Innovative Wearable Medical Devices
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
(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 explore how electronics and biomedical engineering converge to support human health and wellbeing. You will investigate how wearable devices collect, process, and transmit physiological data safely and accurately. Through hands-on experimentation and digital simulation, you will design prototypes that integrate sensors, circuits, and embedded systems while meeting safety, usability, and reliability requirements. You will also apply analytical reasoning to assess data quality, power efficiency, and environmental footprint, and evaluate ethical and social implications of personal-health technology. By the end of this unit, you will be able to design and appraise wearable medical technologies that are innovative, accessible, and aligned with global standards for responsible engineering practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Evaluate wearable device architectures and interoperability frameworks;
- Design circuits and algorithms that enable accurate, inclusive physiological monitoring;
- Integrate user needs, safety standards, and sustainability into device development;
- Analyse device performance collaboratively to improve comfort, usability, and compliance; and
- Appraise designs against ethical and professional standards for healthcare innovation.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Practicum | Grade: 15%
In-lab safety and compliance audit (Individual) (30 mins)
Assessment type: Portfolio | Grade: 35%
Prototype evaluation and performance portfolio (Group) (2500 words)
Assessment type: Presentation | Grade: 50%
Applied demonstration and Viva (Individual) (10mins)
Assignment: This secure assessment ensures accountability by requiring students to analyse AI and edge network concepts under supervision. Real-time observation and process-focused questioning verify understanding and application of analytical skills.
Portfolio: Structured portfolio documenting students’ prototype evaluation and performance processes in detail, supported by progressive milestone checks with regular feedback and validation discussions. Explicit evaluation of individual contributions further supports the assurance of each student’s achievement of learning outcomes.
Presentation: This secure assessment ensures authenticity by requiring students to demonstrate and explain their problem-solving and design processes in real time. Unpredictable questions and live evaluation of reasoning and applied skills verifies individual understanding.
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):