Outline

Overview

Biophotonics is rapidly evolving multidisciplinary field using optics and photonics to reveal biological mechanisms and develop new light-based technologies for medical diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of diseases, including sensors. The intrinsic sensitivity of biological tissues to light because of elastic and inelastic interactions, combined with the development of the laser, optical components and sophisticated detector have accelerated the development of the field of biophotonics. Understanding the interaction of light with biological molecules, cells and tissues has the potential to develop next-generation novel diagnosis and non-invasive therapies for a range of diseases. The objective of this unit is to provide students with knowledge to understand and learn the fundamentals of light interaction with biological species, the preclinical and clinical applications of biomedical optical diagnosis, therapies and sensing and the instrumentation.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Biomedical Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	[BMET2903 or BMET9903] and [ELEC1103 or ELEC2100 or BMET2902]
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ken Tye Yong, ken.yong@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 In-person paper and pen assessments	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Tutorial quiz Multiple Choice Questions and Free Responses	15%	Multiple weeks	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Biophotonics Lab Report Lab Report on investigating the diffraction limit in optical microscopy	5%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 23:00	Max. 2 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Biophotonics Research Report Biophotonics Research Report - Critical Research Reviews	30%	Week 11 Due date: 17 May 2026 at 23:00	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	QnA after Biophotonics Creative Presentation QnA after Biophotonics Creative Presentation. Students will be asked questions after their presentation to demonstrate their learning and understanding from the presentation assessment	3%	Week 13	~5-10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation Group presentation - Biophotonics Creative Presentation	17%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 20:00	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Tutorial quiz (15%): Students are required to complete in-class quizzes in tutorials. Each quiz will assess students’ understanding of lecture content.
Group presentation (20%; 17% Presentation + 3% QnA): Group assignment requiring students to develop a creative presentation to the class.
Assignment 1 (30%): Critical literature review on a specific topic in biophotonics.
Assignment 2 (5%): Lab Report on diffraction limit in optical microscopy.
Final exam (30%): Free response and calculation-based questions covering lecture content.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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.

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	Introduction to Biophotonics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to Biophotonics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Fundamental of Light and Matter	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Fundamental of Light and Matter	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Basics of Light-Matter Interactions	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Basics of Light-Matter Interactions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Principles of Lasers and Current Laser Technology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Principles of Lasers and Current Laser Technology	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Photobiology	Lecture (2 hr)
	Photobiology	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Diffraction limit in optical microscopy.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Optical Bioimaging: Principles and Applications	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Optical Bioimaging: Principles and Applications	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Diagnosis with Light	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Diagnosis with Light	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Optical Biosensors	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Optical Biosensors	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Tissue Engineering with Light	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Tissue Engineering with Light	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Biophotonics Applications: Photodynamic Therapy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Biophotonics Applications: Photodynamic Therapy	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Biophotonics Applications: Biomaterials for Biophotonics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Biophotonics Applications: Biomaterials for Biophotonics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Optogenetics and Neurophotonics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Optogenetics and Neurophotonics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Revision & Group Presentations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Revision & Group Presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Class attendance is required.

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.

Required readings

Introduction to Biophotonics

Prasad, P. N. (2003). Introduction to biophotonics. Wiley-Interscience.

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. Analyze the current state and recent developments in biophotonics and integrate relevant engineering principles to understand, evaluate, and advance biophotonic systems and applications.
LO2. Critically evaluate current challenges and limitations in biophotonics and develop innovative, biophotonics-based solutions to address unmet clinical or research needs.
LO3. Design novel nano- and micro-scale biomedical devices by formulating technically and financially feasible solutions that account for engineering constraints, clinical requirements, and real-world implementation.
LO4. Demonstrate an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of biophotonics by integrating concepts from materials science, physics, chemistry, engineering, and human biology in problem analysis and solution development.
LO5. Effectively communicate biophotonics concepts and engineering applications through oral and written formats, while independently identifying, obtaining, and critically analyzing current literature and technological advances in the field.
LO6. Apply professional and ethical practices in engineering contexts by managing time and tasks effectively, meeting deadlines, collaborating responsibly with colleagues, and communicating in a professional manner.

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 the annual feedback regarding this course, we are continuously making changes to the learning activities to keep the tutorials and practicals engaging.

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BMET5959: Introduction to Biophotonics

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links