Module ENGI45630: Biotechnology Design Project

Department: Engineering

ENGI45630: Biotechnology Design Project

Prerequisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combination of Modules

Aims

• To present the design process for designing medical devices.
• To introduce the regulations required for developing and producing medical devices.
• To explore the analytical and experimental techniques used for producing prototypes.
• To invoke innovation in designing equipment/devices for specific purposes.
• To present an overview of the environmental issues related to the life cycle of medical devices.

Content

• The design process for developing medical/biotec devices.
• Introduction to patents and intellectual property (IP) issues.
• Regulations of designing medical devices.
• Production techniques and materials used in Biotechnology.
• Human-devices interaction.

Learning Outcomes

• Ability to provide an imaginative and innovative solution to a complex technical problem.
• A knowledge of the design process used for designing medical/biotec devices.
• An appreciation of the difficulties of modelling physiological problems and limitations of such models.
• A knowledge of trends of using modelling techniques in the field of medical/biotec devices.
• A range of mechanical and electrical/electronic techniques and their interactions in designing biotechnological/medical devices.
• An awareness of challenges associated with designing for medical/biotechnology devices.
• Awareness of future developments in the area of biotechnology.
• AHEP4 Learning Outcomes: In order to satisfy Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) accreditation requirements the following Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes are assessed within this module:
• M2. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (coursework assessed).
• M5. Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health and safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards (coursework assessed).
• M7. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts (coursework assessed).

• Ability to use the regulatory affairs in making informed judgements in designing medical/Biotech devices.
• Develop an ability for the students to communicate their designs effectively.
• The ability to evaluate and understand the environmental and societal impact of solutions to broadly defined problems and identify any ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct.

• Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
• Specialised design skills appropriate to an engineer.
• Ability to critically analyse the patent literature of medical/biotec devices design and formulate informed opinions that contribute to the students’ designs.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Biotechnology design is taught through (i) a series of Design Seminars (workshops) on the wider aspects of biotechnological products design as well as their routes to market and design IPR (ii) a group design project which requires the application of advanced analytical knowledge and skills. A part of the project will be devoted to developing plans for launching a specific product to the market and all the relevant finance and marketing aspects of such an endeavour.
• Students will be organised into groups who will then be assigned a tutor with expertise in the field of biotechnology design and the health sector.
• An introductory lecture will be delivered at the start of the module to explain its structure, expectations, and assessment requirements.
• A CAD workshop will form part of the students’ training, providing hands‑on experience with industry‑standard design tools.
• As part of the module, students will participate in a site visit, enabling them to see engineering systems in practice and deepen their understanding of industry processes.
• The Learning Outcomes of this module are assessed through a combination of presentation and two comprehensive written reports (feasibility and a final design report).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

N/A

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.