BEng Biomedical Engineering

Title:

Anatomy & Physiology

Code:

BI1AP12

Convenor:

DR Natasha Barrett

Summary:

A comparative approach to explore how organs work to support life.

Anatomy and Physiology is the study of the structure and function of the Human body consolidated through selected comparisons made to other vertebrates.  This module introduces the structure and function of each of the main systems of the body. Theoretical knowledge is gained through lectures and then applied in practical classes.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Building Blocks of Life

Code:

BI1BEC1

Convenor:

PROF Phillip Dash

Summary:

Genes and cells are the fundamental building blocks of all life. All life is made up of cells and their function is controlled by genes. In this module we will introduce students to the dynamic nature of the cell and major concepts in cell biology and genetics. Microbial, animal and plant cell structures are examined and compared during a tour of the structure and function of the major organelles. The module also provides an overview of major cellular processes including energy production, cell death, cell communication, photosynthesis, stem cells, organization of cells into tissues and how cells survive extreme environments. Alongside this understanding of cells we will also examine genetics and genetic tools to understand transcription and translation, inheritance and evolution, gene regulation and key experimental techniques such as genetic engineering.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Electronics

Code:

BI1EE17

Convenor:

DR Sillas Hadjiloucas

Summary:

This module provides a foundation in the theory that supports the understanding of DC and AC (frequency dependent) circuits, and circuits that contain logic elements and Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amps). This module also introduces the analysis and design of such circuits.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Set exercise 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Key Skills in Biomedical Engineering

Code:

BI1KS17

Convenor:

PROF Rachel McCrindle

Summary:

This module will provide students with a common foundation in transferable skills relevant to study and future careers in Biomedical Engineering and related professions. These will include generic skills and subject specific skills related to developing biomedical systems including an introduction to microcontrollers, sensors, 3D modelling and servo motors. 

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 10%, Portfolio 30%, Project 60%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Mathematics

Code:

BI1MA17

Convenor:

PROF Faustina Hwang

Summary:

In this module, you will develop the mathematical knowledge and skills that are fundamental to becoming a biomedical engineer. Topics include algebra, complex numbers, statistics, calculus, vectors, and matrices, and they are taught with engineering examples to help highlight how the topics are relevant for your degree. You will also learn MATLAB, powerful mathematical computing software that is used by professionals throughout the world. Lectures are interactive, and weekly tutorials provide an opportunity for you to practise problem-solving with support and feedback from peers and tutors, to help you master the material.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Set exercise 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Physics for Biomedical Engineering

Code:

BI1PH17

Convenor:

DR Yoshikatsu Hayashi

Summary:

Physics is of fundamental importance in biomedical engineering, from modelling the behaviour of biological systems to understanding the operation of medical imaging technology, such as MRI scanners. This module provides a foundation in relevant areas of physics, which will be built upon in many modules later in the Biomedical Engineering degree programmes. The emphasis is on analytical skills based on differentiation and integration, and the understanding of concepts, as well as intuitive imagination applied to physical phenomena. A functional understanding of Newton’s laws will be achieved by lab practical sessions using computer simulations.

Assessment Method:

Exam 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Programming

Code:

BI1PR17

Convenor:

DR Evangelos Delivopoulos

Summary:

Programming is a fundamental skill in all forms of engineering. It is ubiquitously used in modelling, problem solving, designing and data analysis. The aim of this module is to provide students with the needed foundation to analyse, comprehend and produce their own code in C++ and Matlab. There is 1 hour of theoretical lectures and 2 hours of practical sessions per week; the practicals provide an opportunity to work and build upon the material taught during the lectures. There is a test at the end of the autumn term and assessed exercises throughout the year, to provide students with regular feedback on their progress. At week 6 of spring term, students start their final project (worth 50% of the module) on designing and implementing a substantial software kit.

Assessment Method:

Practical 40%, Project 50%, Class test 10%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Biocybernetics

Code:

BI2BC17

Convenor:

PROF William Harwin

Summary:

The module introduces students to mathematical concepts in biomedical engineering. In particular the module introduces the concept of Cybernetics and how it can be applied in animals, humans and machines. The lectures will develop mathematical techniques introduced in the first year including constructing and solving differential equations, feedback, learning, adaptive systems, and optimization.  Both linear and nonlinear mathematical techniques will be explored.  Lectures will be supplemented with exercises and labs primarily based on Matlab and Simulink to help reinforce the concepts and allow rapid visualization of ideas.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Practical 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Introduction to Bioinformatics & Computational Biology

Code:

BI2BT5

Convenor:

PROF Liam McGuffin

Summary:

Bioinformatics is an essential part of modern biology. This module will provide students with introduction to the key concepts of bioinformatics and computational biology and it is aimed at second or third year students. The knowledge and core bioinformatics techniques that are taught will help to equip students with the vital computational and programming skills that are required for successful careers in many fields of modern biology. The module does not have any prerequisites and it will use practical examples to demonstrate the power of bioinformatics for enhancing research across the biological sciences at all levels; from molecular and cellular biology to zoology and ecology.

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 10%, Project 50%, Report 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Digital and Embedded Technologies

Code:

BI2DE17

Convenor:

EUR ING PROF Simon Sherratt

Summary:

Digital technologies influence all our lives, from cars, to sensors, to medical devices. Likewise, many devices have embedded processors – small computer systems that are often hidden from the user, for example used in wearable sensors, implanted medical devices, Brain-Computer-Interfaces, heart-rate monitors and AED defibrillators.

This module covers the technologies behind basic digital technologies and embedded systems found in many medical and healthcare electronic systems.

Students will program an embedded device in a lab environment to perform a typical task for a wearable device, hence a basic level of C programming is required.

Assessment Method:

Portfolio 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Fundamentals of Neuroscience

Code:

BI2FN17

Convenor:

PROF Slawomir Nasuto

Summary:

Nervous systems allow animals to solve complex tasks in dynamic environment, such as recognise and respond to external relevant stimuli and ignore irrelevant ones, maintain the overall functionality, and regulate interaction with external world including social interactions. This module will provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental building blocks of the nervous system, starting with description of single neurons and astrocytes, and the way their signalling and interactions contribute to the function of the nervous system. The course will also cover a selection of topics outlining the higher brain function: sensory systems, sensorimotor system, sleep-wake cycle and homeostasis, emotions and memory. In line with the biomedical engineering focus of the degree, the module will also review state of the art biomedical engineering technologies for probing the nervous system and restoring lost functionality in its various sub-systems.

Assessment Method:

Exam 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Biomedical Systems Design and Project Management

Code:

BI2SM21

Convenor:

EUR ING PROF Simon Sherratt

Summary:

This module introduces students to the concepts, practice and management associated with undertaking a project during which a technological solution is created for a given problem situation. The module addresses the lifecycle activities associated with developing a system as well as the management activities required to ensure that the product is developed on time and is fit for purpose. A group work approach is adopted, whereby students work in teams to achieve common goals within the practical periods and through independent study. A substantial group project is undertaken. Students also receive an introduction to good engineering practice and the properties, behaviour, fabrication and use of relevant materials and components intended to bridge the gap between academic work and what is needed to make a real product.

Assessment Method:

Project 30%, Report 50%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Signal Processing

Code:

BI2SP17

Convenor:

DR Sillas Hadjiloucas

Summary:

This module is to introduce analogue and digital signal analysis including signal transform and representation. It is one of the most fundamental modules in the area of engineering. The module will also cover how signal processing can be used in different biomedical application areas.

By the end of the module, you will be able to choose appropriate signal processing methodologies for a given biomedical engineering application and be able to calculate how the output signals sensors produce can be de-noised and represented with few parameters in a parsimonious manner. Furthermore, you will understand how to model dynamic processes encountered in biomedical engineering. The module consists of lectures reinforced by laboratory practicals.

Assessment Method:

Exam 50%, Practical 10%, Set exercise 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Sensors and Transducers for Biomedical Engineering

Code:

BI2ST17

Convenor:

DR John Bowen

Summary:

Sensors and transducers are important in biomedical engineering for monitoring physiological parameters, in the control of assistive technologies, and as the basis of many diagnostic and medical imaging systems. This module will cover the different types of sensors and transducers used for biomedical application areas, their characteristics and principles of operation. By the end of the module, you will be able to choose appropriate sensors and transducers for a given application and be able to calculate how the output signals they produce are related to the quantities they are sensing. The module consists of lectures reinforced by laboratory practicals.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Set exercise 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Medical Applications of Physics

Code:

BI2APM

Convenor:

DR Lindsey Thompson

Summary:

This module will provide students with a good understanding of how fundamental principles are essential to how the body functions. The focus is to relate understanding to diagnosis and non pharmacological treatment of specific common conditions. Students will gain experience of the full process and will be provided with opportunities to discuss treatment options and choices at the clinical level. No previous knowledge of Physics is required.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Set exercise 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Clinical Biomedicine

Code:

BI2BCB5

Convenor:

PROF David Leake

Summary:

The Clinical Biomedicine module describes what happens to your blood or tissue sample when it is taken to the Pathology laboratories in a hospital. The role of haematology laboratories in investigating the various types of blood cells, leukaemias, lymphomas, myelomas, blood groups and haemostasis is described.  The techniques used in cellular pathology laboratories are covered, including histopathology, immunochemistry, cytology, cervical screening and auto-immunity. The types of assays used in clinical biochemistry laboratories are described and their roles in diagnosing liver, renal, endocrine and heart disease and inborn errors of metabolism. The use of tumour markers in cancer patients is discussed, as is the detection and measurement of drugs, both therapeutic and illegal, and poisons. You will carry out a practical in which you diagnose someone’s disease by determining their haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, blood type and full blood count. There is also a practical on the different types of blood coagulation assays and one in which you stain a cervical biopsy and carry out a Papanicolaou stain of cells. There is a talk from a hospital scientist on careers in hospital laboratories.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Report 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Biologically Inspired Computing

Code:

BI2BI17

Convenor:

PROF Slawomir Nasuto

Summary:

In spite of the advances in computing technology naturally occurring systems are still surprising us with the spectrum of complex behaviours they exhibit - pattern recognition, ability to self-repair, robustness to perturbations or noise, and adaptability in face of dynamic and often unpredictable environment. Seemingly simple tasks for natural systems offer state of the art challenges for traditional computation.

Such ability of dealing with complex information has inspired number of researchers to pursue novel computational methods inspired by biological solutions to what seem to be computational problems.

This module covers the theory and implementation of a number of computational systems inspired by biology, including brain inspired artificial neural networks, evolutionary algorithms, swarm intelligence methods based on social organisms, computing instantiated in molecules and cells and biologically inspired pattern formation systems.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Oral 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Natural and artificial robotics

Code:

BI2NR21

Convenor:

PROF William Harwin

Summary:

Students will study the mathematics of robotics and see this mathematics in action by building and programming simple robotic, prosthetic, orthotic or assistive devices. The concept of a robot is built on the mathematics of forward and inverse kinematics by describing the geometry of the two link planar arm and relating the values of position, velocity and acceleration of the robotic arm. This mathematical description of the robotic linkage (arm/legs/hands) is a necessary step to control the robotic endpoint, for example, to reach a target, hit a ball, walk, grasp a light bulb etc.  This mathematics is important in bioengineering areas such as prosthetics, haptics, exoskeletons and rehabilitation robotics. It is also widely used in other disciplines such as virtual reality and computer games. This experience will be expanded in the context of engineering design to allow students to create and prototype new ideas in the field of robotics, medical robotics, assistive robotics, prosthetics, orthotics and exoskeletons.

Assessment Method:

Exam 50%, Oral 10%, Portfolio 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Summer Placement

Code:

BI2PLA

Convenor:

DR Renee Lee

Summary:

In a competitive job market, understanding how the professional work place functions, along with well developed employability skills are essential to securing future employment. In this module, students will undertake a short placement within a relevant company or organisation. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience of the working world, improve and diversify their skills as well as enhancing their curriculum vitae. Students will be supported in finding their own placement, a useful skill for seeking out future employment opportunities.

Assessment Method:

Oral 20%, Report 80%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Development of transferable skills through a school placement 1

Code:

ED2TS1

Convenor:

DR Caroline Foulkes

Summary:

This module enables undergraduate students to develop key transferable skills needed for employment, and also provides outreach experience. Following specialist training on key aspects of working in schools, five day placements in June/July in secondary schools in the Reading area will provide work experience in a professional setting.

If no school placement available for 2021-22 due to covid-19 lockdown restrictions, students will work together via Microsoft Teams (if campus not open), to develop their knowledge of key aspects of teaching and learning in the school environment using classroom videos and interviews with teachers.  Sessions will provide opportunities for students to develop a range of transferable skills.

 In the autumn, students will build on the knowledge and transferable skills acquired in order to plan and deliver, with colleagues, a teaching session that shares knowledge of their degree specialism with small groups of school students. If covid-19 restrictions prevent working with school children, students will deliver the teaching session to fellow undergraduates, either face to face on campus or via Teams.  Students will reflect on, and share, their experiences with their colleagues. Assessment will be by coursework, and placement supervisor report on professionalism and engagement.

Students will be selected by application and interview.

Please be aware that once the placement (or education experience) has been completed in June it is not possible to switch from this module in the Autumn Term as students have completed practical activities directly relating to 50% of the mark (professionalism and portfolio) and that link to the activities in the Autumn Term.

Assessment Method:

Practical 10%, Oral 50%, Portfolio 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Development of transferable skills through a school placement 2

Code:

ED2TS2

Convenor:

DR Caroline Foulkes

Summary:

This module enables undergraduate students to develop key transferable skills needed for employment, and also provides outreach experience. Following specialist training on key aspects of working in schools, ten day placements in June/July in secondary schools in the Reading area will provide work experience in a professional setting.

If no school placement available for 2021-22 due to covid-19 lockdown restrictions, students will work together via Microsoft Teams (if campus not open), to develop their knowledge of key aspects of teaching and learning in the school environment using classroom videos and interviews with teachers.  Sessions will provide opportunities for students to develop a range of transferable skills.

In the autumn, students will build on the knowledge and transferable skills acquired in order to plan and deliver, with colleagues, a teaching session that shares knowledge of their degree specialism with small groups of school students. If covid-19 restrictions prevent working with school children, students will deliver the teaching session to fellow undergraduates, either face to face on campus or via Teams. Students will reflect on, and share, their experiences with their colleagues. Assessment will be by coursework, and placement supervisor report on professionalism and engagement.

Students will be selected by application and interview.

Please be aware that once the placement (or education experience) has been completed in June it is not possible to switch from this module in the Autumn Term as students have completed practical activities directly relating to 50% of the mark (Professionalism and portfolio) and that link to activities in the Autumn Term.

Assessment Method:

Practical 10%, Oral 50%, Portfolio 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Individual Project

Code:

BI3IP17

Convenor:

DR Renee Lee

Summary:

This module is the major project module for bachelors students to work individually on a major Engineering project in their final year.

Assessment Method:

Oral 40%, Report 60%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering

Code:

BI3AT17

Convenor:

PROF Faustina Hwang

Summary:

This module examines how human capabilities are affected by ageing and impairment, and how this affects interactions with technology that can improve quality of life and independence.

It introduces a range of examples where the application of engineering principles and practices have been used in the design and development of assistive technology devices and rehabilitation systems.

The module comprises 20 hours of in-class lectures and interactive exercises plus a programme of guided independent study/directed reading. The module is assessed by research and/or design work and a written report on the work.

Assessment Method:

Report 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Brain Computer Interfaces

Code:

BI3BC17

Convenor:

DR Yoshikatsu Hayashi

Summary:

The module aims at providing real experience of developing and performing Brain Computer Interfaces – decoding the relaxation state and motor intention. Electronics (BI1EE17) and Signal Processing (BI2SP17) must be completed in priori.

Assessment Method:

Report 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Radiation in Medicine

Code:

BI3BDI2

Convenor:

DR Lindsey Thompson

Summary:

This module will provide students with a good understanding of an introduction to clinical diagnostics and nuclear medicine. The aim is to develop an understanding of imaging equipment linked to diagnostics.  Students will also gain experience of Nuclear Medicine in terms of safety, treatments, treatment planning.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Bioinstrumentation

Code:

BI3BI17

Convenor:

DR John Bowen

Summary:

This module explains the principles, design and operation of key instrumentation for biomedical applications, e.g. optical spectroscopy, flow cytometry and DNA sequencing. It will also give you the ability to analyse the performance and optimise the design of instrumentation in general. The module consists of lectures reinforced by laboratory practicals.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Set exercise 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Neurobiology

Code:

BI3BI8

Convenor:

DR Nandini Vasudevan

Summary:

The aim of this course is to develop a comprehensive picture of the nervous system. This will be achieved by delivering a broad ranging course on neurobiology that covers molecular, cellular, systematic aspects of neurobiology.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Biomechanics

Code:

BI3BM17

Convenor:

PROF William Harwin

Summary:

To introduce the human from a cybernetics viewpoint, in particular to look at the design of human sensory-motor systems. Course will also consider augmenting humans with prosthetics, exoskeletons and orthotics.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Assignment 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

Code:

BI3BT17

Convenor:

DR Evangelos Delivopoulos

Summary:

Implantable devices and regenerative medicine can now restore lost organs and their function. Soft, biodegradable constructs are laden with stem cells and transplanted into healthy tissue. On the other hand, elastic materials and refined microfabrication techniques have made it possible to engineer interfaces that can be chronically implanted, in order to record and stimulate the nervous system. This module provides students with a foundation in materials science and then introduces a series of medical device fabrication and tissue engineering technologies. The module examines different applications, such as artificial vision, cardiovascular implants and nervous system interfaces. These topics are examined over a series of 2 hour lectures. During a 3 week period in the mid-term, students undertake a team based project, writing a grant proposal for their team’s research idea and pitching it to their colleagues.

Assessment Method:

Exam 70%, Oral 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Medical Imaging

Code:

BI3MI17

Convenor:

DR John Bowen

Summary:

In this module, you will gain an understanding of the techniques and processes for creating visual representations of the interior of the body for clinical analysis and medical intervention. The module covers the fundamentals, operation, design and application of the most commonly used medical imaging systems, including MRI, CT and ultrasound imaging, as well as fluorescence microscopy techniques. Relevant image processing techniques will be covered, with emphasis on those based around functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The module consists of lectures and practical sessions, during which you will learn to view, process and analyse human fMRI data.

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Set exercise 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Seminars in Biology

Code:

BI3S78

Convenor:

DR Louise Johnson

Summary:

This module utilises seminar series in SBS and other relevant Schools. Students will attend their choice of ten or more life science research seminars throughout the academic year, and write and submit a report for each. Assessment will be based on three assignments: an MCQ test on experimental design and statistics; a Summary Paragraph based on a result presented at a seminar; and a portfolio of seminar reports accompanied by a synoptic essay.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 80%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Synthetic Biology

Code:

BI3SB17

Convenor:

PROF Slawomir Nasuto

Summary:

Synthetic biology is an exciting emerging interdisciplinary area where biology meets engineering. Molecular biology and genetic engineering allow us to probe and characterise biochemical pathways expressed in cellular machinery – the cascades of reactions utilised by cells to support their various functions. Genetic engineering allows us to link these reactions to the genetic code and understand which genes are involved and how they contribute to the expression of various proteins. Systems biology allows us to characterise such various cellular circuits in terms of their design principles. Synthetic biology treats such circuits with known characteristics as building blocks and applies engineering principles, combining elements of logical circuits from theory of computability with feedback circuits from control theory, in order to create synthetic constructs – cells that have been modified in order to perform useful functions designed by us.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Oral 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Virtual Reality

Code:

CS3VR16

Convenor:

PROF Richard Mitchell

Summary:

This module covers techniques used in virtual reality.

Assessment Method:

Exam 30%, Set exercise 70%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Development of transferable skills through a school placement 3

Code:

ED3TS3

Convenor:

DR Caroline Foulkes

Summary:

This module enables undergraduate students to develop key transferable skills needed for employment, and also provides outreach experience. Following specialist training on key aspects of working in schools, five day placements in June/July in secondary schools in the Reading area will provide work experience in a professional setting.

If no school placement available for 2021-22 due to covid-19 lockdown restrictions, students will work together via Microsoft Teams (if campus not open), to develop their knowledge of key aspects of teaching and learning in the school environment using classroom videos and interviews with teachers.  Sessions will provide opportunities for students to develop a range of transferable skills.In the autumn, students will build on the knowledge and transferable skills acquired in order to plan and deliver, with colleagues, a teaching session that shares knowledge of their degree specialism with small groups of school pupils. . If covid-19 restrictions prevent working with school children, students will deliver the teaching session to fellow undergraduates, either face to face on campus or via Teams. Students will reflect on, and share, their experiences with their colleagues. Assessment will be by coursework, and placement supervisor report on professionalism and engagement.

Students will be selected by application and interview.

Please be aware that once the placement (or education experience) has been completed in June it is not possible to switch from this module in the Autumn Term as students have completed practical activities directly relating to 50% of the mark (professionalism and portfolio) and that link to activities in the Autumn Term.

Assessment Method:

Practical 10%, Oral 50%, Portfolio 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Development of transferable skills through a school placement 4

Code:

ED3TS4

Convenor:

DR Caroline Foulkes

Summary:

This module enables undergraduate students to develop key transferable skills needed for employment, and also provides outreach experience. Following specialist training on key aspects of working in schools, ten day placements in June/July in secondary schools in the Reading area will provide work experience in a professional setting.

If no school placement available for 2021-22 due to covid-19 lockdown restrictions, students will work together via Microsoft Teams (if campus not open), to develop their knowledge of key aspects of teaching and learning in the school environment using classroom videos and interviews with teachers.  Sessions will provide opportunities for students to develop a range of transferable skills.

In the autumn, students will build on the knowledge and transferable skills acquired in order to plan and deliver, with colleagues, a teaching session that shares knowledge of their degree specialism with small groups of school pupils. . If covid-19 restrictions prevent working with school children, students will deliver the teaching session to fellow undergraduates, either face to face on campus or via Teams. Students will reflect on, and share, their experiences with their colleagues. Assessment will be by coursework, and placement supervisor report on professionalism and engagement.

Students will be selected by application and interview.

Please be aware that once the placement (or education experience) has been completed in June it is not possible to switch from this module in the Autumn Term as students have completed practical activities directly relating to 50% of the mark (Professionalism and portfolio) and that link to activities in the Autumn Term.

Assessment Method:

Practical 10%, Oral 50%, Portfolio 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.