Program Overview

Programming for Biomedical Engineering (MPHY0058)

Key Information

The Programming for Biomedical Engineering module is offered by the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, with the Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering department being responsible for its teaching. This module has a credit value of 15.

Restrictions

There are no restrictions listed for this module.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

In this module, students will apply the fundamentals of programming within a biomedical engineering context. The module aims to teach students how to construct reliable, readable, and efficient software in a collaborative environment. Students will learn and practice debugging techniques, version control, and the importance of documentation. Theoretical principles will be taught through lectures and seminars, while practical application will occur in programming workshops and independent study.

Aims of the Module

The primary objectives of this module are to provide students with the theory and practice of computer programming in the context of biomedical engineering, enabling them to:

• Understand, select, and apply appropriate programming techniques suitable for biomedical applications.
• Experience the benefits of version control software.
• Learn and apply strategies for debugging code.
• Apply principles of software optimization and good programming practice.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this module, students will be able to:

1. Write programs to perform analysis and visualization of biomedical data, and/or data acquisition.
2. Apply the workflow of software version control using project management tools (e.g., GitHub) when working solo or collaboratively, and describe the advantages of using these tools to identify when bugs were first introduced to a code base.
   • Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of complex problems.
   • Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems.

Formative Assessment

Students will be set specific tasks and activities in computing workshops, with their progress being proactively monitored by staff and feedback provided. Additionally, Moodle quizzes or similar assessment tools may be used, along with in-class quizzes utilizing platforms like Mentimeter.

Summative Assessment

The summative assessment for this module consists of two substantial pieces of coursework, each in the form of a scripting/programming assignment. Students are expected to use version control software to demonstrate the interim iterations of their work, including bug fixing and code testing. The first coursework is group work, while the second is individual.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term

This module is intended to be taught in Term 1, targeting undergraduate students at FHEQ Level 5.

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of Study: In person.
• Methods of Assessment:
  • 40% Group activity.
  • 60% Coursework.
• Mark Scheme: Numeric marks.

Other Information

• Number of Students on Module in Previous Year: 0.
• Module Leader: Dr. Mary Tziraki.

Sustainability

For information on modules related to climate change, social, and environmental sustainability at UCL, students can search using keywords like 'climate' or 'sustainability'. Sustainable UCL also provides information on extra-curricular activities related to sustainability.