Outline

Overview

This unit of study provides the underpinning knowledge needed in biomedical engineering designs. The anatomic and physiological functional knowledge gained in this subject will enhance prototype development of biomedical designs. Students should gain familiarity with anatomical and physiological terms and their meaning, understanding of the gross anatomy of the major systems in the human body and their importance in the design of biomedical devices and understanding of the major physiological principles which govern the operation of the human body.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Biomedical Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AMME5901 or AMME9901 or MECH2901 or BMET2901
Assumed knowledge ?	6 credit points minimum of Junior level Biology
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Hamish Fernando, hamish.fernando@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Chin Liang Beh, chin-liang.beh@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Nicole Yap, nicoleziyi.yap@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam SAQs covering core content, Prequel Project and guest lectures	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Roundtable discussion Podcast-style discussion on Prequel Project	15%	Multiple weeks	30-45 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Anatomy and Physiology lab attendance All practicals must be attended, and worksheets must be submitted on the day of the practical.	0%	Multiple weeks	_	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Tutorial attendance 4 of 6 tutorials must be attended	0%	Multiple weeks	_	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Lived Systems Checkpoints Video or mindmap discussion outlining mechanisms of personally meaningful real world applications of Anatomy and Physiology	5%	Ongoing	3-minute video or mindmap	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Lived Systems Checkpoints Video or mindmap discussion outlining mechanisms of personally meaningful real world applications of Anatomy and Physiology	15%	Ongoing	3-minute video or mindmap	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Mid-semester checkpoint 20 application MCQs	20%	Week 08	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Manuscript submission for Prequel Project Manuscript connecting foundational Anatomy and Physiology to advanced biomedical engineering units	15%	Week 10 Due date: 11 Oct 2026 at 23:59	6 pages + 1 page summary of key points	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Guest lectures 2 of 5 guest lectures must be attended	0%	Week 10	_	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Class Attendance: Hurdle (unweighted)

Each week students must attend at least one scheduled class: either the tutorial or the practical, whichever is running that week.

There is no allowance for missed practicals, since the skills built in practicals aren't available through any other format.

Tutorials require attendance of at least 5 of 6.

Guest lectures run across two weeks (week 10 and week 13), with 5 guest lectures in total; students must attend at least 2 of the 5.

Getting more than 10 minutes late without prior notice would result in attendance not being counted.

Lived Systems Checkpoints: 20%

Four short individual assessments held across the semester (weeks 2, 5, 8, and 12), each covering a specific or group of body systems (nervous; MSK; cardiorespiratory; renal/endocrine/immune).

Prequel Project (30%)

A group project designed as direct preparation for a later, more advanced biomedical engineering unit. Students select which advanced unit's project to work on based on their own interests, giving the project a genuine "prequel" relationship to a unit they may go on to take. Runs from week 2, supported (not assessed in depth) by three lightweight progress check-ins across the project (weeks 3-4, 5-6, 7-8). Consists of a manuscript submission and podcast-style discussion. Note: Postgrad students will be given more advanced topics to work on.

Manuscript Submission: 15% (week 9)

Group-authored manuscript on the assigned topic: modelled on a real journal submission. Comprises a core manuscript (~2,000 words) and a concise key-points summary panel (~400-600 words), the latter intended for release to the whole cohort as a shared pre-exam study resource. The strongest manuscripts are selected for publication in the class journal, and topics selected for publication also become eligible source material for final exam questions.

Roundtable Discussion: 15% (weeks 11–13), hurdle

One-off, individually booked, live discussion in which students discusses their group's manuscript content. HURDLE: if not passed, a 50% penalty is applied to the manuscript mark.

Midsem Test: 20%

20 applied MCQs to be completed in one hour.

Final Exam: 30%

2-hour SAQ-based exam divided into three components:

Part A: Core material (all questions must be answered)

Part B: Prequel Project questions (two of ten questions must be answered)

Part B: Guest lecture content (one of five questions must be answered)

Assessment criteria

Result Name	Mark Range	Description
High Distinction	85-100%	Demonstrates outstanding and comprehensive knowledge and ability for critical thinking
Distinction	75-84%	Demonstrates excellent and comprehensive knowledge and ability for critical thinking. actve participation in group discussion and leadership in group presentations
Credit	65-74%	Demonstrates good understanding and comprehensive knowledge and a good level of critical thinking and participation in discussions
Pass	50-65%	Demonstrates acceptable if limited knowledge and understanding
Fail	0-49%	Unsatisfactory level of knowledge, engagement in discussion and shows little evidence of critical thinking

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:

The Assessment Procedures 2024 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than 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
Ongoing	Study per week = Approx 3 hours x 13 = 39	Self-directed learning (39 hr)
Week 01	Nervous System I: Neurons, neurotransmitters and nerve impulse propagation lectorials	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 01	Intro to Anatomy and Physiology	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Nervous System II: Central and peripheral nervous systems lectorials	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 02	Nervous System foundations to advanced case studies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Musculoskeletal System I: Bone lectorials	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 03	Neuroanatomy	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Musculoskeletal System II: Joints lectorials	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 04	Musculoskeletal System foundations to advanced case studies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Musculoskeletal System III: Muscle lectorials	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 05	Skeletal anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Cardiovascular system I: Heart lectorials	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 06	Skeletal muscle anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	Respiratory System lectorials	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 07	Cardio-respiratory foundations to advanced case studies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Cardiovascular System II: Blood and blood vessels lectorials	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 08	Cardio-respiratory anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	Endocrine System lectorials	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 09	Endocrine System foundations to advanced case studies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Extension/Research/Industry application guest lectures	Lecture (8 hr)
Week 10	Muscle physiology	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Renal System lectorials	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 11	Cardiovascular physiology	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Immune System lectorials	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 12	Respiratory physiology	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Revision	Tutorial (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lectorials will be recorded but attendance is recommended.

Attendance requirements need to be met in order to sit for the Final exam:

Attend at least 2 of 5 the guest lectures in week 10 + 13.
Attend ALL 7 practicals AND subsequent worksheet submission.
Attend 4 of 6 tutorials.

Sparkplus MUST be completed prior to the scheduled Roundtable Discussion - students will not be permitted to sit for the discussion until this is done.

The Faculty of Engineering resolution on attendance requirements can be found here: Faculty of Engineering Faculty Resolutions 2022 (sydney.edu.au)

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

The purchase of Complete Anatomy (interactive 3D anatomy software), would be ideal. If you have any difficulty doing this (due to cost, technical issues etc), please contact unit coordinator.

Elizabeth Co (2023). Anatomy & Physiology 1st Edition. Cengage Learning.

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. Identify the gross anatomical features of the human body
LO2. Explain the normal function of the major body systems (nervous, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, musculoskeletal, digestive, renal, immune)
LO3. Describe how major body structures relate to their functions well as how different structures may work together to impact function
LO4. Demonstrate how biomedical engineering can be used for the diagnosis of treatment of various traumatic injuries and diseased states
LO5. Develop strong oral communication skills suitable for both peers as well as a more general audience, to educate on how biomedical engineering techniques can be used for the diagnosis or treatment of a traumatic injury or diseased state
LO6. Work in groups to create tools to educate lay people on how biomedical engineering techniques can be used for the diagnosis or treatment of a traumatic injury or diseased state

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.

Story tasks replaced by simpler, personal reflection tasks. Infographic replaced by written manuscript. Each week now consists of either tutorial or practical, never both.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Anatomy Laboratory entry requires closed shoes, lab coats and rubber gloves to be worn at all times. Students will need to purchase their own lab coats.

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

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BMET9901: Anatomy and Physiology for Engineers

Semester 2, 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

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links