Healthcare Electronics Design
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
NEE3002 - Next Generation Communication Technologies
NEE3003 - Innovative Wearable Medical Devices
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
In this unit, you will investigate how engineers design and optimise electronic systems that advance healthcare technology. You will study diagnostic, monitoring, and assistive devices, learning how sensors, control logic, and software integrate into complex systems that enhance patient safety and quality of life. You will also employ simulation and design tools to evaluate performance, compliance, and energy efficiency, while critically reflecting on regulatory, ethical, and human-factors considerations. By the end of this unit, you will be able to design, evaluate, and communicate healthcare-electronics solutions that combine innovation, dependability, and social responsibility.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Evaluate diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic systems based on quantitative and social impact criteria;
- Design integrated hardware–software systems that meet functional and ethical standards;
- Assess energy efficiency, accuracy, and inclusivity in medical device design;
- Collaborate effectively in developing assistive and equitable health technologies; and
- Articulate design rationale, data, and outcomes using professional, interdisciplinary language.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Assignment | Grade: 15%
In-class verification planning activity (Individual) (30 mins)
Assessment type: Portfolio | Grade: 35%
Design portfolio with compliance mapping (Group) (2500 words)
Assessment type: Presentation | Grade: 50%
Applied panel review with technical Q&A (Individual) (10 mins)
Assignment: This secure assessment requires students to plan and analyse verification strategies in real time. Observation and process-focused questioning verify understanding of device testing, compliance, and functional requirements.
Portfolio: Structured portfolio documenting device design, compliance mapping and validation strategies. Each student's individual contribution to the group assessment will be systematically evaluated and assessed, with consideration given to their specific tasks, responsibilities, and active engagement throughout the collaborative process. Explicit evaluation of individual contributions further supports the assessment and assurance of each student’s achievement of learning outcomes.
Presentation: This secure assessment features a panel defence oral presentation about their designs, followed by unpredictable Q&A to assess student understanding, decision-making, and application of professional and ethical standards.
Required reading
Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):