| Code | Faculty | Department |
|---|---|---|
| 12240203 | Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology | Department: Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering |
| Credits | Duration | NQF level |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum duration of study: 1 year | Total credits: 128 | NQF level: 08 |
The curriculum is determined in consultation with the relevant heads of departments. A student is required to pass modules to the value of at least 128 credits.
The degree is awarded on the basis of examinations only.
Students may take modules to the value of 32 credits from other fields of specialisation or from other departments, with approval of the Coordinator: Postgraduate studies.
It is a requirement that a student must complete all three the bioengineering honours modules, as well as Introduction to research 732 (EIN 732), to enroll for a master’s or a PhD in Bioengineering.
A student passes with distinction if he or she obtains a weighted average of at least 75% in the first 128 credits for which he or she has registered (excluding modules which were discontinued timeously). The degree is not awarded with distinction if a student fails any one module (excluding modules which were discontinued timeously).
Minimum credits: 128
EIN 732 is a compulsory module. With permission from the department it may be substituted with:
EPT 732 OR
EPT 733
EIN 732 is 'n verpligte module. Met toestemming van die departement mag dit vervang word met:
EPT 732 OF
EPT 733
Module content:
The objective of the module is to teach the engineering student how to apply engineering tools to the analysis of biological systems for the purpose of (i) developing understanding of the anatomy and physiology of specific biological systems from an engineering perspective, (ii) deriving appropriate mathematical descriptions of biological systems, and (iii) engineering applicable therapeutic interventions. We will expand on the single nerve fibre studies considered in bioelectricity and electronics: where the latter examined the biophysics of single excitable cells (and electrostimulation thereof), this module will develop it into an analysis of the characteristics of populations of neurons. We will systematically develop a systems-level perspective, working our way through the hierarchical organisation of neural encoding and computation. Furthermore, we will discuss how to measure characteristics and parameters of a particular system (the auditory system) and how to glean information about lower hierarchical levels from these measurements. This is a course in modelling and measurement, using tools from signal processing, control systems, dynamics, probability theory, systems engineering and psychoacoustics.
Module content:
This module focuses on electrophysiology, using a quantitative approach. Topics covered in the first part of the module are: electrical properties of the nerve cell membrane, action potentials and the Hodgkin-Huxley model, cable theory, the neuromuscular junction, and extracellular fields. The second part of the module builds on this background to discuss the theory and practice of electrical nerve stimulation. Applications of the theoretical work is discussed, including functional electrical stimulation (e.g. electrostimulation used for standing and walking in paraplegics), and cochlear implants for the deaf.
Module content:
The course provides an introduction to modelling of bioelectromagnetic systems using numerical methods. It focuses on the study of the interaction of electromagnetic fields with biological systems and application of this knowledge in the modelling of biological volume conduction problems. The finite element technique is used to analyse volume conduction problems. Students are introduced to an industry standard finite element software package, ANSYS, that is used to complete the practical component of the course.
Module content:
*This is a compulsory module.
The aim of this module is to teach students to critically evaluate research literature, including conference papers and journal articles, in order to determine the current state of knowledge in a particular specialist area. It will also provide students with the principles of research to enable them to conduct research and prepare an original project in their particular specialist area.
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