Outline

Overview

This unit aims to provide a foundation for biomedical engineering students on the fundamentals of circuit analysis as it relates to electrophysiology and electrophysiological systems. This unit will also introduce the concepts of impedance and electric field measurements as they relate to biological circuits and bioelectronic systems.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Biomedical Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points 1000-level MATH units of study
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ELEC1103 or ELEC2100
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Daria Anderson, daria.anderson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Daria Anderson, daria.anderson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Combination of problem solving and open-ended questions on course topics.	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Tutorial activity Participation in small activity during tutorial.	2.5%	Multiple weeks	10-15 minute activity during tutorial.
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Laboratory worksheets Worksheets for laboratories 1, 2, 3, and 5	15%	Multiple weeks	3 hours per week
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Pre-lab quizzes Short multiple choice quiz done at the start of each lab (5 in total).	2.5%	Multiple weeks	5-min canvas quiz before lab activity.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment 1 Solve electrical circuits, model bioelectricity, medical device problems #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 04 Due date: 17 Mar 2025 at 23:59	2 hours per week
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Mid-semester quiz Mid-semester quiz	15%	Week 07 Due date: 08 Apr 2025 at 12:00	80 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment 2 Solve electrical circuits, model bioelectricity, medical device problems	7.5%	Week 09 Due date: 05 May 2025 at 23:59	2 hours per week
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Lab 4 lab report Formal lab report write-up of Lab 4.	15%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59	4-page group lab report write-up.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment 3 Solve electrical circuits, model bioelectricity, medical device problems.	7.5%	Week 13 Due date: 26 May 2025 at 23:59	2 hours per week
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = AI allowed ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Tutorial assessments: There are three assessments of worked problems worth totalling 20% of the mark. Assessment 1 is worth 5%, the assessment 2 and 3 are worth 7.5% each.

Tutorial activities: A full marks for each tutorial activity is given if the student participates regardless of performance. If a student is not present for the tutorial activity, a score of 0 will be given for that week. Participation in at least 5/9 tutorial activities is required for full marks in this category, accounting up to 2.5% of the total mark.

Laboratory worksheets: 4 group worksheets will be scored in this assessment.

Lab 4 lab report: 1 group lab report in IEEE 4-page paper format will be scored in this assessment

Prelab quizzes: 5 individual pre-lab quizzes are worth 0.5% each totalling 2.5% of the total mark. If a student is not present at the start of lab when the prelab quiz is adminstered, a score of 0 for that quiz will be recieved.

For submitted group work, SPARKPlus will be used to collect self and peer assessment to evaluate a team member's contribution and may be used to convert group marks into individual marks. Students deemed to have done very little and have made an extremely poor contribution to the group work will be regarded as non-contributors and will receive a mark 0 for the submitted group work (see Canvas for details on each group assessment/assignment)

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Distinction	75 - 84	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Credit	65 - 74	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Pass	50 - 64	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Fail	0 - 49	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard established by the faculty. This grade, with corresponding mark, should also be used in cases where a student fails to achieve a mandated standard in a compulsory assessment, thereby failing to demonstrate the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard. In such cases the student will receive the mark awarded by the faculty up to a maximum of 49.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	What is bioelectricity?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Basic circuit elements and techniques of circuit analysis 1	Lecture and tutorial (3.5 hr)
Week 03	Basic circuit elements and techniques of circuit analysis 2	Lecture and tutorial (3.5 hr)
Week 04	Additional passive circuit elements and an introduction to building filters	Lecture and tutorial (3.5 hr)
Week 04	Introduction to circuits laboratory	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 05	Active circuit elements (diodes, semiconductors, and op amps)	Lecture and tutorial (3.5 hr)
Week 05	Human electrophysiological recording laboratory	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 06	Neurons, synapses, axons, nerve propagation and their electrical models 1	Lecture and tutorial (3.5 hr)
Week 07	Mid-semester quiz	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Active circuit components and building active filters	Lecture and tutorial (3.5 hr)
Week 08	Plant electrophysiological recording laboratory	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 09	Neurons, synapses, axons, nerve propagation and their electrical models 2	Lecture and tutorial (3.5 hr)
Week 10	Foundations of electrical stimulation	Lecture and tutorial (3.5 hr)
Week 10	Electrophysiological recording and stimulation laboratory	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 11	Tissue-electrode interface models and foundations of biosignal measurements	Lecture (3.5 hr)
Week 11	Computational modelling laboratory	Simulation laboratory (3 hr)
Week 12	Power, energy, and neuromodulation	Lecture and tutorial (3.5 hr)
Week 13	Review session	Lecture and tutorial (3.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance to lectures and tutorials are highly recommended. Attendance to labs is mandatory, and without attendance, no assessment can be submitted.

The University attendance policy can be found here (see clause 68): https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2014/378&RendNum=0

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Describe the fundamentals of bioelectricity
LO2. Explain and analyse electrical circuitry in the context of physiological and non-physiological models
LO3. Demonstrate knowledge of how electricity interacts with various tissues in the body
LO4. Explain the fundamentals of computational models of bioelectricity
LO5. Learn laboratory skills (experiment running, data collection and analysis) associated with bioelectricity
LO6. Demonstrate knowledge of how foundations of electrical engineering apply to current and future medical devices

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Based on feedback prior feedback, tutorial sessions have been expanded from 1 hour to 1.5 hours to enable more face-to-face time with students during tutorials. The previous multiple small continuous assessments from tutorial sessions (7 in total) have been consolidated into 3 assessments due in Week 3, Week 9, and Week 12.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Follow any lab safety requirements for the lab as noted on Canvas.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BMET2902: Introduction to Bioelectronics

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links