Outline

Overview

This UoS offers fundamental knowledge about the working principles of scanning probe microscopies, microsensors and other key instrumentation in nanotechnology with a focus on biophysical, biomedical and material science applications. Scanning probe microscopes work in a variety of environments ranging from vacuum to liquids, and are frequently used to study samples spanning from single atoms all the way up to live cells and tissues. Besides imaging, these technologies enable the manipulation of matter and the acquisition of many physical and chemical properties of samples up to the atomic scale. The knowledge provided in this UoS is intended to improve the competences of the students to understand, use and create technologies of great value in nanotechnology with applications across multiple disciplines.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Biomedical Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Knowledge in calculus, linear differential equations, basic mechanics and electromagnetism
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	David Martinez Martin, david.martinezmartin@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam Exam covering the entire course. It will include calculations. The exam will also include questions related to the lab demonstrations.	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Mid-semester test Mid semester test. This assessment will include short answer questions and calculations.	25%	Week 07	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	QnA for Group Presentation QnA for Group Presentation	6.25%	Week 13	~5 mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Presentation Group presentation (8-10 min) followed by questions (2-4 min)	18.75%	Week 13	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

The unit will be assessed by:

Mid semester test. This assessment will require you to integrate information from lectures and tutorials/lectorials, and will include calculation questions.
A group presentation based on a topic related to the unit. A quarter of this presentation grades will be based on performance in the QnA following the presentation.
Final exam. The exam will cover all material in the unit from lectures, tutorials/lectorials, and lab demonstrations. The exam will include calculation questions.

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)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Given the type of assessments, the submissions must take place on time - i.e. these assessments cannot be submitted late. A mark of zero will be awarded if the assessment is not submitted on time. Students must seek special considerations for any non-attempt of these assessments.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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	Scanning Tunneling Microscope; Piezo scanners and piezo motors; Revision harmonic oscillators	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Vacuum technologies; Introduction to Atomic Force Microscopy; Introduction to force spectroscopy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Vacuum technologies; Introduction to Atomic Force Microscopy; Introduction to force spectroscopy	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Force spectroscopy applications in biomedicine; Physical virology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Force spectroscopy applications in biomedicine; Physical virology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Lock-in amplifiers; Amplitude Modulation in AFM	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Lock-in amplifiers; Amplitude Modulation in AFM	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	High speed AFM to study molecular motors at work and other biological processes	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	High speed AFM to study molecular motors at work and other biological processes	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Measuring electric and magnetic interactions at the nanoscale; Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy; Magnetic Force Microscopy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Measuring electric and magnetic interactions at the nanoscale; Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy; Magnetic Force Microscopy	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Fluorescence; Wide-field Fluorescence microscopy; Confocal microscopy; Transmitted Differential Interference Constrast;	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Technologies to measure the mass and volume of cells	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Technologies to measure the mass and volume of cells	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Single-cell viral infection method; Changes in cell mass dynamics upon viral infection; Real-time mass dynamics of animal and yeast cells	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Single-cell viral infection method; Changes in cell mass dynamics upon viral infection; Real-time mass dynamics of animal and yeast cells	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Lab demonstration. Experimental demonstration with cutting-edge instrumentation e.g. optical microscopies, picobalance/AFM technology.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Lab demonstration. Experimental demonstration with cutting-edge instrumentation e.g. optical microscopies, picobalance/AFM technology.	Practical (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend the scheduled classes for this course.

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. Find, critically analyse and effectively communicate research and technological developments described in scientific literature and/or patents that are related to nanotechnologies covered over the course.
LO2. Effectively interpret and communicate developed solutions to proposed problems.
LO3. Understand the value and need of multidisciplinary approaches to productively address scientific and technological challenges at the nanoscale in the interphase of physics, biology and engineering.
LO4. Understand and employ fundamental scientific working principles related to microresonators, scanning probe microscopies and other technologies of interest in nanotechnology.
LO5. Develop creative solutions changing the configuration and/or properties of key elements of microresonators and scanning probe microscopy techniques to theoretically achieve proposed aims.
LO6. Apply mathematical techniques to solve relevant equations of interest in nanotechnology.

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.

An extension of time for the presentation assessment has been provided. The mid-semester test and final exams will take place as in-class invigilated assessments to increase the levels of integrity.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BMET5911: Instrumentation for Nanobiotechnology

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links