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This module introduces students to the principles and application of biomedical instrumentation and measurement. Students will be able to describe and demonstrate their understanding of biomedical systems, instrumentation and amplifiers, biopotentials and sensors. Students will be able to apply the knowledge gained to assess the operation measurement and testing of medical devices. The module will also enable students to identify the appropriate sensors related to the various physiological parameters of measurement.

The module will cover the following topics:

1. Sensors in Biomedical Systems
Generalized block diagram of a medical system. Types of sensors, application and principles of operation.

2. Biomedical Amplifiers. This topic covers the building block of a biomedical amplifiers. Block diagram representation and components and operating parameters. Concepts of biomedical instrumentation. The biopotential amplifier. Differential amplifier, CMRR, instrumentation amplifier, isolation amplifier, Bandwidth, Gain and Biopotential Signals.

3. Biopotentials - ECG, EEG, EMG, EOG
Origins of biopotential, signal acquisition of biopotentials, electrode principles and operation. Differences of ECG, EEG, EMG, EOG electrodes and their application.

4. Sensors’ application in biomedical systems and devices. The application of sensors in the measurement of flow, pressure, temperature and various physiological parameters in a typical medical setting.

Two individual assignments:

1. A formal individual report of 1500 words assessing LO1 and LO2, worth 50% of the final module mark.

2. A formal individual report of 1500 words assessing LO3. This report will need to discuss the operational, technical, engineering and performance testing of selected model/brand medical device. This assignment will relate to a practical activity at EWP to achieve LO3. The supervised practical activity will be followed by a practical assessment to achieve LO3 and be worth 50% of the final module mark.

Students will be introduced to this module, its assessment requirements and learning strategies at a study weekend, where there will also be initial training relating to this module.

An online module handbook and workbook will be provided which will guide students through each topic. The workbook will contain a series of tasks which will give structure to independent academic study, research and work based investigation and practical work based learning.

Self-directed Learning
Students will be expected to undertake a minimum of 50 hours of independent academic study during the course of the module. This will be guided by a series of academic tasks such as producing research reports, working through case studies etc., and will require access to academic resources.

Work-based Component
Students will need to spend a minimum of 88 hours over the course of the module undertaking their work- based tasks. This will include investigation of how aspects of the academic learning apply to the workplace and development of new skills related to maintenance and engineering aspects of the related medical equipment.

Academic contact time will be used to provide academic support for student learning on an ad-hoc basis via the VLE.

This module provides students with an understanding of general principles in biomedical instrumentation. This module focuses on medical instrumentation amplifiers, type of sensors, its application and principles of operation. This module also covers the origin of biopotentials, acquisition of biopotentials, electrode principles and the differences of ECG, EEG, EMG, EOG electrodes and its application.

Core Texts
WEBSTER J. (2010) Medical Instrumentation Application and Design. 4th Ed. Wiley

WEBSTER J. (2008) Bioinstrumentation. Oxford:Wiley

The Biomedical Engineering Handbook. Medical Devices and Systems. Joseph D. Bronzino Third Edition. 2006

Recommended Reading:
http://www.ebme.co.uk/ a range of medical equipment educational material

1) Explain the operating principles of biomedical instrumentation amplifiers , bio potentials and medical sensors.
(KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING, ANALYSIS, LEARNING).

2) Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the sensor technologies that are used in medical instrumentation. (APPLICATION)

3) Assess the measurement of flow, volume, pressure and other physiological parameters.
(APPLICATION, PROBLEM SOLVING).