BEng Biomedical Engineering

ENG1002: Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing

This module introduces modern Engineering Mathematics by teaching maths alongside programming.

What you learn in this module will support mathematical content in core modules throughout your programme. You will be introduced to core mathematical tools for modelling Engineering systems which will be developed further in Year 2. You will learn about statistical methods of analysis that are vital tools for Engineers in the 21st century.

An elementary introduction to programming in Python will be provided which will equip you with valuable data processing and modelling skills. The teaching of Python will mirror mathematical content, building on knowledge of specialist packages for matrices, differential equations and statistics.

This module aims to provide you with all mathematical tools to tackle modern Engineering problems. It will allow you to develop strong quantitative skills, such that mathematical tools become second nature so you can focus directly on Engineering challenges and concepts. An important aspect of this is to provide a solid foundation in programming so that it will help you develop new ways of Engineering thinking and cutting-edge solutions to ever-changing societal challenges.

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ENG1005: Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project

The University declared an environment and climate emergency in May 2019. The future of our planet and community is at stake. We know though that simply declaring an environment and climate emergency is not enough so you will be part of a team involved in this real-world Project Based Learning (PBL) module to show our commitment to leading the change required. Your career as a professional engineer will require you to work effectively with multi-disciplinary teams on complex and challenging projects. In preparation for this working environment your first task as a new engineering student will be to work on energy harvesting during this multidisciplinary challenge project.

The PBL driving question is ‘How can we harness ocean energy and convert it into reliable, sustainable and cost-competitive electricity that can be used to power homes, transport, and industries’.

The purpose of this module is to:

• Address the climate emergency through a team project focused on energy harvesting. The PBL project will facilitate the application of the core engineering knowledge gained in Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics.
• Develop 21st century skills in creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and technology literacy.
• Gain valuable experience in research/study skills, sketching, technical communication, 3D modelling and prototyping.
• Steering projects through the design process and creating prototypes for a final PBL ‘Public Product’.

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ENG1007: Fundamentals of Mechanics

In this module we focus on classical mechanics. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object’s response to its environment, whether it’s the forces imparted by traffic as it traverses a bridge or the forces of lift that allow an aircraft to fly. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding classical mechanics. In this module you will cover foundational mechanics theory.

This module aims to equip you with fundamental knowledge and skills in Mechanics. It also consolidates a common knowledge base and begins the development of a learning methodology appropriate to a professional engineer. Through both continuous assessment and the end of year exams, the module encourages you to actively manage your own learning and seeks to develop your ability to communicate your understanding of engineering theory and concepts in a professional manner.

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ENG1008: Fundamentals of Materials

In this module, we focus on two sub-disciplines, fracture mechanics and additive manufacturing. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object’s response to the applied conditions, whether it is the allowed stress level to avoid catastrophic failure of pressurised vessels, or altering material micro- and nanostructures to provide improved ductility, strength, or resistance to fracture. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding basic materials.

You will work through new topics each week with the aid of extensive learning materials, lectures, tutorials, and experimental activities. You will undertake several online continuous assessments throughout the module, which will allow you to evaluate your understanding of the material and diagnose areas that require further attention. Continuous assessments provide ongoing feedback and support you to actively manage your learning.

The module is taught using a flipped learning methodology. Each week, you will review background materials. A flipped learning methodology allows you to extract more benefit from guided tutorials but also requires more upfront work by you in preparation.

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ENG1009: Fundamentals of Electronics

This module introduces the key building blocks of modern electronic systems, focusing on both analogue and digital electronics. You will learn how components like diodes and transistors help control and amplify signals, and how operational amplifiers are used in everyday devices. On the digital side, you’ll explore how computers and digital systems make decisions using logic, learning about the basic rules (Boolean algebra) and building blocks (logic gates, flip-flops, and counters) that underpin digital technology. The module blends theory with hands-on activities to help you understand how electronic circuits work and how they are used in real-world applications.

You will also take part in assessed practical electronic laboratories that introduces and develops your practical electronic skills in soldering and wiring. These practical laboratories will also develop the familiarity with using test and measurement equipment and applies your knowledge in both analogue and digital fields and demonstrate applications of their circuits.

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ENS1000: Fundamentals of Engineering

This module exemplifies the unique approach taken here at Exeter to nurturing the next generation of multidisciplinary engineers. It will introduce engineering concepts and theory across the areas of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics and will provide you with a solid grounding on which to build in later modules.

In this module we focus on two sub-disciplines of materials, material science and material engineering, with topics spamming from material properties, material structures, material failure and material applications. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object's response to the applied conditions, whether it is the allowed stress level to avoid catastrophic failure of pressurised vessels, or altering material micro- and nanostructures to provide improved ductility, strength, or resistance to fracture. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding basic materials.

We also focus on classical mechanics. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object's response to its environment, whether it's the forces imparted by traffic as it traverses a bridge or the forces of lift that allow an aircraft to fly. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding classical mechanics. In this module you will cover foundational mechanics theory.

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ENG2007: Introduction to Fluid Dynamics

Almost all engineered objects are immersed either in air or water (or both) or make use of some working fluid in their operation. This is particularly true of machines for energy generation and conversion, such as engines, turbines, and renewable energy devices like wind turbines or wave-energy converters. The ability to understand and predict the behaviour of such devices is therefore of key importance for engineers. In this module, you will learn about the fundamentals of fluid systems: pressure, flow, and viscosity, and how they can be analysed experimentally and mathematically. Engineering applications covered include pumps, turbines, and internal flows in pipe networks.

By the end of this course, you will have the skills to analyse engineering systems involving internal and external flows, using experimental and mathematical techniques together with tables and charts of fluid dynamical and physical properties.

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ENG2008: Microcontroller Engineering

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit. It is widely used in automatically controlled systems and devices such as appliances, automobiles, robots and mobile phones. In this module, you will be introduced to the fundamental principles of the design, operation and application of microcontrollers. This includes the architecture of microcontrollers and peripherals, such as various types of memories, analogue and digital input/output interfaces, serial communication modules, timers and interrupts. You will also learn how to program a microcontroller and gain extensive practical experience of designing an embedded system using a microcontroller.

Prerequisite module: ENG1009 or equivalent

This module aims to develop your understanding of the fundamental principles of the design, architecture and applications of a microcontroller. The laboratory sessions concentrate on the microcontroller development system, and you will get the chance to use programming languages to develop a range of microcontroller based applications.

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ENG2009: Modelling of Engineering Systems

This module is designed to introduce second year undergraduates to mathematical modelling techniques for engineering systems, and their implementation using scientific computing (e.g. python).

1. To strengthen mathematical and computational skills for solving mathematical challenges arising in the modelling of engineering systems.

2. To acquire a large variety of analytical, numerical and mathematical techniques to be used for those engineering problems.

3. To build practical skills in translating engineering problem statements into mathematical models / questions, and then analysing, simulating and solving the problem by writing a software programme.

4. Understand the concept of analytical and numerical approximation, and learn methods to validate and test your mathematical formulation and programme.

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ENG2011: Solid Mechanics

This module will provide students with extended understanding of the theories in Solids Mechanics and their applicability in stress/strain analysis, including motion/equilibrium equations, compatibility equations, Hooke's law, elasticity and plasticity, boundary conditions for complex engineering problems, and energy methods for stress and deformation analysis. Such essential engineering knowledge will equip students with commonly required capabilities in mechanics modelling, solving a mechanics model for stress and deformation on a practical problem, conducting stress concentration analysis, interpolating experimental data and associating with industrial problems, and performing basic finite element analysis on structure behaviours. Students are expected to comprehensively use the knowledge and skills attained above to solve various real-life engineering problems in their senior- year modules, individual and group projects, and future career.

This module aims to illustrate the fundamental principles of stress and deformation in a solid under complex loading associated with the elemental structures/components in civil and mechanical engineering. The understanding of solids mechanics will provide the ability to analyse problems in terms of strength and deformation in relation to the design, manufacturing and maintenance of machines, vehicles, structures, and devices in the above-mentioned engineering areas.

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ENS2004: Biomedical Engineering Challenge Projects

Engineering design is a complex activity, which combines using technical knowledge, and combining it with more creative knowledge and skills. In this module, which will be completed over two terms, you will improve your knowledge of the design process by learning more about CAD, engineering drawings, electronics design and covering design case studies to improve both your development of concepts and designs, and your communication of them as part of the design and development process. You will then apply these new skills along with the core knowledge gained throughout your degree so far, to solve real-world problems relating to biomedical engineering as part of a collaborative team.

The module is designed to establish the foundation for advanced biomedical engineering design projects. The purpose of this module is to:

• Establish the principles of the design processes as part of engineering practice.
• Develop 21st century skills in creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and technology literacy.
• Build on project research/study skills, conceptual and detail design using 3D modelling and prototyping and report/technical writing.
• Develop new skills in engineering part and assembly drawings.
• Develop new skills in electronic design and prototyping.

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ENS2035: Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

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PHY2029: The Physics of Living Systems

Students are introduced to the basic physical concepts and principles required to understand and study living systems. . The module will cover topics like transport and conduction models, physics of perception, and population modelling.

This module aims give physics students a sound grasp of the interdisciplinary knowledge required to undertake biophysics projects at Stage 3/4.

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ECM3174: Year in Industry

The Year in Industry module will provide you with an opportunity to undertake practical work experience in a business, commercial or public sector engineering environment that is of direct relevance to your development as an experienced professional. You will apply the knowledge and skills from taught modules in the workplace, which will give you important insights into your potential job role once you graduate from university. You will be responsible for finding your own placement (with support from the Student Experience and Employability Team and the Career Zone). All paperwork to support the approval of the placement must be submitted by you, and approved by the module leader at least 4 weeks in advance of the start date for your placement. You can undertake your work placement in the UK, any part of the European Union countries that participate in the Erasmus+ programme, or other approved international setting.

The aim of this module is to provide practical work experience in a business, commercial or public sector setting that is of direct relevance to the subject-specific aims of your degree programme. Crucially, the module will also develop and enhance critical soft skills which are in demand within the engineering sector, e.g. communication, team working, time management, planning, resilience, commercial awareness.

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ECM3165: Digital Signal Processing

In our technologically oriented world we need to process, interrogate and manipulate ever-increasing amounts of data from a wide variety of sources - such as video, audio and text, information databases, sensors and measurement systems, manufacturing equipment and robotic systems etc. Today, such signal processing is invariably carried out using digital techniques, and so digital signal processing (DSP) has become an invaluable and integral part of a wide variety of fields ranging from consumer electronics to medicine to space exploration. In this module you learn about the theory that lies behind the enormous popularity and power of DSP, as well as learning how to design and implement real-world DSP systems.

This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of digital signal processing, from both theoretical and practical viewpoints. You will get the chance to design digital signal processing systems for a range of important application areas, and to develop experimental digital signal processing applications using the XiLinx FPGA devices.

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ECM3175: Individual Project

The Individual Project module will enable you to put into practice your research, project management and engineering skills, engaging you in the development of your own real world solution to an engineering problem or challenge. From clearly articulating the rationale for your project, to scoping and refining the design and finished product, you will work individually to apply the knowledge gained from other modules in your degree programme. You will be expected to innovate, create and present your engineering solution, honing your entrepreneurial as well as academic and practical skills. In this way, the module will enable you to develop valuable transferable skills for future employment in industry.

In this module, you will apply the knowledge and skills obtained from taught modules to devise a real engineering solution at a professional level. You will be encouraged to use initiative, imagination and creativity during the management of your project, devoting around 300 hours of independent study towards its completion. You will study with greater levels of autonomy than in previous taught modules.

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ENG3012: Mechatronics

This module takes you into an interdisciplinary field of engineering dealing with the integration of mechanical, electric and electronic components coordinated by a controller. You will have the chance to learn a broad range of mechatronic systems and components, including analogue and digital circuits, sensors, actuators, energy harvesting and system integration to gradually build your capability to design mechatronic systems. You will also have practical hands-on session to learn how to build real-world mechatronic systems, ranging from simple LED light flashing and DC motor control circuits, to complex robot arm control and ultrasonic range detection.

Aimed at both electronic and mechanical engineers, this module combines major components of mechanical, electric and electronic engineering to explore how mechatronic systems are designed and built, right from learning the fundamental knowledge and concepts of major components in the systems, through to building mechatronic systems for real-world applications.

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ENG3022: Finite Element Analysis for High Value Manufacturing

This module will provide a hands-on introduction to Finite Element Analysis for modelling complex structures and materials. This helps to maximise the performance of our designs by analysing the suitability of materials and equipment before and during manufacturing. It will provide a elementary foundation in the mathematical foundations of finite element analysis, building on the stiffness matrix approaches introduce earlier, however it focuses on an introduce to using finite element analysis using a commercial finite element package (ANSYS) to evaluate the manufacturability of different materials to enhance the design and early evaluation of critical design parameters. The module will be 100% coursework with a series of coursework deliverables: coursework 1, which test fundamental understanding, and coursework 2, testing how FEM can be used for engineering design.

This module is suitable for all Engineering students who have taken the prerequisite ENG2011 Solid Mechanics

The aim of this module is making the students familiarised with different FEA applications required for the design and manufacturing including stress analysis, thermal analysis, vibration, and impact & crash analysis. These types of evaluations will help to achieve high value manufacturing by minimising the waste, and required design cycles, for an optimal high-quality product. Such evaluations also help to validate and certify the designs for manufacturing.

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ENS3010: Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

This module will integrate your knowledge of materials science with biomedical sciences. You will gain an understanding of natural biological tissues across the cellular, tissue, and organ scales. You will then delve into a range of materials for tissue regeneration, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, exploring how they interact with biological systems to support tissue repair and replacement. Finally, you will explore advanced techniques, such as 3D-printed scaffolds, organ-on-chip technology, stem cell and vaccine-based therapies, which offer innovative solutions for the continued challenges of ageing and degenerative conditions. This will provide you with an overview of tissue engineering, and the preliminary skills with which to conduct biomaterial and tissue engineering research.

This module will introduce the fundamentals of tissue engineering. It will provide an overview of the strategies used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and will highlight the multi-disciplinary approaches required to develop current therapies, and the ongoing research being completed to develop therapies of the future.  

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PHY3061: The Biophysics of Cells and Tissues

The physical properties of tissues and their constituent cells and biomolecules are central to their biological functions. Physical processes are also vital to normal growth and development and diseases, ranging from arthritis to cancer, may be related to failures in these processes. This module describes the fundamental physical properties of biomolecules, cells and tissues and introduces some of the biophysical and biomechanical challenges in understanding the behaviour of normal tissues and their failures in disease.

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ECM3160: Materials

This module builds on the materials science content of the core course and equips you with a deeper understanding of the deformation, strengthening and failure of materials, including surface processes. You will learn about failed components and the processes and techniques of Materials analysis. The module content also emphasises the interrelationship between mathematical models of materials and their mechanical properties and provides material in support of the subsequent design modules.

By the end of this module, you will demonstrate aptitude in using phase diagrams, TTT-diagrams and micrographs to predict the composition and properties of metals and alloys. You will also be capable of applying the concept of dislocations to quantitatively describe plasticity, strengthening and creep, and utilising Weibull statistics to predict the failure of ceramics.

Furthermore, you will show competence in adopting advanced materials selection algorithms to support design, and will understand the different types of friction and wear and extract friction coefficients from typical graphs. Moreover, you will comprehend different types of surface treatments (including laser, nitriding and carburising) and have the ability to establish links between principles and applications.

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ENG3002: Decision Making Systems and Decision Theory

In today’s business environment, procedural decision-making is a routine daily activity for managers. Decisions must be made in dynamic and complex environments and factor in many risks and uncertainties. It is therefore crucial for managers and policy makers to understand the nature of decision-making processes and to develop strategies for choosing best alternatives among all possible options. In this module, you will learn about the theories and motivations behind decision-making processes, individual and group decision-making, and descriptive and prescriptive approaches. Moreover, decision analysis will be conducted via modelling the uncertainty and risks on daily examples and solution approaches using machine learning techniques such as Bayesian Statistics, Decision Trees, Game Theory, Monte Carlo simulation. Further, theories and techniques for multi-criteria decision-making processes will be demonstrated. Finally, you will explore applied decision support systems through case study analyses.

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ENG3004: Engineering Electromagnetics

A fundamental knowledge of electromagnetics is critical when pursuing a career in electronic engineering, providing you with understanding of how signals travel in conductors and in space for applications in communications and antenna systems and foundation for designing such systems. Beginning with the physical exploration of electromagnetics, you will study the origins of electric and magnetic fields, looking at the historical impact and application of electromagnetism. Furthermore, you will investigate electrostatics and the electric field as well as magnetic forces and magnetostatics, applying this knowledge to real world engineering problems; exploring theories, such as Maxwell's equations, you will develop essential problem-solving tools. Meanwhile, studying communication systems, you will consider elements such as the transmission of mobile phone signals and how radio works, incorporating Hertz's first measurement of radio waves. Assignments will cover practical exercises and open-ended problems to design your microwave waveguides or antenna systems with numerical models.

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ENG3005: Fluid Dynamics and CFD

Fluid dynamics is a key element of mechanical engineering, with applications to automotive and aerospace engineering in particular. However the governing equations of fluid mechanics are complex and difficult to solve for realistic engineering problems. Computational Fluid Mechanics is the application of computational analysis to solve the equations of fluid mechanics. In this module you will learn about the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations which govern fluid mechanics, and the basics of their solution through CFD, together with applications in engineering including exterior aerodynamics, aerofoils, and wind turbines.

The module is developed around two pieces of project work (worth 30% each) together with a short exam (1.5hrs, 40% of marks). The first project analyses boundary layers through experiment and numerical solution using Python, whilst in the second you will look at aspects of wind turbine design, in particular the properties of an aerofoil (experiment) and CFD analysis of the turbine structure.

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ENG3011: Management and Leadership

As engineering students, becoming engineering managers may not be your final objective of your career development but will be a milestone during your career life after graduation. In this sense, a sound knowledge base with good understandings of both mature and advanced management methods and tools is an important quality driver for you to effectively manage and control an engineering project or company. This module will provide you with such a knowledge base, as well as standing you in good stead should you aspire to an engineering management position in the future. In this module, we will lead you to the interior of a manufacturing/engineering company so as to provide you with a working knowledge base, by which you can easily realise and locate where you are working, what you are working for, how you can work effectively, and who you can liaise with in your work. This knowledge base includes organisational structure, business functions and processes, strategic management, and methods and practices for business operations. Furthermore, you will have the invaluable opportunity to learn about essentials of leadership and human resource management, as well as the legal framework in which business operates.

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ENG3017: Quality Control and Improvement

This module focuses on the fundamentals of total quality planning and improvement for both manufacturing and service organisations. The main focus is to monitor and control quality, and the way in which quality can be continually improved within an organisation. This module covers the importance and history of quality, definition of quality and total quality, the contribution of quality gurus, total quality tools and the improvement cycle (i.e., the seven quality control tools, statistical process control, Taguchi loss function method, and process capability), and root cause analysis; ultimately to improve product and/or service quality, increase customer satisfaction, and improve profitability and competitiveness. In this module, quality management related software will be introduced to tackle bigger and more complex quality datasets.

This module aims to systematically provide you with:

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