Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Human Physiology for Engineers

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

OENG1284

City Campus

Undergraduate

172H School of Engineering

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2025

Course Coordinator: David Garrett

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: david.garrett@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: AUSCY

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course will provide you with an integral understanding of the human body’s anatomy and physiology from an engineering perspective.  

You will develop the essential knowledge to link between theoretical human biology and practical engineering innovation, essential for advancing healthcare technology. 

Topics covered will include human anatomy, tissue mechanics, regulatory systems, immunology, cardiovascular and respiratory function, and the musculoskeletal framework, integrating these with biomedical applications. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for: 

PLO 1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of   scientific theories, principles and concepts and engineering fundamentals within the engineering discipline​.  

PLO 6. Use a systems engineering approach to synthesize and apply procedures for design, prototyping and testing to manage complex engineering projects.  

PLO 8. Communicate engineering designs and solutions respectfully and effectively, employing a range of advanced communication methods, in an individual or team environment,  to diverse audiences.​​ 

PLO 9. Demonstrate the capacity for personal  accountability, professional and ethical conduct, intellectual independence, cultural sensitivity, autonomy, adaptability, and reflection on own learning and career ​​ when undertaking engineering projects. 

PLO 11. Collaborate and contribute as an effective team member or leader in diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to First Nations peoples and globally inclusive perspectives and participation in an engineering context.​ 

 


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: 

  1. Broadly understand the foundation of biomedical engineering and how it applies to the human body
  2. Apply specialist terms and language associated with anatomy and physiology to describe the human body
  3. Understand the interdisciplinary skills required to practice biomedical engineering. 


Overview of Learning Activities

This Course will use a range of learning activities including Pre-recorded lectures, workshop/practical sessions, online resources and self-directed learning. 

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course Site. 


Overview of Learning Resources

Learning resources in this course include: 

  • Online learning activities
  • Recommended readings from textbooks, online sources, and designated references; and
  • Workshop/tutorial activities 

Online resources will be made available via the RMIT Learning Management System (LMS). 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

This course does not contain any hurdle requirements. 

Assessment Task1: Online Quizzes
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLO1 and CLO2

Assessment Task 2: Practical
Weighting 45%
This assessment task supports CLO1, CLO2 and CLO3. 

Assessment Task 3: Project + Group Presentations
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLO1, CLO2 and CLO3. 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.