available at the cellular and systems level to injury, infection and materials; Provide a detailed knowledge of toxicity and toxicology, including information on mutagenic effects, teratomas, carcinogens and neurotoxicity.

10 credits

Cell and Molecular Biology

This course provides an introduction to biochemistry and molecular biology that builds on the anatomy, physiology and cell biology learnt at Level 1. It starts with the chemical components of living cells and progresses by understanding how simple chemicals become macromolecules and, in turn, form lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. How macromolecules form individual components of a living cell such as the membrane, chromosomes and mitochondria is also considered. The essential functions of the cell including metabolism, DNA replication and genetic transcription are then discussed. Finally, how a complex of cells can form a tissue is examined.

10 credits

Core modules:

Group Project in Bioengineering

In this module students will engage in a bioengineering design and build task. Working in small teams the students will take principal responsibility for organizing themselves, researching the topic and producing engineering solutions to deliver a final product to a specification given to them at the outset. The work will be practical mechanical and electronic construction and testing, supported by a financial budget per team. Development of appropriate safety, compliance and end-user documentation is also required.

20 credits

Finance and Law for Engineers

The module is designed to introduce engineering students to key areas of financial and legal risk that engineers should be aware of in their working environment. The module will draw directly on practical issues of budgeting, raising finance, assessing financial risks and making financial decisions in the context of engineering projects and/or product development. At the same time the module will develop students' understanding of the legal aspects of entering into contracts for the development and delivery of engineering projects and products and an awareness of environmental regulation, liability for negligence, intellectual property rights and the importance of data protection. Through a series of parallel running lectures in the two disciplines, the module will provide a working knowledge of the two areas and how they impinge on engineering practice. There will be a heavy emphasis on group working, report writing and presentation as part of the assessment supplemented by online exercises and an individual portfolio.

10 credits

Managing Engineering Projects and Teams

This module provides you with an understanding of the significance of projects as an instrument of business success in engineering organisations. You will learn a range of project management tools, techniques and methodologies throughout the project life cycle. You will develop skills in defining, planning, delivering, and controlling engineering projects. You will also learn the roles and responsibilities of people within engineering projects and understand how to manage teams in engineering projects.

10 credits

Scientific Writing

This module is designed to provide an opportunity to learn about scientific communication, and specifically scientific writing, the most important way that new information is shared. The learning is facilitated by practice, that is to say that much of the learning will be achieved by researching using published literature, presenting data and writing. 

Independent study and self-led learning will be supported through the content provided and the tutorials that are a core part of the course.  Through these resources and the tutorials, your skills in scientific information literacy will be learned and practised, as well as those relating to tools including databases searching, reference management, figure production and graphical presentation tools. Communication to lay audiences will also be explored and practised. 

10 credits

Optional modules:

Tissue Engineering Approaches to Failure in Living Systems

The lecture course will continue the systems-based introduction to human physiology and anatomy introduced in level 2 and explore through lectures the tissue engineering approaches to cope with disease, failure and old age in body systems. The emphasis is placed primarily on generic technologies of relevance to tissue engineering recognising that this is an enormous and growing field. Thus, the first part of the course focuses on generic issues relevant to tissue engineering of any tissues and then for the remainder of the course exemplar tissues are selected to illustrate current tissue engineering approaches and identify the challenges that remain ahead. 

The lectures are supported by linked tutorials which focus on: (a) assessing the students understanding of their current knowledge so that they achieve immediate and informal feedback, and(b) giving the students the experience of working in small groups to apply what they have learnt in the preceding lectures to current problems. Thus a key feature of this module is to stimulating the students in critical thinking, essentially by giving them a toolkit to equip them to look critically at any tissue engineering challenge and come up with pertinent questions and experimental approaches.

20 credits

Advanced Biochemical Engineering

This module will extend the use of classical chemical engineering principles of mass balance, energy balance and mass transfer to unit operations used in the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals.

15 credits

Advanced Bioprocess Design Project

This module will cover the design of whole biomanufacturing processes for the manufacture of biotherapeutic proteins. This will include a taught component where process design principles and practice will be learnt plus assistance during the design process where the student will produce a process design and accompanying report.

15 credits

Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing

The module aims to provide an understanding of the key unit operations used in manufacturing biopharmaceutical products including vaccines, therapeutic proteins, and cell/gene therapies. The course will cover fermentation, extraction technologies and purification operations. The module will describe the design and application of each unit of operations, and introduce key associated topics including process engineering, analytical technologies, automation, quality by design, and regulatory issues. The course will have a particular focus on latest industrial trends, and current and future challenges in biopharmaceutical
manufacturing will be studied in-depth.

15 credits

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

This module provides an overview of bioresources and their applications in the bioeconomy. The different types of bioresources, their characteristics and how that affects their applications will be discussed. Technologies, including chemical and biochemical methods, that are used for processing bioresources will be explored. Production of bioenergy from bioresources will be discussed.

15 credits

Aspects of Medical Imaging and Technology

This module provides an introduction to medical technology, with a particular bias towards ionising and non-ionising electromagnetic radiation and its diagnostic role in medicine. The module begins with the generation and behaviour of electromagnetic waves and the breadth of technological application across the electomagnetic spectrum. This extends from magnetic resonance imaging at low energies to high energy photons in X-ray systems. The importance of radiation in diagnosis is acknowledged by discussion of imaging theory and primary imaging modalities, such as planar radiography and CT. The therapeutic role is examined by a brief consideration of radiotherapy.

10 credits

Biomechatronics

There are a wide range of important healthcare challenges in the 21st Century, such as the aging population, stroke, paralysis and the loss of limbs, which can be treated using biomechatronic devices such as exoskeletons, active prosthetic limbs and brain computer interfaces.
'Biomechatronics' describes the integration of the human body with engineered devices composed of electronic, mechanical and control components (mechatronics) for the purposes of
(i) emulating and replacing natural human function lost through disease or accident and/or
(ii) augmenting natural human function to generate superhuman abilities.
The biomechatronics module will cover the subject of biomechatronics in theory and practical application, and span the main core topics of: neural control, biomedical signals, sensors and actuators.

10 credits

Biomedical Instrumentation

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. Key topics in electrocardiography and signal processing are illustrated via hands-on lab sessions.

10 credits

Cell and Molecular Biology

This course provides an introduction to biochemistry and molecular biology that builds on the anatomy, physiology and cell biology learnt at Level 1. It starts with the chemical components of living cells and progresses by understanding how simple chemicals become macromolecules and, in turn, form lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. How macromolecules form individual components of a living cell such as the membrane, chromosomes and mitochondria is also considered. The essential functions of the cell including metabolism, DNA replication and genetic transcription are then discussed. Finally, how a complex of cells can form a tissue is examined.

10 credits

Design of Medical Devices and Implants

The purpose of this module is for students to gain knowledge and experience in designing medical and assistive devices and implants, which underlines the role played by a Biomedical Engineer/Bioengineer. Topics include a survey of world health and clinical problems, the need for solutions in the developed, developing and underdeveloped countries; the principles of medical device and implant design; design parameters and specifications; design for an assistive product, engineering analysis; preclinical testing for safety and efficacy, risk/benefit ratio assessment, evaluation of clinical performance and design of clinical trials. Case studies and topical discussions are used to aid further understanding of specific topics.

10 credits

Digital Signal Processing

The aim is to introduce students to digital processing techniques, including sampling and analysis of digital signals, design of digital filers, and the introduction of digital image processing. Discrete signals and systems are studied, with an emphasis on the frequency-domain theory necessary for the analysis of discrete signals and design of digital filters. The concepts associated with digital images and some basic digital image processing operations are also covered. 

10 credits

Finite Element Techniques

The module aims to give students a thorough knowledge and understanding of the principles of the Finite Element Method. The approach will be based on energy methods (Principle of Minimum Total Potential Energy). Formulation of statics problems using 1D elements (bar elements, shaft elements, beam elements and beam-column elements), and truss elements will be taken up. Finally, a simple 2D element for plane stress/plane strain case will be formulated. Throughout the module, assembly, application of boundary conditions, and solution procedures will be discussed with examples. The students will be expected to apply this knowledge given a problem. The use of a commercial finite element code will be provided via laboratory sessions, where various modelling strategies, appreciation of the scope of application, check validity, and the ability to interpret results will be covered.

The fundamentals of the method and the ability to apply it to various situations will be tested via a written exam. The practical use of the commercial finite element software will be assessed via a mini-report. Feedback during the term will be provided via an online quiz.

10 credits

Fluids Engineering

The module is designed to consolidate and extend the students' understanding of basic fluid flow properties, fluid flows and applying analysis techniques to solve engineering fluids problems. The module will cover the use of both integral control volume and differential analysis techniques. These will be applied to a range of simple engineering fluid systems;Newtonian laminar analysis will be applied to internal flows. The boundary layer will be introduced and related to the concepts of drag. The concepts of compressible nozzle flow, choking and shock waves will be covered. Sub-sonic and sonic compressible flow will be introduced. Students will also be introduced to the computational fluid dynamics using FLUENT and given hands-on experience.

10 credits

Hardware-in-the-Loop & Rapid Control Prototyping

This course represents an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience of designing and implementing advanced controllers upon a challenging, real-world control problem. Uniquely, each student will be issued with their own, portable control hardware for the duration of the course. Students will learn how to interface such a system to industry standard software using a data acquisition device, before developing their own simulation models of the hardware. These models will be used to synthesise a feedback controller, and verified in simulation before being implemented upon the hardware. The resultant controller will then be refined in a cycle of rapid control prototyping.

10 credits

Intelligent Systems

This module will introduce students to the theme of intelligent systems with special applications to modelling, control, and pattern recognition. Although this technological area can be perceived as being broad, the focus will mainly be on Fuzzy Systems and on interesting synergies such as those between Fuzzy Systems and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), including the Neuro-Fuzzy architecture. This module should appeal to all students from engineering as well as from science backgrounds who wish to learn more about Artificial Intelligence and Machine-Learning related paradigms, and mostly, how may the related architectures be applied effectively to solve real-world problems, i.e. non-linear, noisy, and the ones that are characterised by uncertainties. This unit is also timely indeed, since knowledge transfer from human to machine and from machine to human and knowledge extraction from data (Big Data) are seen particularly, as vital components for a successful economy, healthy well-being, and clean environment. Finally, the module strikes the too-often difficult balance between theoretical foundations and examples of applications via weekly interactive lectures, laboratory experiments, video demonstrations, and problem solving.

10 credits

Materials for Biological Applications

This module will explore contemporary biomaterials science and will focus on state of the art production methods for biomaterials manufacture. We will look at: rapid prototyping techniques for biomaterials manufacture, e.g. stereolithography, plasma coating techniques, electrospinning and fibres, foams for scaffolds, metal foams, metal coatings, ceramics processing/analysis, bioactive glasses and bioprinting. For all these, examples of recent literature will be used. The module will examine how the properties of the materials determine it's function and which processing techniques are optimum for specific applications, with a focus on implant materials and tissue engineering scaffolds. 

10 credits

Mathematics (Computational Methods)

This module introduces some important numerical methods for solving partial differential equations such as the heat conduction equation which arise in engineering and develops methods for optimisation problems. It also gives an introduction to splines as a tool in design for curve fitting and surface approximation. Optimization techniques including numerical techniques, dynamic programming and integer programming are studied. This module is designed for mechanical engineers.

10 credits

Mechanics of Deformable Solids

The module continues the process begun in the first year of providing the essential knowledge, understanding and skills associated with the mechanics of deformable solids which students require to become competent Chartered Mechanical Engineers. The module covers analysis of mechanical components under stress and application of different methods to evaluate stress state and deformation of deformable solids. Plastic failure is also covered.

10 credits

Principles of Communications

This course considers the theory and techniques used by a wide range of communication systems, particularly the more recent digital and cryptographic systems. The aim is for students to develop a good grasp of the structure of a modern communication system and to understand the basic issues at each stage in the system.

10 credits

Bioengineering Careers Seminars

This module consists of a series of seminars and/or workshops on various aspects of bioengineering. These will be delivered by a number of invited industrial and academic speakers (80% non-academic), who are recognised experts and leaders in their field. Topics will include topical and also controversial issues in bioengineering. Students will be asked to attend, take detailed notes and participate in each workshop. A follow up of each topic will be required in order to generate a concise set of notes for each speaker.

10 credits

Robotic Systems

Robotics is having an increasing impact on society and the way we live. From advanced manufacturing to unmanned aerial systems and driverless cars this exciting area is presenting increasing technological challenges. This unit provides students with the advanced knowledge and understanding to apply control and systems engineering concepts to the field of robotics. The unit covers the theoretical foundations of manipulators and mobile robots, and reviews robotic systems with reference to their applications.

10 credits

State-Space Control Design

The aims of this modules are: to introduce state-space methods for the analysis and design of controllers for multivariable systems; to teach the use of analytical tools and methods for state-space control design; to demonstrate similarities between continuous and sampled data systems; and to extend the analysis to non-linear systems.

Material to be covered includes: Structural properties (modal decomposition, controllability, observability, stability); design (pole assignment, observer design, separation principle, internal model principle, optimal control, LQG, reference tracking, integral control) of continuous systems and equivalents for sampled-data systems.

10 credits

System Identification

Modelling dynamical systems from first principles via Newton's, Kirchoff's or other known physical laws is often challenging and costly, requiring substantial expertise. An alternative is offered through 'system identification' that takes observations of inputs and outputs from physical systems and infers or estimates a dynamical model directly.
This module introduces two main ways of thinking about the identification problem, the theoretical framework that underpins them and the algorithms that compute the model estimates. It uses synthetic and real problems to illustrate the process and shows how models can be validated for future use.

10 credits

Core module:

Bioengineering Year in Industry

The course enables students to spend, typically, their third year of a BEng or fourth year of an MEng working in a 'course relevant' role in industry. This provides them with wide ranging experiences and opportunities that put their academic studies into context and improve their skills and employability. Students will also benefit from experiencing the culture in industry, making contacts, and the placement will support them in their preparation for subsequent employment.

120 credits

Core modules:

Advanced Bioengineering Research Project

You will learn how to undertake an experimental or a computational (or a combination of both) research project. You will learn essential laboratory or computational techniques, design experiments, record data and critically interpret your findings. You will be assigned to an academic supervisor whom you will meet regularly. You will learn about standard operating procedures, safety and CoSHH regulations. You will be expected to identify a defined published literature on the research topic undertaken, conducting experiments and evaluating your data in light of published findings.

45 credits

Optional modules:

Advanced Control

The aim of this module is to provide you with an introduction to some of the advanced control techniques used in modern control engineering research and industrial applications. The module will cover both theory and practice, involving analysis and design.

Different control techniques and applications may be covered in different years. In all cases, the basic principles and concepts of a particular control technique will be introduced, and comparisons and contrasts will be made with other techniques. Subsequently, the design, analysis and implementation of advanced controllers or control laws will be covered, starting from the requirements of the basic control problem for the application at hand (i.e. stability in the presence of constraints; disturbance and noise rejection). Controller design will be illustrated by industrially-relevant case studies.

15 credits

Applied Modelling Skills and Virtual Reality

This module aims to combine computational modelling with state-of-the-art virtual reality and demonstrate the synergistic value of these technologies. You will apply advanced finite element and finite volume modelling skills to investigate biomechanics problems associated with both cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, and deliver your results in the virtual reality format. You will also experience clinical radiation technologies such as X-ray and Angio systems through VR. The course involves a combination of theory (lectures) and computational labs. You will use the virtual reality tablets to study human anatomy and the virtual reality lab to deliver your final presentation.

15 credits

Bio-imaging and Bio-spectroscopy

This unit provides a comprehensive overview of the practical and theoretical techniques for physical and chemical imaging of natural tissues, cells, and synthetic materials. The underlying physical principles behind each imaging approach will be addressed. Accordingly, the unit covers imaging techniques used for analysing biological samples, including electron, optical, fluorescent, multi-photon and super resolution microscopy techniques, alongside atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy.

15 credits

Biopharmaceutical Engineering

This module will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of technologies that contribute to the production of complex biological products by engineered cells. An emphasis will be placed on (a) core design principles and tools that underpin engineering of genetic vectors, cells and biopharmaceutical products (e.g. proteins, vaccines, gene therapeutics) and (b) bioproduction process design and optimisation. Case histories and exemplars will be provided by invited external experts from bioindustry to reinforce your understanding of core principles.

15 credits

Cardiovascular Biomechanics

This module will enable student to apply fundamental engineering principles to analyse the physiology of the cardiovascular system. The module starts with a brief review of relevant theories in Fluid Mechanics, followed by anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, including blood rheology and vessel tissue mechanics. Students will learn the cardiovascular anatomy using state-of-the-art Virtual Reality equipment. The second part gives students an overview of the modelling, analytical and experimental methods applied to several parts of the cardiovascular system. The final part will focus on more specialised topics, like the application of modelling techniques to investigate correlations with disease.

15 credits

Computational Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal System

This module aims to provide you with an overview of the state-of-the-art approach for modelling the musculoskeletal system from a biomechanical point of view. The course starts with a brief review of vectors and tensors, followed by anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system. You will then be introduced to a range of modelling and experimental methods applied to a variety of bones and muscles. More specialised topics will be introduced towards the end of the course giving examples where biomechanical models can be used in various clinical applications.

15 credits

Data Modelling and Machine Intelligence

All of our lives are affected by machine intelligence and data models - Google is a very visible example. But if you are a victim of identity theft, if you want a loan to buy a house or if you want to pass through immigration at an airport, a model derived from data using some form of machine learning technique will be involved.
Engineers increasingly look to machine intelligence techniques such as neural networks and other machine learning methods to solve problems that are not amenable to conventional analysis e.g. by application of Newton's and Kirchhoff's laws, and other physical principles. Instead they use measurements of system variables to compute a model of the process that can then be used in design, analysis and forecasting. System identification is a specific example of data modelling.
We will look at the underlying principles of machine learning, the advantages and limitations of the various approaches and effective ways of applying them with the aim of making you a competent practitioner.

15 credits

Human Movement Biomechanics

Biomechanics of human movement is the science concerned with the internal and external forces acting on the human body and the effects produced by these forces. This module will teach the students both the kinematics (the branch of biomechanics of entailing the study of movement from a geometrical point of view) and kinetics (the branch of biomechanics investigating what causes a body to move the way it does) of human movement and leverage on practical laboratory sessions to expose them to the most advanced technologies to measure and model the associated mechanical phenomena of interest.

15 credits

Introduction to Medical Device Regulation

Medical devices bring great benefit to patients, but it is essential to ensure that such devices are fit for purpose. This module explores the principles of regulation, and demonstrates how two of the world¿s largest regulatory frameworks (European and American) reduce risks and ultimately benefit the patient, the user and the manufacturer. Students will simulate companies operating in this area, and learn the roles of Quality Standards, CE Marking, Notified Bodies, Competent Authorities and other key agencies. The will develop appreciation for the changing regulatory landscape, with special attention to the emerging use of computational modelling in this context.

15 credits

Multisensor and Decision Systems

The ability to use data and information from multiple sources and make informed decisions based on that data is key to many applications, e.g. manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, finance and healthcare. Through effective use of multisensory data and decision making we can reduce uncertainty, improve robustness and reliability, enhance efficiency and ultimately improve the performance of systems. In this module you will develop an in depth knowledge and understanding of multisensor and decision systems and the underlying mathematics and algorithms. You will develop your confidence in solving complex problems requiring the application of multisensory and decision techniques to a wide variety of applications.

15 credits

Optimisation: Theory, algorithms and applications

This unit provides detailed presentations on the use of numerical optimisation and search methods for a wide range of engineering problems. Traditional approaches drawn from Operations Research will be enhanced by topics based on recent developments in heuristic methods, such as evolutionary computing, e.g. genetic algorithms and swarm intelligence.

15 credits

Preparation for Practice

Preparation for Practice is a core module to support your transition into early-career graduate life. You will:
i. explore your professional responsibilities and values, and evidence them in your portfolio, alongside your strengths;
ii. learn to identify, prioritise, and respond to your areas for development in a professional context; and
iii. evidence commitment to your professional development by undertaking an independent development activity, such as skills training, experience, or career development work.
The aim is for you to leave with a strong profile as an engineering graduate, and a clear sense of how to work towards your next professional goal.

15 credits

Structural and Physical Properties of Dental and Bio-materials.

The bulk and surface properties of biomaterials used for regenerative medicine and dental applications directly influence and control the dynamic interactions at the interfacial level. Therefore, it is not only important to understand Structural and Physical Properties of Biomaterials but also view it as a process between the implanted materials and the host environment. It is important to understand these specific properties of biomaterials prior to any medical or dental applications. This module will provide students with knowledge of Structural and Physical Properties in relation with Dental Materials and Biomaterials, enabling them to understand links between biomaterials, regenerative medicine, dentistry and engineering. In addition, it will help them in understanding the hard and soft materials, chemical properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties, including surface modification and their characterisation. The module will provide an understanding of how these elements play a vital role in the success of regenerative medicine and clinical dentistry.

15 credits

Synthetic Biology

Synthetic Biology is: a) the design and construction of new biological parts, devices and systems; b) he re-design of existing, natural biological systems for useful purposes. The module seeks to introduce you to the field of synthetic biology, the context (technical and ethical, legal and social issues) and the industrial promise. The module demonstrates the concepts of the engineering design paradigm applied to the exploitation of biology. In particular, issues related to standardisation and modularity of biological parts, devices and systems are introduced and examined in light of examples. Concepts related to 'creation of life' and 'deconstruction of life' are covered.

15 credits

Atomistic and Mesoscale Modelling of Materials

This unit discusses materials modelling and its application to the understanding and prediction of the structure and properties of materials. Computational workshops and a group project introduce students to the practical use of standard modelling methods. The overarching aim is to foster an appreciation for the relevant length and timescales of the available modelling tools, and knowledge of how to combine several of them to solve a multiscale problem in materials engineering. All the modelling tools are based on particle methods - either atomistic simulation or mesoscale (Smooth Particle Applied Mechanics) simulation. The latter technique is different in formulation from the usual continuum-based tools: Finite Element or Computational Fluid Dynamics, but more versatile and powerful. This module will teach students some of the fundamental theory that underpins the methods, give them a sound understanding of the algorithms and structure used in the code, while providing ample examples of where they can be applied in the field of Materials Engineering.

10 credits