Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical) (Honours)

Admission requirements

The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.

Successful completion of either SACE Stage 2 (Year 12) Specialist Mathematics or Mathematical Methods or equivalent International Baccalaureate subjects is normally required for entry. Knowledge of SACE Stage 2 (Year 12) Physics is assumed.

Course aims

The course has been designed to provide graduates with:

a strong understanding of both the theoretical and the practical aspects of engineering, particularly those relevant to the systematic development of biomedical engineering systems
an awareness of social, economic, cultural and environmental aspects of (biomedical) engineering
an ability to critically analyse and evaluate information and solve problems
an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and a commitment to them
well developed written and oral communication skills
structured engineering work experience
the ability to work and interact professionally as an individual and as a member of multi-disciplinary teams
an understanding of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so
an ability to undertake a substantial research-oriented project
preparation for future management roles as professional engineers.

The course provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study or for a career in an engineering related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the award, students will be able to:

proficiently use professional skills and knowledge in the systematic development of complex biomedical engineering systems
demonstrate a broad understanding of the biomedical engineering discipline and a deeper understanding of some areas of biomedical engineering
apply their skills and knowledge in a professionally responsible manner
communicate effectively with other engineers and the wider global community using a wide range of communication technologies
work professionally as an individual and in a team
understand and describe the processes through which current knowledge was developed
develop engineering solutions appropriate to the social, political, international, economic and environmental contexts in which they are applied
engage in the process of continuing learning needed to retain the necessary level of professional skills and knowledge in the area of biomedical engineering
contribute successfully to project management
plan and execute a research project, applying relevant methodologies and knowledge
apply skills adopted through the thesis and advanced discipline topics to postgraduate level research or advanced industrial investigation.

On completion of the Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical) (Honours), students will be eligible for professional membership of Engineers Australia.

Program of study

To qualify for the Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical) (Honours), a student must complete 144 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

This award has two recommended sequences:

Sequence 1 - Electronics-based Biomedical Engineering
Sequence 2 - Mechanics-based Biomedical Engineering

These recommended sequences indicate sensible progressions that will satisfy pre-requisites. However, students are free to select topics from either sequence subject to meeting topic pre-requisites.

Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.

Core - Year 1 topics

36 units comprising:

ENGR1201 Electronics (4.5 units)
ENGR1401  Professional Skills (4.5 units)
ENGR1721 Engineering Programming (4.5 units)
ENGR1722  Engineering Physics and Materials 1 (4.5 units)
ENGR1732  Engineering Mechanics (4.5 units)
MATH1121  Mathematics 1A (4.5 units)
MATH1122  Mathematics 1B (4.5 units)
MMED1005  How Your Body Works: Human Physiology and Structure (4.5 units)

Core - Year 2 topics

36 units comprising:

ENGR1711 Engineering Design (4.5 units)
ENGR2711  Engineering Mathematics (4.5 units)
ENGR2722 Analysis of Engineering Systems (4.5 units)
ENGR2732  Biomechanics (4.5 units)
ENGR2742  Biomedical Instrumentation (4.5 units)
ENGR2772  Sensors and Actuators (4.5 units)
MMED2931  Human Physiology (4.5 units)

Plus 4.5 units from recommended sequence 1 or 2:

Option - Electronics-based - Year 2 topics

ENGR2731 Electronic Circuits (4.5 units)

Option - Mechanics-based - Year 2 topics

ENGR2741 Mechanics and Structures (4.5 units)

Core - Year 3 topics

36 units comprising:

COMP2711 Computer Programming 2 (4.5 units)
ENGR3704 Project Management for Engineering and Science (4.5 units)
ENGR3741 Physiological Measurement (4.5 units)
ENGR3750 Workplace Preparation (0 units)

Plus one of

ENGR3700 Engineering Practicum (13.5 units) (see note 1)
ENGR3710 International Engineering Practicum (13.5 units) (see notes 1, 2)

Plus 9 units from recommended sequence 1 or 2:

Option - Electronics-based - Year 3 topics

ENGR2721 Microprocessors (4.5 units)
ENGR3711 Control Systems (4.5 units)
ENGR3721 Signal Processing (4.5 units)

Option - Mechanics-based - Year 3 topics

ENGR2751 Fluid Mechanics (4.5 units)
ENGR3711 Control Systems (4.5 units)
ENGR3751 Solid Mechanics (4.5 units)

Core - Year 4 topics

36 units comprising:

ENGR9742 Standards, Ethics and Compliance (4.5 units)
ENGR7781 Innovation in Medical Devices (4.5 units)
ENGR7700A Honours Thesis (4.5/18 units) (See note 3)
ENGR7700B Honours Thesis (4.5/18 units)
ENGR7700C Honours Thesis (4.5/18 units)
ENGR7700D Honours Thesis (4.5/18 units)

Plus 9 units of

Table A topics where the prerequisites are met (see notes 4 and 5)

With the permission of the Director of Studies, students may undertake ENGR9403Engineering Work Experience (0 units) plus 13.5 units of upper-level topics in place of ENGR3700 Engineering Practicum or ENGR3710 International Engineering Practicum. ENGR9403 may be taken any time after the student has completed 63 units. Please see the topic coordinator for further details. Upper-level topics must be selected from COMP, ENGR, MATH and STAT topics at 2000-level and above.
ENGR3710 International Engineering Practicum should be selected by those students intending to undertake their Practicum outside of Australia. Enrolment is subject to approval by the College and will consider the quality and appropriateness of the placement.
Students must undertake the Honours Thesis topics over a minimum of two semesters.
At least 9 units of the topics taken from Table A must be from those labelled as Biomedical (Group B).
With the permission of the Director of Studies, one Table A topic may be replaced by a COMP, ENGR, MATH or STAT topic at 7000-level and above as long as Note 4 is satisfied.
The honours grade awarded is determined in accordance with the University's Assessment Policy and Procedures and is calculated from the Weighted Average Mark of all topics at level 7000 and above taken as part of the degree as follows:

           85 ≤ WAM - Honours First Class (H1)
           75 ≤ WAM < 85 - Honours Second Class Division A (H2A)
           65 ≤ WAM < 75 - Honours Second Class Division B (H2B)
           50 ≤ WAM < 65 - Honours Third Class (H3)

Where a student has satisfied all requirements for the course but has achieved a WAM of less than 50, the WAM will be deemed 50 for the purposes of calculating the honours classification.