Module overview
This is a new design module that utilises existing lecture material, but places the emphasis on demonstrating understanding by designing systems using the knowledge gained from the lectures. The module split in two; 50% control and 50% biomedical signals analysis. The control topics include electrical/mech analogues, p notation, block diagrams, electromech systems: torque, inertia, motor model, along with a new design exercise; Design of an Active Tremor Suppression Brace for Parkinsons. The biomedical signals analysis part will give a theoretical understanding of the fundamentals of biomedical signal processing. Students will then demonstrate practical use of this understanding by designing an automated algorithm for ECG analysis. This module will also include the engineering design process and principles.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: D1. Understand the links between mathematical concepts and be able to apply them to a range of engineering problems D2. Work in a small team to develop a practical solution to a biomedical problem D4. Understand the operations of the basic building blocks for remote monitoring of Elecrocardiogram (ECG) signal.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: B1. Determine the transfer function and step response for a system of any order B2. Derive transfer functions for mechatronic and electromechanical systems B3. Apply methods of design analysis to biomedical problems B4. Design and evaluate control systems to meet practical specifications B5. Apply basic signal processing methods for analysing and extracting information content from a physiological signals.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: A1. Understand the concepts of transfer functions, block diagrams, poles and zeros and simple feedback systems A2. Understand engineering design and manufacturing principles A3. The fundamental concepts of signal representation and its analysis methods applicable for information extraction from real-life biomedical signals.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: C1. Translate engineering problems into technical specifications C2. Understand the principles of defining problems in standard form to allow standard solutions C3. Real-life design of biomedical engineering systems
Syllabus
Theoretical foundations of biomedical signal processing (Lectures + coursework)
- Signal representation and characteristics
- Signal arithmetic
- Sampling and digitisation
- Time-domain signal analysis fundamentals
- Frequency-domain signal analysis fundamentals
- Introduction to “time-frequency” domain signal processing
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) signal fundamentals and its time- and frequency-domain analysis
Control (Lectures + coursework)
- Linear Time Invariant Systems and Ordinary Differential Equations
- An alternative approach to time-based analysis
- Transfer Functions, Poles, Zeroes and the Characteristic Equation
- Block Diagram Notation
- Standard Inputs and System Response
Biomedical design and manufacture (Lectures + online tutorials)
- Problem analysis and the clinically driven approaches.
- Designing, specifying and evaluating criteria.
- Generating, classifying and structuring ideas.
- Computer aided techniques
- Design for Additive Manufacture
Design Project 1 (Group Labwork, demonstration and report): Active Tremor Suppression Brace for Parkinsonian Tremor
- Background to tremor and existing solutions
- Engineering design specification
- Overview of project deliverables
Design Project 2 (Group Labwork, demonstration and report): Automated algorithm design for ECG delineation
- ECG data capture using wearable sensor
- ECG artefact removal
- Automated detection of individual ECG waves
- Convert algorithm into an automated software package and report writing
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
This module will be taught as a combination of conventional lectures, tutorials, self-study materials, coursework and labwork.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 6 |
| Lecture | 8 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 10 |
| Total study time | 24 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Summative
Assessment method Contribution to final mark
Control coursework 25%
Biomedical signal analysis coursework 25%
Design project I 25%
Design project 2 25%
For resit students 50% control coursework and 50% biomedical signal analysis coursework
Summative
Summative assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assignment | 50% |
| A lab report | 50% |
Referral
Referral assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assignment | 100% |
Repeat
Repeat assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assignment | 100% |