Faculty of Engineering

Biomedical / Medical Science (2017)


Note: This course version applies only to students first enrolling in 2017.
WARNING: This course version is currently under review and is subject to change.


1. Overview

Course: Biomedical / Medical Science (2017)
CP Required: 240
Min FT Duration: 5.00 Years
Min PT Duration: N/A
Faculty/School: Faculty of Engineering
Years Offered: 2017, 2016, 2015

2. Requirements

In summary the requirements are:

Students must complete 240 credit points as follows:

Engineering (144 credit points):

► 36 credit points of Engineering core units

► 84 credit points of Biomedical stream core units

► 18 credit points of Biomedical Specialist elective units

► 6 credit points of 4th Year Control units

Medical Science:

► 96 credit points of Medical Science units

The handbook rules governing this degree are as follows:

To qualify for the award of the combined degree:

(a) For all Bachelor of Engineering combined degrees a candidate must complete 240 credit points and satisfy any additional requirements specified.

(b) Where the requirements specified in the following clauses account for less than the total required credit, candidates must complete additional units of study (not including general electives) from the relevant Bachelor of Engineering Honours specialist stream table subject to any conditions specified in that table as may be necessary to satisfy the requirements of the degree.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering

For the Bachelor of Engineering component of a combined degree:

(a) The units of study that may be taken for the Bachelor of Engineering component of the combined degree are set out in the tables of units of study for the Bachelor of Engineering single degree;

(b) Except where varied by other clauses in the course resolutions, all candidates must complete a minimum of 144 credit points comprising:

(i) 36cp from the Engineering Core Table, including all required units;

(ii) 108cp from the Engineering Stream Core Table pertaining to the specialist stream being undertaken, including all required units;

(c) The Faculty Board may approve, based on appropriate academic justification, a list of approved unit alternatives. These alternatives specify, for particular Engineering stream / combined degree combinations, units within the normal requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering component of the combined degree that can be replaced by specified alternative units that would form part of the normal program for single degree students in that stream.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Medical Science

For the Bachelor of Medical Science component of a combined degree:

(a) The units of study that may be taken are listed in Table IV for the Bachelor of Medical Science from the Faculty of Science.

(b) The mathematics requirement for the Bachelor of Engineering component of the combined degree will also satisfy the mathematics requirements for the Bachelor of Medical Science component.

(c) Candidates must complete 96 credit points of units including:

(i) A minimum of 24 credit points from junior Science units of study, including:

- 12 credit points from Chemistry; and

- MBLG1001/1901/1991 Introductory Molecular Biology and Genetics; and

- 6 credit points of Junior Biology;

(ii) 48 credit points from intermediate Science units of study, comprising:

- 36 credit points of BMED240# units from Table IV (B) for the Bachelor of Medical Science; and

- MBLG2#71 Molecular Biology and Genomics; and

- MBLG2#72 Genetics and Genomics.

Note: changes to the Medical Science degree from 2019 require that alternative units replace some core Med Sci units.

- In place of the 36 cp of BMED240X units, take MEDS2001, MEDS2002, MEDS2003, MEDS2004 and MEDS2005 and one additional medical science elective.

- In place of MBLG2X71 and MBLG2X72 take GEGE2001 and BCMB2002.

(iii) A minimum of 24 credit points of senior Science units of study selected from the Bachelor of Science (Medical Science) Table.

Optional Science Major

The completion of a Science major through selection of appropriate Senior Science units is possible as part of the Engineering/Medical Science combined degree, but not required. Any student who satisfies the requirements of a Science major through the Science units taken as part of the combined degree shall have that major recorded on the Bachelor of Medical Science testamur at the completion of the degree.

The majors available in medical science discipline areas are Anatomy and Histology*, Applied Medical Science (Transitional Provision), Biochemistry*, Cell Pathology, Immunobiology*, Microbiology*, Molecular Biology and Genetics*, Neuroscience*, Nutrition and Metabolism, Pharmacology*, Physiology*

* indicates a major in this area is also available at the advanced level

The requirements for completion of the above majors is set out in Table I of the Handbook http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/science/table1/table1_overview.shtml

Medical Science Honours

Honours in Medical Science requires the completion of one additional full time year of study. Admission and award requirements for Honours in the Bachelor of Medical Science are listed in the resolutions of the Faculty of Science.

To qualify for the award of the Honours degree, a student must complete 48 credit points of Honours units of study in one of the Honours subjects listed in the Bachelor of Medical Science Table IV (D).

Candidates for the award of the Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) who do not meet the requirements, and who have not already graduated, will be awarded the Bachelor of Medical Science pass degree.

Engineering Honours Requirements

(a) an EWAM of at least 65 immediately prior to the semester in which a thesis unit of study is first attempted; and

(b) have an EIHWAM of at least 65 at the completion of the degree; and

(c) complete the requirements within a time limit of 5 years for a single Bachelor of Engineering Honours degree or complete the requirements within a time limit of 6 years for a combined Bachelor of Engineering Honours combined degree.

Candidates who satisfy the requirements for the Engineering degree, but who have not satisfied each of Clauses (a), (b) and (c), will qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Engineering degree (i.e. the PASS degree, awarded without Honours).

Advanced units in Maths and Science

Most units of study offered by the Science Faculty on the list of core requirements can be replaced by an equivalent advanced level unit, subject to prerequisite conditions (as required by the Faculty of Science) being met. Students considering doing advanced options should seek advice from their department before enrolling.

Engineering Majors

A major requires:

(a) the completion of 24 credit points chosen from units of study listed in the table for that major;

(b) satisfying any additional requirements specified for the major, and listed with the table of units for the major;

(c) the completion of a thesis project that has been approved by the Head of School (or delegate) as relevant to the topic of the major.

Study Abroad

Students undertaking Study Abroad in a particular year of their degree must enrol in the appropriate International Exchange Program units of study as an alternative to a semester`s standard units.

Permission from the relevant Head of School must be sought prior to enrolling in exchange units of study.

Faculty Resolutions

Details of relevant Faculty resolutions are available via the university handbook site at: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/

3. Semesters

Year 1 - Semester 1

Type CP CP From
3 Select from MATH1001: Differential Calculus


Note: Note: This unit is discontinued from 2018. Replacement unit is MATH1021.
6 Select from BIOL1003: Human Biology
BIOL1006: Life and Evolution
6 Select from AMME1960: Biomedical Engineering 1A
6 Select from ENGG1801: Engineering Computing
3 Select from MATH1002: Linear Algebra

Note: MATH1001 and MATH1002 may be replaced by advanced units MATH1901 and MATH1902.

In the BE/BMSc program the 18 cp of core subjects MATH#### and CHEM1101 may count to both the Medical Science and the Engineering degrees. For all subjects which fall in this category the student must undertake additional Biomedical Engineering electives and/ or Medical Science units to fulfill their credit point requirements for the combined degree.

Year 1 - Semester 2

Type CP CP From
6 Select from CHEM1101: Chemistry 1A


Note: This unit is discontinued from 2018. Replacement unit is CHEM1111.
3 Select from MATH1003: Integral Calculus and Modelling


Note: Note: This unit is discontinued from 2018. Replacement unit is MATH1023.
6 Select from AMME1961: Biomedical Engineering 1B
6 Select from ENGG1802: Engineering Mechanics
3 Select from MATH1005: Statistical Thinking with Data

Note: MATH1003 and MATH1005 may be replaced by advanced units MATH1903 and MATH1905.

Year 2 - Semester 1

Type CP CP From
6 Select from CHEM1102: Chemistry 1B


Note: This unit is discontinued from 2018. Replacement unit is CHEM1112.
6 Select from ELEC1103: Fundamentals of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
6 Select from ENGG1111: Integrated Engineering 1
6 Select from AMME2960: Biomedical Engineering 2

Note: ENGG1111 may be replaced by ENGG1061 Advanced Engineering for approved students.

Year 2 - Semester 2

Type CP CP From
6 Select from BIOL1007: From Molecules to Ecosystems
6 Select from AMME1362: Introduction to Engineering Materials
6 Select from MECH2400: Mechanical Systems Design 1
6 Select from MECH2901: Anatomy and Physiology for Engineers

Year 3 - Semester 1

Type CP CP From
6 Select from MBLG2071: Molecular Biology and Genomics


Note: This unit is discontinued from 2018. Replacement unit is BCMB2002 (offered in Semester 2).

BCMB2002 may be substituted for the advanced alternative BCMB2902.
6 Select from MEDS2001: Key Concepts in Physiology
6 Select from MEDS2002: Key Concepts in Pharmacology
6 Select from MEDS2003: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Note: Changes to the Medical Science degree have required that alternative units replace some core Med Sci units. Please contact a Medical Science adviser if you have any questions regarding unit selection.

Year 3 - Semester 2

Type CP CP From
2 Select from ENGG2111: Integrated Engineering 2
6 Select from MBLG2072: Genetics and Genomics


Note: This unit is discontinued from 2018. Replacement unit is GEGE2001 (offered in Semester 1).

GEGE2001 may be substituted for the advanced alternative GEGE2901.
6 Select from MEDS2004: Microbes, Infection and Immunity
6 Select from MEDS2005: Human Anatomy and Histology
6 Select from Unit Block:
Medical Science Senior Electives

Note: Changes to the Medical Science degree have required that alternative units replace some core Med Sci units. Please contact a Medical Science adviser if you have any questions regarding unit selection.

Year 4 - Semester 1

Type CP CP From
6 Select from AMME3660: Biomanufacturing
2 Select from ENGG3111: Integrated Engineering 3
6 Select from Unit Block:
Biomedical Specialist Electives
12 Select from Unit Block:
Medical Science Senior Electives


Note: Students are required to complete altogether 24 cp of Senior Medical Science units. See Science Faculty handbook for details of eligible units: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/

Note: ENGG3111 may be replaced by ENGG3062 Technology Education (Adv), with Faculty approval.

Year 4 - Semester 2

Type CP CP From
6 Select from ELEC2104: Electronic Devices and Circuits
6 Select from MECH3921: Biomedical Design and Technology
6 Select from Unit Block:
Medical Science Senior Electives


Note: Students are required to complete altogether 24 cp of Senior Medical Science units. See Science Faculty handbook for details of eligible units: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/
6 Select from Unit Block:
Core 4th Year Control Units


Note: May be taken in Semester 1 or Semester 2, swapping with Biomedical Specialist Electives.

Note from 2021 BMET5790 replaces AMME5790, and BMET3802 replaces ELEC3802

Year 5 - Semester 1

Type CP CP From
0 Select from ENGG4000: Practical Experience
2 Select from ENGG4111: Integrated Engineering 4
6 Select from Unit Block:
Medical Science Senior Electives


Note: Students are required to complete altogether 24 cp of Senior Medical Science units. See Science Faculty handbook for details of eligible units: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/
6 Select from AMME4111: Thesis A


Note: Biomedical stream students should be taking replacement unit BMET4111
6 Select from AMME4971: Tissue Engineering


Note: Replaced by BMET3971 from 2021
6 Select from Unit Block:
Biomedical Specialist Electives

Note: ENGG4111 may be replaced by ENGG4064/5 Advanced Engineering Design A/B, with Faculty approval.

Year 5 - Semester 2

Type CP CP From
6 Select from AMME4112: Thesis B


Note: Biomedical stream students should be taking replacement unit BMET4112
6 Select from MECH4961: Biomechanics and Biomaterials


Note: Replaced by BMET3961 from 2021
6 Select from Unit Block:
Biomedical Specialist Electives

4. Pathways

No streams/majors defined for this course version.

5. Unit Blocks

Block 1 - Medical Science Intermediate Core

Unit Code Unit Name CP Sessions Offered
BMED2401 Cellular Foundations of Medical Sciences 6 Semester 1
BMED2402 Nerve and Muscle 6 Semester 1
BMED2403 Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems 6 Semester 1
BMED2404 Microbes, Infection and Immunity 6 Semester 2
BMED2405 Gut and nutrient metabolism 6 Semester 2
BMED2406 Hormones, Kidney and Reproduction 6 Semester 2
MBLG2071 Molecular Biology and Genomics 6 Semester 1
MBLG2072 Genetics and Genomics 6 Semester 2
MBLG2971 Molecular Biology and Genomics (Adv) 6 Semester 1
MBLG2972 Genetics and Genomics (Adv) 6 Semester 2
MEDS2001 Key Concepts in Physiology 6 Semester 1
MEDS2002 Key Concepts in Pharmacology 6 Semester 1
MEDS2003 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 6 Semester 1
MEDS2004 Microbes, Infection and Immunity 6 Semester 2
MEDS2005 Human Anatomy and Histology 6 Semester 2

Note: 48 credit points of Intermediate Science units of study must be taken. These comprise (i) six BMED240X units (36 credit points) plus (ii) MBLG2071 and 2072 Molecular Biology and Genetics A and B (12 credit points) or the advanced version of these units MBLG2971 and MBLG2972. These units replace the BMED280x units that were offered until 2011. See Requirements section of this outline for equivalences. See Faculty Handbook for further details at http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/

From 2019, BMED240X units have been replaced with MEDS200X units.

Block 2 - Medical Science Senior Electives (Min CP: 24,Max CP: 42)

Note: Candidates are required to take a minimum of 24 credit points of Senior units of study from the subject areas of: Anatomy, Applied Medical Science, Biology (Genetics) (i.e. BIOL3018/3918, BIOL3026/3926), Biochemistry, Cell Pathology, Histology, Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Nutrition and Metabolism, Pharmacology, Physiology, Virology.

Of these, the majors available in medical science discipline areas are:

► Anatomy and Histology*

► Applied Medical Science (Transitional Provision)

► Biochemistry*

► Cell Pathology

► Immunobiology*

► Microbiology*

► Molecular Biology and Genetics*

► Neuroscience*

► Nutrition and Metabolism

► Pharmacology*

► Physiology*

* indicates a major in this area is also available at the advanced level

The requirements for completion of the above majors is set out in Table I of the Handbook http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/science/table1/table1_overview.shtml

Block 3 - Engineering Core (Min CP: 36,Max CP: 36)

Unit Code Unit Name CP Sessions Offered
AMME4010 Major Industrial Project 24 Semester 1
Semester 2
AMME4111 Thesis A 6 Semester 1
Semester 2
AMME4112 Thesis B 6 Semester 1
Semester 2
BMET4010 Major Industrial Project 24 Semester 1
Semester 2
BMET4111 Thesis A 6 Semester 1
Semester 2
BMET4112 Thesis B 6 Semester 1
Semester 2
CHNG4203 Major Industrial Project 24 Semester 1
Semester 2
CHNG4811 Thesis A 6 Semester 1
Semester 2
CHNG4812 Thesis B 6 Semester 1
Semester 2
CIVL4022 Thesis A 6 Semester 1
Semester 2
CIVL4023 Thesis B 6 Semester 1
Semester 2
ELEC4712 Thesis A 6 Semester 1
Semester 2
ELEC4713 Thesis B 6 Semester 1
Semester 2
ELEC4714 Major Industrial Project 24 Semester 1
Semester 2
ENGG1111 Integrated Engineering 1 6 Semester 1
ENGG2111 Integrated Engineering 2 2 Semester 1
Semester 2
Int February
ENGG3111 Integrated Engineering 3 2 Semester 1
Semester 2
ENGG4000 Practical Experience 0 Int January
Int February
Int March
Int April
Int May
Int June
Int July
Int August
Int September
Int October
Int November
Int December
ENGG4111 Integrated Engineering 4 2 Semester 1
MATH1002 Linear Algebra 3 Semester 1
Semester 2
Summer Main
MATH1005 Statistical Thinking with Data 3 Semester 1
Semester 2
Int January
MATH1021 Calculus of One Variable 3 Semester 1
Semester 2
MATH1023 Multivariable Calculus and Modelling 3 Semester 1
Semester 2
MATH1902 Linear Algebra (Advanced) 3 Semester 1
MATH1905 Statistics (Advanced) 3 Semester 2
MATH1921 Calculus of One Variable (Adv) 3 Semester 1
MATH1923 Multivariable Calculus and Modelling (Adv) 3 Semester 2

Note: Complete a minimum of 36cp including:

- Exactly 12cp of Integrated Engineering units comprising ENGG1111 (6cp), ENGG2111 (2cp), ENGG3111 (2cp) and ENGG4111 (2cp)

- Exactly 12cp of MATH1xxx units: MATH1021 Calculus of One Variable (3cp) AND MATH1002 Linear Algebra (3cp) AND MATH1023 Multivariable Calculus and Modelling (3cp) AND MATH1005 Statistics (3cp)

- A minimum of 12cp of (see note 1) from either AMME4111-4112 Thesis A & B (6cp+6cp) OR BMET4111-4112 Thesis A & B (6cp+6cp) OR CHNG4811-CHNG4812 Thesis A & B (6cp+6cp) OR CIVL4022-4023 Thesis A & B (6cp+6cp) OR ELEC4712-4713 Thesis A & B (6cp+6cp) OR AMME4010 Major Industrial Project (24cp) OR BMET4010 Major Industrial Project (24cp) OR CHNG4203 Major Industrial Project (24cp) OR ELEC4714 Major Industrial Project (24cp)

Note 1. All Thesis A units are mutually prohibited (meaning that only one can be completed), and all Thesis B units have the associated Thesis A unit as a pre-requisite. Students may undertake only the Thesis units relevant to their stream or major.

Block 4 - Core 4th Year Control Units (Min CP: 6,Max CP: 6)

Unit Code Unit Name CP Sessions Offered
AMME5790 Introduction to Biomechatronics 6 Semester 2
AMME5951 Fundamentals of Neuromodulation 6 Semester 1
BMET3802 Biomedical Instrumentation 6 Semester 2
BMET5790 Introduction to Biomechatronics 6 Semester 2
BMET5995 Advanced Bionics 6 Semester 1
ELEC3802 Fundamentals of Biomedical Engineering 6 Semester 1

Note: Note from 2021 BMET5790 replaces AMME5790, and BMET3802 replaces ELEC3802

Block 5 - Medical Science Junior Core (Min CP: 24,Max CP: 24)

Unit Code Unit Name CP Sessions Offered
BIOL1003 Human Biology 6 Semester 1
BIOL1006 Life and Evolution 6 Semester 1
BIOL1007 From Molecules to Ecosystems 6 Semester 2
CHEM1101 Chemistry 1A 6 Semester 1
Semester 2
Summer Main
CHEM1102 Chemistry 1B 6 Semester 1
Semester 2
Summer Main
MBLG1001 Molecular Biology and Genetics (Intro) 6 Semester 2

Note: Advanced Science units (listed here) may be taken in place of the standard units, i.e. BIOL1903, BIOL1906, BIOL1907, CHEM1901, CHEM1902, MBLG2971, MBLG2972.

Block 6 - Biomedical Specialist Electives (Min CP: 18,Max CP: 18)

Unit Code Unit Name CP Sessions Offered
AMME4710 Computer Vision and Image Processing 6 Semester 2
AMME4990 Biomedical Product Development 6 Semester 1
AMME5931 Nanomaterials in Medicine 6 Semester 1
AMME5958 Nanotechnology in Biomedical Engineering 6 Semester 2
AMME5962 Introduction to Mechanobiology 6 Semester 2
AMME5992 Regulatory Affairs in the Medical Industry 6 Semester 1
Semester 2
AMME5995 Advanced Bionics 6 Semester 1
BMET2903 Biomedical Physics 6 Semester 1
BMET2922 Computational Analysis for Biomedical Signals 6 Semester 2
BMET2925 AI, Data, and Society in Health 6 Semester 1
Semester 1 Online
BMET3990 Biomedical Product Development 6 Semester 2
BMET5911 Advanced instrumentation for Nanotechnology 6 Semester 1
BMET5933 Biomedical Image Analysis 6 Semester 1
BMET5944 Nanofabrication and Bioinspired Materials 6 Semester 2
BMET5953 Rehabilitation Engineering 6 Semester 1
BMET5957 Neural Engineering 6 Semester 2
CHNG5601 Membrane Science 6 Semester 1
CHNG5602 Biophysics and Biosensors 6 Semester 2
CHNG5603 Advanced Industrial Modelling and Analysis 6 Semester 1
CHNG5604 Advanced Membrane Engineering 6 Semester 2
CHNG5605 Bio-Products: Laboratory to Marketplace 6 Semester 2
COMP5048 Visual Analytics 6 Semester 1
Semester 2
ELEC3305 Digital Signal Processing 6 Semester 1
ELEC3404 Electronic Circuit Design 6 Semester 1
ELEC3803 Bioelectronics [not offered in 2021] 6 Semester 2
ELEC5514 IoT Wireless Sensing and Networking 6 Semester 2
ELEC5614 Real Time Computing 6 Semester 1
ELEC5701 Technology Venture Creation [not offered in 2021] 6 Semester 2
HTIN5002 Quality Frameworks for Health Innovation 6 Semester 2 Block Mode
MECH5310 Advanced Engineering Materials 6 Semester 1
MECH5720 Sensors and Signals 6 Semester 2
MECH5907 Orthopaedic and Surgical Engineering 6 Semester 2
MTRX5700 Experimental Robotics 6 Semester 1

Note: From 2021 BMET3990 replaces AMME4990.

Block 7 - Biomedical Stream Core (Min CP: 84,Max CP: 84)

Unit Code Unit Name CP Sessions Offered
AMME1362 Introduction to Engineering Materials 6 Semester 2
AMME1960 Biomedical Engineering 1A 6 Semester 1
AMME1961 Biomedical Engineering 1B 6 Semester 2
AMME2960 Biomedical Engineering 2 6 Semester 1
AMME3660 Biomanufacturing 6 Semester 1
AMME4971 Tissue Engineering 6 Semester 1
BMET3961 Biomaterials 6 Semester 2
BMET3971 Tissue Engineering 6 Semester 1
ELEC1103 Fundamentals of Electrical and Electronic Engineering 6 Semester 1
ELEC2104 Electronic Devices and Circuits 6 Semester 2
ENGG1801 Engineering Computing 6 Semester 1
Int January
ENGG1802 Engineering Mechanics 6 Semester 2
Summer Main
Int January
MECH2400 Mechanical Systems Design 1 6 Semester 1
MECH2901 Anatomy and Physiology for Engineers 6 Semester 2
MECH3921 Biomedical Design and Technology 6 Semester 2
MECH4961 Biomechanics and Biomaterials 6 Semester 2

Note: From 2021 BMET3971 replaces AMME4971, and BMET3961 replaces MECH4961.