Biosensors and Wearables
| Module title | Biosensors and Wearables |
|---|---|
| Module code | ENSM009 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Shaila Afroj (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 5 |
|---|
Module description
In this module, you will explore the interdisciplinary field of biosensors, focusing on their application in implantable and wearable medical devices. Key topics include the properties and design of biomaterials, biocompatibility, and the integration of biosensors for monitoring physiological parameters. You will study the principles of implantable devices, such as pacemakers, as well as wearable technologies like smartwatches and fitness trackers. Emphasis will be placed on the engineering challenges and innovations in developing safe, effective, and user-friendly devices, combining theoretical knowledge with practical insights from current research and industry practices and trends.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of biosensors and wearable sensor technologies, covering their fundamental principles, materials, fabrication techniques, and electronic integration. Students will explore different types of biosensors, and their applications in health monitoring. The module will introduce advanced materials such as graphene, flexible polymers, and nanomaterials to enhance sensor performance. Key fabrication techniques, including printing, coating and textile integration, will be covered to develop scalable and flexible sensor systems. Additionally, the module will cover wireless implantable, risk associated with traditional biomedical devices and case study wireless implantable devices for heart, GI tract, and brain. Practical sessions will enable students to fabricate sensors on textile substrate and design project based on simulation software. By the end of the module, students will have the skills to develop innovative wearable sensing solutions for real-world applications.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems (M4)
- 2. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire lifecycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts (M7)
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (M12)
- 4. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (M13)
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters (M15)
- 6. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance (M16)
- 7. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used (M17)
- 8. Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD (M18)
Syllabus plan
• Introduction to Wearable Sensors
• Definition and historical development
• Key components of wearable sensors
• Applications: Healthcare, fitness, environmental monitoring, and industrial processes
• Overview of wearable sensors
• Materials for Biosensors and Wearable Sensors
• Types of Wearable Sensors - Biopotential sensors, Physical sensors, Chemical sensors, Hybrid multifunctional sensors.
• Fabrication Techniques – Manufacturing, Printing techniques, Roll-to-roll manufacturing, Integration with textiles, Assembly and Packaging, Encapsulation techniques, Substrate surface engineering.
• Applications of wearable e-textile
• Future of wearable e-textiles
• Introduction to implantable and ingestible devices
• Problems/Risk associated with traditional biomedical devices - Material Limitations and Biocompatibility Issues, energy Supply and device longevity, adverse patient outcomes and risk mitigation strategies.
• Wireless implantable/ingestible electronics - technology trends, energy harvesting and power, communication protocols
• Case Studies – e.g. pacemakers, capsule endoscope, deep brain stimulation.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 23 | 127 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 11 | 11x1-hour lectures |
| Project based workshops | 12 | 6×2-hour project based workshops |
| Guided independent study | 127 | General reading and group and individual project work |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group presentation based on fabrication of sensor | 50 | Group presentation of 15 minutes + 5 minutes Q&A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 | On spot feedback and marking based on presentation and question-answer |
| Individual demonstration on using simulation software (design project) | 50 | Individual demonstration, 10 minutes presentation and 5 minutes Q&A | 1, 5, 7, 8 | Feedback and marking on demonstration and on submitted slides |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group presentation based on fabrication of sensor | Individual slide deck on sensor design | 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 | Augst Ref/Def Period |
| Individual demonstration on using simulation software (design project) | Individual report submission, report size 5-6 pages including figures | 1, 5, 7, 8 | Augst Ref/Def Period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
- Wearable Biosensing in Medicine and Healthcare, Edited by: R. Navaraj, M. T. Ghoneim, and L. Lorenzelli, 2024, Springer.
- Wearable Physical, Chemical and Biological Sensors: Fundamentals, Materials and Applications, Edited by: Eden Morales-Narvaez, Can Dincer, 2022, Elsevier.
- Wearable Sensors. Applications, design and implementation. S. C. Mukhopadhyay and T. Islam, 2017, IOP Series.
- Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Authors: Chandran Karunakaran, Kalpana Bhargava, Robson Benjamin, 2015, Elsevier.
- Wireless Power Technologies for Biomedical Devices, Edited by: Tianjia Sun and Jiajie Guo, 2025, Springer.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
• ELE
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 06/11/2024 |
| Last revision date | 18/08/2025 |
