Outline

Overview

The field of 'bionics' is one of the primary embodiments of biomedical engineering. In the context of this unit, bionics is defined as a collection of therapeutic devices implanted into the body to restore or enhance functions lost through disease, developmental anomaly, or injury. Most typically, bionic devices intervene with the nervous system and aim to control neural activity through the delivery of electrical impulses. An example of this is a cochlear implant which delivers electrical impulses to physiologically excite surviving neurons of the auditory system, providing the capacity to elicit the psychological perception of sound. This unit primarily focuses upon the replacement of human senses, the nature and transduction of signals acquired, and how these ultimately effect neural activity.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Biomedical Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AMME5995 or AMME5951 or BMET5951
Assumed knowledge ?	(ELEC1103 or ELEC2100 or BMET2902) and (BMET2922 or BMET9922)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Gregg Suaning, gregg.suaning@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Gregg Suaning, gregg.suaning@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Mingxuan Zhang, mingxuan.zhang@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 Written Examination	45%	Formal exam period	80 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Quizzes Quiz	5%	Multiple weeks	Typically 10 minutes at the start of lab
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Quiz 1 Alignment of Expectations Quiz	0%	Week 01	On-line quiz
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Printed Circuit Board layout (for Neuro stimulator project) Design of a printed circuit board and submission to vendor for manufacture. This is a hard deadline for the design file and submission for manufacturing of an integral part of the laboratory assessment later in the semester.	0%	Week 04 Due date: 21 Mar 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 Mar 2025	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Oral quiz on the Neuromodulation Assignment (NA) Students will be examined on the depth of their understanding of the NA via questions for which a verbal response is to be provided. Note that students will be allocated a specific time for their examination after the NA is due (after wk 10).	20%	Week 10	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Neuromodulation Assignment (NA) Topic to be described during the semester	10%	Week 10 Due date: 09 May 2025 at 23:59	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Video Presentation Presentation of findings from Major Assignment	10%	Week 12	10 minutes maximum
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Neuro stimulator lab project Produce, test and report on a functional neurostimulator.	10%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Quizzes: The first quiz must be completed in order to pass the unit of study. The subsequent quizzes may contain questions relating to any aspect of the unit up to and including the week prior to the quiz. Of the n quizzes, only the best n-1 will be counted towards the final mark.
Assignments: 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).

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, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
DI	Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
CR	Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
PS	Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
FA	Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.
AF	Absent fail	0 - 49	When you haven’t completed all assessment tasks or met the attendance requirements.
CN	Cancelled	No mark	When your enrolment has been cancelled.
DC	Discontinued not to count as failure	No mark or 0	When you discontinue a unit under special circumstances (outlined in clause 92 of the Coursework Policy), after the relevant census date.
DF	Discontinue – fail	No mark or 0	When you discontinue a unit after the relevant census date but before the DF deadline, and you have not been granted a discontinuation under special circumstances.
FR	Failed requirements	No mark	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.
SR	Satisfied requirements	No mark	When you meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.
WD	Withdrawn	No mark	When you discontinue a unit before the relevant census date. WD grades do not appear on your academic transcript.
NE	Not examinable	No mark or 0	When you have exhausted your options to sit replacement exams or replacement assessment tests. An NE does not count as a fail on your transcript and won’t be included in your weighted average mark (WAM).

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	Introduction and Sensory Neuroprostheses: (a) Auditory transduction and the bionic ear (b) Phototransduction and the bionic eye	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	(a) Sensory Neuroprostheses: The Bionic Eye (cont'd). (b) Neuroprosthesis Design	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	BMET Neurostimulator Fabrication and Intro to Assignment 1: Power PCB design	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Fundamentals of Electrical Stimulation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Exploring inductive power and data transfer	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Cochlear Implants Sound Processing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Open Laboratory (PCB Design Due)	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Neurostimulation Circuits I	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Cochlear Implant Sound Processing, Commencement of Major Assignment.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Deep Brain Stimulation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Bionic Eye Image Processing	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Electrical Stimulation for Alleviating Pain	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Digital to Analogue Converters	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Neuromodulation Circuits II / Functional Electrical Stimulation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	PCB Workshop	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Electrochemistry of Biological Electrodes	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Neuromodulator integration	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Evoked Potentials and Reverse Telemetry	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Exploring Electrodes	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Overcoming Facial Paralysis / Clinical Issues in Bionics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Neuromodulator Testing I	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Group Presentations	Presentation (2 hr)
Week 12	Neuromodulator Testing II	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Semester Review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Topics in Neuromodulation and Bionics	Practical (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

We are extraordinarily fortunate to have four guest lectures scheduled this semester in BMET5995. These lectures are from true experts in their fields, sharing their wisdom on a volunteer basis for the benefit of your education. It is of the utmost importance that students engage in these lectures in particular over the semester. Accordingly, these four lectures are explicitly covered in the following attendance policy:

It is the responsibility of students enrolled in units of study to attend scheduled classes, even if the classes are not directly tied to assessments. This unit of study requires that students must not have more than three unexplained absences from scheduled lm scheduled lectures, must not have unexplained absences in more than one of the lectures scheduled to be held on weeks 4, 9 10 and 11, and must not have more than three unexplained absences from scheduled laboratory sessions. Live, in-person participation in these sessions is important for achieving the unit of study learning outcomes. Students who do not satisfy attendance and participation requirements may be deemed not to have completed this unit of study, according to Coursework Policy 2021 Clause 68.

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. understand and communicate the principles of operation of therapeutic neuromodulation (bionic) devices.
LO2. understand and communicate the application of bionic devices in a clinical context.
LO3. work together in small groups to carry out a prescribed task and present the outcomes in an oral, written or video format
LO4. create a printed circuit board with broad guidelines in the project definition thus allowing the student broad scope to include problem solving and inventiveness
LO5. produce functional software to serve a purpose in sensory or motor neuroprosthesis
LO6. design and construct a means of transferring energy across tissue without wires in the form of a printed circuit board and inductively-coupled circuitry to drive and assess a neurostimulation circuit
LO7. apply engineering principles to answer questions relating to implantable bionics in a quiz format
LO8. apply engineering principles to answer questions relating to implantable bionics in an examination format.

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.

This unit did not run in 2024 (coordinator on sabbatical). The 2023 layout - in particular the low mark requirement for quizzes (5% total) and having them in the laboratory sessions rather than in the lectures made a significant difference in the student experience. This will be repeated in 2025.

Additional information

Please note that this unit of study includes weekly laboratory activities and assignments involving but not limited to CAD, basic electronics, simulation and programming in Matlab or Python. Tutors and teaching staff will be available to assist the students in the laboratory sessions with these topics, but students should be aware of the "advanced" wording in the title of the unit, and consider their capacity to perform in the unit's activities and assignments.

Each student will construct a device that will progress towards completion throughout the semester. Students are expected to bring their device to the laboratory sessions each and every week as they will be used in the laboratory exercises. As many of the laboratory exercises are heavily reliant upon access to the devices, it is essential that this requirement be understood and followed. It is recommended that each student carry the device with them in a small container inside something that they regularly bring to the university such as a backpack.

Laboratory computers will have all software required to complete the laboratory tasks. Students are welcome to use their own laptop computers provided that assistance is not required to (e.g.) install software, drivers, etc.

Additional costs

A printed circuit board is to be manufactured based on the design created by each student. These are typically less than $10 to manufacture but shipping costs can be significant unless students work together to share the shipping costs, which can keep the total cost to below $20.

Work, health and safety

Safety glasses, closed-toe shoes, and laboratory coats will be required for most laboratories. Please ensure that these are brought with you each week.

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

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

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BMET5995: Advanced Bionics

Semester 1, 2025 [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) 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

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links