Checking date: 07/04/2025 18:22:01


Course: 2025/2026

Introduction to the design of medical instrumentation
(15554)
Bachelor in Biomedical Engineering (Plan: 522 - Estudio: 257)


Coordinating teacher: RIOS MUÑOZ, GONZALO RICARDO

Department assigned to the subject: Bioengineering Department

Type: Compulsory
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Requirements (Subjects that are assumed to be known)
Introduction to Bioengineering. Electronic Technology in Biomedicine. Measuring Instrumentation. Signals and Systems or Digital Signal Processing.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to thoroughly understand all aspects related to the design of a biomedical instrument. This includes understanding its biomedical application, being able to define both user and technical specifications, and developing a complete design and testing protocol for the instrument. The student should also be able to analyze the signals and data generated by the device. In addition, by the end of the course, the student should be capable of building a functional biomedical instrument and demonstrating its operation using modern electronic technologies (such as microprocessors) and various types of sensors.
Learning Outcomes
RA3: Be able to carry out conceptual designs for bioengineering applications according to their level of knowledge and understanding, working in a team. Design encompasses devices, processes, protocols, strategies, objects and specifications broader than strictly technical, including social awareness, health and safety, environmental and commercial considerations. RA4: Be able to use appropriate methods to carry out studies and solve problems in the biomedical field, commensurate with their level of knowledge. Research involves conducting literature searches, designing and carrying out experimental practices, interpreting data, selecting the best approach and communicating knowledge, ideas and solutions within their field of study. May require consultation of databases, safety standards and procedures. RA5: Acquire intermediate/advanced knowledge of engineering and biomedical sciences and demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects and methodology of work in their field of study. CB1: Students have demonstrated possession and understanding of knowledge in an area of study that builds on the foundation of general secondary education, and is usually at a level that, while relying on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting edge of their field of study. CB2: Students are able to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the competences usually demonstrated through the development and defence of arguments and problem solving within their field of study. CB3: Students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) in order to make judgements which include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues. CB4: Students should be able to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. CB5: Students will have developed the learning skills necessary to undertake further study with a high degree of autonomy. CG2: Ability to design, draft and develop scientific-technical projects in the field of biomedical engineering. CG4: Ability to solve problems with initiative, decision-making, creativity, and to communicate and transmit knowledge, skills and abilities, understanding the ethical, social and professional responsibility of the biomedical engineer's activity. Capacity for leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. CG6: Knowledge of current standards, regulations and legislation and ability to apply them to bioengineering projects. Bioethics applied to biomedical engineering. CG7: Drafting, representing and interpreting scientific-technical documentation. CG8: Ability to solve mathematical, physical, chemical and biochemical problems that may arise in biomedical engineering. CG9: Ability to analyse and conceptually design electronic devices to solve problems in biology and medicine. CG20: Ability to design instruments for medical applications, from surgical instruments to micro and nanometric biosensors. CG21: Ability to analyse complex and multidisciplinary problems from the global point of view of Biomedical Instrumentation. ECRT36: Understanding of the process of design and conceptualisation of electronic instruments applied to the resolution of problems in biomedicine. Ability to define the electronic technology and devices to be used in each case. Understanding of the difficulties and risks involved in the use of electronic devices with live subjects. CT1: Ability to communicate knowledge orally and in writing to both specialised and non-specialised audiences. CT2: Ability to establish good interpersonal communication and to work in multidisciplinary and international teams. CT3: Ability to organise and plan their work, making the right decisions based on the information available, gathering and interpreting relevant data in order to make judgements within their area of study.
Description of contents: programme
1. Introduction to Biomedical Instrumentation 2. Signal Amplification 3. Signal Filtering 4. Electrical Safety 5. Electrocardiology. ECG characteristics 6. Electroencephalography. EEG characteristics 7. Other Biopotential Recordings: EMG, ENG, ERG, EOG 8. Biopotential Amplifiers 9. Electrodes and Electrolytes 10. Sensors: biophysics, design, and applications 11. Introduction to Signal Digitalization 12. Therapeutic and Prosthetic Devices 13. Pressure and Sound Measurements 14. Flow and Volume Measurements 15. Introduction to Optical Measurement Systems
Learning activities and methodology
The learning methodology will be primarily based on lectures, seminars, and practical sessions. - Lectures: These will present the fundamental concepts of the course. - Seminars: These will be used to interactively discuss problem-solving with students, aiming to reinforce and clarify the most relevant and interesting aspects of the syllabus. - Practical sessions: These will focus on laboratory activities. Attendance at these sessions is mandatory, and students will be required to submit reports and demonstrate practical skills. If a student is absent without justification or fails to submit the report by the deadline, the grade for the practicals block will be 0. - In addition, assignments (quizzes) and presentations will be carried out during the sessions and will form part of the continuous assessment. The final grade for the course will be based on continuous assessment (including a midterm exam, practical sessions, and participation in class and on Aula Global) and a final exam. Before the final exam, review sessions and tutoring will be offered to resolve doubts and reinforce learning. Attendance at class (except for laboratory sessions), participation in midterm exams, and submission of assignments are not mandatory. However, if a student fails to attend an exam or submit an assignment within the deadline without justified cause, the grade for the corresponding component of the continuous assessment will be 0.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination/test 35
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 65

Calendar of Continuous assessment


Extraordinary call: regulations
Basic Bibliography
  • J.G. Webster. Medical Instrumentation Application and Design. John Wiley and Sons, Inc..
  • L.A. Geddes and L.E. Baker. Principles of Applied Biomedical Instrumentation. John Wiley and Sons, Inc..
Additional Bibliography
  • A.F. Arbel. Analog Signal Processing and Instrumentation. Cambridge University Press.
  • J.B Olansen, E. Rosow. Virtual Bio-Instrumentation. Prentice Hall PTR.
  • L. Cromwell, F.J. Weibell, E.A. Pfeiffer. Biomedical Instrumentation and Measurements. Prentice Hall Career & Technology.
  • R. Sarpeshkar. Ultra Low Power Bioelectronics. Cambridge University Press.

The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.