Outline

Overview

With the severe worldwide shortage of donor organs and the ubiquitous problem of donor organ rejection, there is a strong need for developing technologies for engineering replacement organs and other body parts. Recent developments in engineering and the life sciences have begun to make this possible, and as a consequence, the very new and multidisciplinary field of tissue engineering has been making dramatic progress in the last few years. This unit will provide an introduction to the principles of tissue engineering, as well as an up to date overview of recent progress and future outlook in the field of tissue engineering. This unit assumes prior knowledge of cell biology and chemistry and builds on that foundation to elaborate on the important aspects of tissue engineering. The objectives are: To gain a basic understanding of the major areas of interest in tissue engineering; To learn to apply basic engineering principles to tissue engineering systems; To understand the promises and limitations of tissue engineering; To understand the advances and challenges of stem cell applications; Enable students to access web-based resources in tissue engineering; Enable students to develop basic skills in tissue engineering research.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Biomedical Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AMME5971 or AMME9971 or AMME4971 or BMET4971 or BMET3971
Assumed knowledge ?	AMME9901 or BMET9901 or [6 credit points of 1000-level biology and 6 credit points of 1000-level chemistry]
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Young No, young.no@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
Interactive oral	Research Paper Viva Group viva but assessed individually; this assessment is designed as an introduction to tissue engineering through structured engagement with seminal research papers.	10%	Week 04	~15 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Oxygen Diffusion Simulation This assessment is designed to develop students’ ability to apply engineering reasoning, modelling, and simulation to a biologically relevant tissue engineering problem.	15%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 23:59	~5 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	In-class End of Sem Quiz The in‑class quiz is designed to provide an integrative conclusion to the unit, allowing students to demonstrate their consolidated understanding of tissue engineering concepts developed across the semester.	25%	Week 13 Due date: 28 May 2026 at 12:00	60 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	"Shark Tank" Group presentation "Shark Tank" live group pitch with question time and supporting documents	40%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59	15 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Weekly Quizzes The weekly online quizzes are designed to support ongoing engagement and knowledge reinforcement by encouraging students to regularly recall key concepts covered each week.	5%	Weekly	~20 minutes per week	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Pre-Lecture Questions Students devise questions for the lecturer prior to the lecture session on Thursday, to prime for engagement. Due 11:59pm Wednesday the day before the Lecture session	5%	Weekly	~10 minutes per week	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

5% Weekly Quizzes
- Weighting: 5% (0.5% per quiz, 12 quizzes, take best 10)
- Unlimited attempts, average mark taken. Tutorial must have been attended and attempted for quiz mark to count
5% Pre-lectures Qs
- Weighting: 5% (0.5% per lecture, 12 lectures, full marks available with 10)
- Both pre-lecture question and attendance required for the marks
10% Research Paper Viva
- As a group, you will select three papers from a provided list of approximately 10 seminal tissue engineering papers. Across Weeks 1–4, you are expected to read and develop a deep understanding of your chosen papers. During Week 4, you will participate in an individual oral viva conducted in a small group setting with your tutor, during your normal tutorial time.
15% Oxygen Diffusion Simulation
- In this assessment, you will design and simulate a 1 × 1 × 1 mm scaffold unit cell for oxygen diffusion, in relation to tissue engineering - ensuring that there are no necrotic cores
40% Shark Tank
- The Shark Tank assessment is a group-based project in which you will design a tissue-engineered solution to a clinically or medically relevant problem and pitch it as a credible, fundable innovation,.
- You will work in groups of 4-5 students. Individual marks may be moderated using SparkPlus based on contribution
25% End of Sem Quiz
- The in‑class quiz will be conducted in person during the Week 13 lecture and will consist of a combination of multiple‑choice and short‑answer questions.

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	Introductory overview of tissue engineering	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Tissue Engineering in burns: clinical reality - Prof. Peter Maitz & Dr. Jo Maitz	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Introduction (including Viva assessment) + Breaking down research papers	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Cardiac Tissue Engineering - Rob Hume	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Regulatory Standards for TE/Cell-based therapies + Tools & Techniques I	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Advances in Heart Valve Tissue Engineering - Steven Wise	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Research Paper Vivas	Assessment (2 hr)
Week 05	Introduction to stem cells - Michelle O'Hara-Wright	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Oxygen Perfusion/Diffusion simulation intro	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Stem cells and organoids for TE - A/Prof Anai Gonzalez-Cordero	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Drop-in session for the oxygen simulation assessment (on Thu only) (NB: No Friday tutorials due to Easter Friday)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Stem cells in osteoarthritis (in vivo + ethics) – Chris Little	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Ethics Frameworks & In Context + Introduce Shark Tank	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Extracellular determinants of cell behaviour - Biology perspective Dr. Amelia Parker	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Oxygen Perfusion/Diffusion or Shark Tank in help session	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Synthetic elastic biomaterials – Ziyu Wang	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Tools & Techniques II	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Tissue Engineering for disease modelling and drug development - Prof. Yi-Chin Toh	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Shark Tank drop in help session	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Translation of Bone Biomaterials	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Tools & Techniques III + Preparing for the in-class quiz	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Translation of Research Through Commercialisation – Ellen Newsom	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Shark Tank drop in help session	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	In-class end of semester quiz	Assessment (2 hr)
Week 13	Shark Tank Presentations	Assessment (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

It is the responsibility of students enrolled in units of study to attend scheduled classes. Live, in-person participation in these sessions is important for achieving the unit of study learning outcomes.

Weekly assessment grades are conditional on the attendance of the respective sessions (i.e. to get the grades for the weekly activity, you must attend the tutorial/lecture)

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.

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

See Canvas for Pre-Lecture reading material (Weeks 1–13).

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. Anatomical and Biological Foundations: Students will recall their knowledge of key anatomical and biological aspects relevant to tissue engineering, including skin anatomy and cell sources.
LO2. Comprehensive Understanding of Tissue Engineering: Students will gain a thorough understanding of the key concepts, scope, and evolution of tissue engineering, along with hearing from expert researchers in the field about various applications, and ethical considerations.
LO3. Critical Analysis of Tissue Engineering Practices: Students will critically analyse and evaluate the role of tissue engineering in various medical contexts, including disease modelling, drug testing, regenerative medicine and laboratory grown meat.
LO4. Practical Application of Tissue Engineering Techniques: Students will develop and apply technical skills in tissue engineering analysis, including quality literature assessment, image analysis, and data analysis.
LO5. Innovation and Current Developments Evaluation: Students will evaluate current and emerging innovations in tissue engineering, understanding their impact and potential future directions.
LO6. Interdisciplinary Knowledge Integration: Understand and evaluate the interconnectedness of different scientific disciplines within tissue engineering including biomaterials, mechanobiology, anatomy and physiology, and engineering design principles .
LO7. Ethical and Regulatory Insight: Students will comprehend and formulate the ethical and regulatory discussions related to tissue engineering, especially in the development and application of new treatments, cell sources and medical studies.
LO8. Presentation and Communication Skills: Students will enhance their presentation and communication skills particularly in the context of scientific research and project proposals.
LO9. Project Design and Implementation: Students will develop skills in designing and implementing tissue engineering projects, including relevant regulatory, engineering requirements, design and manufacture considerations.

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.

Assessments and tutorials have been revamped to align with student feedback.

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

BMET9971: Tissue Engineering

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