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Unit outline_

BMET9903: Biomedical Physics

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit offers essential knowledge of physics for applications in biomedical engineering, medicine and medical sciences. The unit will cover fundamentals concepts of electromagnetism, optics and quantum physics - these concepts are becoming rapidly relevant and vital with new and emerging technologies in the biomedical and health sector. It is imperative for the next generation of biomedical engineers and healthcare providers to develop a strong foundational knowledge in these concepts in the context of biomedicine. The knowledge provided by this unit is intended to prepare the students to be able to understand pivotal technologies used in medical research and the medical clinic, such as fluorescence based imaging, nuclear magnetic resonance, magnetotherapy.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Biomedical Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
BMET2903
Assumed knowledge
? 

1000-level mathematics: linear algebra, statistics, single and multivariable calculus

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Hamish Fernando, hamish.fernando@sydney.edu.au
Laboratory supervisor(s) Rongkun Zheng, rongkun.zheng@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) El-Abed Haidar, el-abed.haidar@sydney.edu.au
Bruce Yabsley, bruce.yabsley@sydney.edu.au
Joshua Maggiora, joshua.maggiora@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final exam
Supervised exam covering the whole course.
35% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8
Small continuous assessment AI Allowed Lab reports
Experimental reports describing the aim of the experiment, method, results
35% Multiple weeks 6 hours (each). Due 7 days after lab
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO2
Small continuous assessment AI Allowed Practical Perspectives
Lay explanation of lab results and real world application
15% Multiple weeks 2 minutes max
Outcomes assessed: LO4
Assignment Early Feedback Task AI Allowed Electromagnetism assignment
Online quiz #earlyfeedbacktask
5% Week 03
Due date: 14 Mar 2025 at 23:59
2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Assignment AI Allowed Optics assignment
Online quiz
5% Week 07
Due date: 11 Apr 2025 at 23:59
2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Assignment AI Allowed Quantum physics assignment
Online quiz
5% Week 11
Due date: 16 May 2025 at 23:59
2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
AI allowed = AI allowed ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

For each of the lab blocks (electromagnetism, optics and quantum physics), you are required to submit a written lab report. Your mark for each report carries a weight of 8, 12 and 15% respectively. Each report is due 7 days after your lab session.


"Practical perspectives" assessment involves a video submission along with each lab report in which the lab findings and implications are communicated in lay fashion. 

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) 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.

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:

Late penalties for all submissions: 5% per day

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.

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 2023 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 2023. 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Electromagnetism Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 02 Electromagnetism Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 03 Electromagnetism Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 04 Electromagnetism based experiments Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 05 Optics Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Optics Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Optics Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Optics based experiments Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 Quantum physics Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Quantum physics Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Quantum physics Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Quantum physics based experiments Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 13 Revision of concepts Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

At least six of nine tutorials between weeks 1-3, 5-7, 9-11 must be attended in order to sit for the final exam. Students must attend entire tutorial in order for attendance to be counted. Late arrivals or early exits will require reasons with evidence. 

Attendance to labs is mandatory in order to submit the associated lab report. 

A fail mark/academic dishonesty or lack of submission or practical perspectives video will result in forfeiture of associated lab mark. 

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

University Physics with Modern Physics, Global Edition, 15th edition

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. Effectively interpret and communicate the significance of experimental results and analyses, including an adequate interpretation of inaccuracies.
  • LO2. Develop interpersonal skills and project management competences to collaborate as part of a team to solve theoretical and experimental problems in biomedical physics.
  • LO3. Understand and describe the value of different perspectives and disciplines, as well as the need of multidisciplinary approaches to productively address scientific and technological challenges.
  • LO4. Understand, employ and effectively communicate physical concepts of electromagnetism, optics and quantum physics with emphasis in biomedical applications.
  • LO5. Develop hands-on experience in an experimental setting to evaluate underlying principles of instrumentation used in biomedical engineering.
  • LO6. Apply relevant equations and calculate solutions to problems involving electromagnetism, optics and quantum physics principles.
  • LO7. Apply mathematical techniques comprising infinitesimal calculus and linear algebra to model and calculate systems related to electromagnetism, optics and quantum physics.
  • LO8. Develop ideas and applications based on existing and learned physical principles

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Dropped the "help me understand" and added "practical perspectives" instead. This gets students to communicate findings from pracs in layman's terms in order to ensure that they have understood the practical. First MP assignment set as early feedback task. 1-hour tutorial is now 2 hours and at least 6 of 9 must be attended. Added the "advanced tutorial" for students who need more of a challenge. Final exam weightage dropped from 40% to 35%.

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.