Outline

Unit code	BMET5963
Academic unit	Biomedical Engineering
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Basic fluid dynamics (e.g. AMME2261 or AMME2200), a familiarity with biological concepts (e.g. BMET1961)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Coordinator	Daniele Vigolo, daniele.vigolo@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Take-home short release)	Final examination Final exam	35%	Formal exam period	3 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Online quiz Online quiz	15%	Week 08	N/A
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group presentation Group presentation	30%	Week 12	20 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Lab report Lab report	20%	Week 13	Four pages
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = Type D final exam ?

Result code	Result name	Mark range	Description
HD	High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.
DI	Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.
CR	Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard.
PS	Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.
FA	Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Laboratory - weeks 5-12	Practical (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to the unit; benefits of microfluidics versus bulk; review of fundamental colloidal science (e.g., interfacial tension, mass diffusion, etc.) and fluid dynamics (e.g., laminar flow, rheology, etc.) concepts typical of microfluidics.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 02	Microfluidic fabrication; choice of materials; sterilisation and biocompatibility issues; lab-scale versus mass production of microfluidics devices. Segmented versus continuous flow: benefits and limitations; choice of biocompatible fluids (aqueous and oil based) and surfactants.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	Droplet microfluidics: control of size and frequency based on the manipulation of the continuous and dispersed phase flow rates for different systems (i.e., fluids with different viscosities and/or interfacial tension). Image analyses.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 04	Integration of operational units in microfluidics: separation, chemical and biological synthesis, filtration, concentration, mechanical testing.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 05	Current applications of microfluidics to the study of proteins and enzymes. Guest lecture.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 06	Bacteria growth in confined geometries, porous media and medical devices; biofilm formation; shear rate effect on bacterial development; “mother machine” devices.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 07	Microgels for drug delivery; multi-layer capsules or multiple emulsions for controlled release drug delivery.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 08	Cells encapsulation; cell growth in confined environment; single cell and single molecule analyses; cell sorting.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 09	Tissue growth in microfluidics; engineering and functionalisation of biocompatible materials for tissue development.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 10	Organs-on-a-chip part 1. Reproduction of single organ functionalities on a chip; gut-on-a-chip; lung-on-a-chip; hearth-on-a-chip; brain-on-a-chip.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 11	Organs-on-a-chip part 2. From organ to human body-on-a-chip; integration of multi-organs on-chip; microvasculature on chip; diseases on a chip; cancer-on-a-chip; potential and limitations of the approach.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 12	Assessed group presentations.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 13	Revision of concepts. Assessment due: lab report	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)

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.

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

LO1. Demonstrate the ability to find relevant literature and learn the current microfluidics state of the art from recent scientific publications.
LO2. Understand why the miniaturization of basic laboratory instrumentation and biological applications leads to significant gains in performance.
LO3. Describe the structure, operation and performance of the main microfluidic components of a lab-on-chip device.
LO4. Understand how the interdisciplinary approach from engineering, chemistry, material science and biology can be combined into microfluidics devices to improve applications to healthcare.
LO5. Introduce the main phenomena that determine how fluids behave when confined in small geometries such as microfluidics devices.
LO6. Demonstrate how microfluidic tools have been used to address important problems in healthcare and biology.
LO7. Use the microfluidic knowledge acquired to design microfluidic tools for specific biological applications.
LO8. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in group.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - 1.1 (L2). Scientific knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. 1.2 (L2). Mathematical and computational methods. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. 1.3 (L2). Specialist discipline knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. 1.4 (L2). Discipline research knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline 1.5 (L2). Discipline context knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline 1.6 (L2). Discipline professional practice knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline. 2.1 (L2). Complex problem-solving. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving 2.2 (L2). Use of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Techniques, tools and resources 2.3 (L2). Engineering design. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. 2.4 (L2). Engineering project management. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects
	Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - 1.1 (L2). Scientific knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. 1.2 (L2). Mathematical and computational methods. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. 1.3 (L2). Specialist discipline knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. 1.4 (L2). Discipline research knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline 1.5 (L2). Discipline context knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline 1.6 (L2). Discipline professional practice knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline. 2.1 (L2). Complex problem-solving. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving 2.2 (L2). Use of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Techniques, tools and resources 2.3 (L2). Engineering design. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. 2.4 (L2). Engineering project management. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects
	Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - 1.1 (L2). Scientific knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. 1.2 (L2). Mathematical and computational methods. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. 1.3 (L2). Specialist discipline knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. 1.4 (L2). Discipline research knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline 1.5 (L2). Discipline context knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline 1.6 (L2). Discipline professional practice knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline. 2.1 (L2). Complex problem-solving. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving 2.2 (L2). Use of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Techniques, tools and resources 2.3 (L2). Engineering design. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. 2.4 (L2). Engineering project management. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects
	Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - 1.1 (L2). Scientific knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. 1.2 (L2). Mathematical and computational methods. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. 1.3 (L2). Specialist discipline knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. 1.4 (L2). Discipline research knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline 1.5 (L2). Discipline context knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline 1.6 (L2). Discipline professional practice knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline. 2.1 (L2). Complex problem-solving. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving 2.2 (L2). Use of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Techniques, tools and resources 2.3 (L2). Engineering design. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. 2.4 (L2). Engineering project management. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects
	Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - 1.1 (L2). Scientific knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. 1.2 (L2). Mathematical and computational methods. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. 1.3 (L2). Specialist discipline knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. 1.4 (L2). Discipline research knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline 1.5 (L2). Discipline context knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline 1.6 (L2). Discipline professional practice knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline. 2.1 (L2). Complex problem-solving. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving 2.2 (L2). Use of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Techniques, tools and resources 2.3 (L2). Engineering design. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. 2.4 (L2). Engineering project management. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects
	Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - 1.1 (L2). Scientific knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. 1.2 (L2). Mathematical and computational methods. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. 1.3 (L2). Specialist discipline knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. 1.4 (L2). Discipline research knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline 1.5 (L2). Discipline context knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline 1.6 (L2). Discipline professional practice knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline. 2.1 (L2). Complex problem-solving. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving 2.2 (L2). Use of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Techniques, tools and resources 2.3 (L2). Engineering design. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. 2.4 (L2). Engineering project management. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects
	Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - 1.1 (L2). Scientific knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. 1.2 (L2). Mathematical and computational methods. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. 1.3 (L2). Specialist discipline knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. 1.4 (L2). Discipline research knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline 1.5 (L2). Discipline context knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline 1.6 (L2). Discipline professional practice knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline. 2.1 (L2). Complex problem-solving. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving 2.2 (L2). Use of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Techniques, tools and resources 2.3 (L2). Engineering design. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. 2.4 (L2). Engineering project management. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects
	Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - 1.1 (L2). Scientific knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. 1.2 (L2). Mathematical and computational methods. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. 1.3 (L2). Specialist discipline knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. 1.4 (L2). Discipline research knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline 1.5 (L2). Discipline context knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline 1.6 (L2). Discipline professional practice knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline. 2.1 (L2). Complex problem-solving. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving 2.2 (L2). Use of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Techniques, tools and resources 2.3 (L2). Engineering design. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. 2.4 (L2). Engineering project management. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects

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Overview

Overview

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Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

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Simple extensions

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Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

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