School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Changes to Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) (Electrical and Biomedical) in 2017

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The structure of the BE(Electrical and Biomedical) program was reviewed in 2016. As part of this process, we identified a number areas that should be improved to help achieve the best possible learning experience, opportunities and graduate outcomes for students. There are also some problematic structural problems that are frequently raised in academic advising:

  • BIOM2011 is a compulsory course, but lists prerequisites (BIOL1020) that are not on the plan list.
  • The BE(Electrical and Biomedical)/BSc(Biomedical Science) is a popular dual degree combination; but is currently impossible to complete in #80 if all pre-requisites are observed.
  • The pre-requisite structure for some courses is complicated, and allows for limited flexibility within the program.

As such, we have formulated a new set of plan rules will apply to new students students entering the program in 2017 (https://www.uq.edu.au/study/plan_display.html?acad_plan=ELBIOW2342). In summary:

  • BIOL1040 and BIOM2011 are no longer compulsory; and are replaced by an expanded list of Part C (biology and biomedical science-themed) electives. This list includes a broader selection of biomedical sciences courses, bioinformatics courses, and courses from the BE(Chemical and Biological) programs.
  • The Part B electives list remains, and now contains only the technical engineering electives.
  • The electives within the program expand from #4 to #8. Students have to complete at least #4 from the Part C; and the remainder can be from the Part B or Part C lists.

This new structure will allow students to take streams of electives with the following emphases:

  • Biomedical devices and medical imaging: Technical biomedical engineering courses are supported by introductory biomedical sciences and physiology courses (effectively the same as the current program).
  • Biological engineering: Students can take introductory and advanced courses from the BE(Chemical and Biological) engineering program to broaden their technical biomedical engineering skills.
  • Bioinformatics: Students can choose part C electives from core courses in the BSc(Bioinformatics) program. Bioinformatics naturally complements the biomedical signal processing that is covered within the ITEE technical courses.
  • Biomedical Sciences: Students can choose a wider range of courses from the BSc(Biomedical sciences) course list. This option will suit students with an interest in postgraduate health studies (i.e. medicine), or with an interest obtaining a deeper understanding of the biological sciences to augment their technical studies. This also helps to facilitate the BE(Elec+Bio)/BSc(Biomedical Science) dual degree.

Current students can choose to continue their program under the existing (i.e. pre-2017) rules; or to adopt the new rules.

If you commenced your current program before 2017, and intend on adopting the new rules, please let the faculty office know with an email to enquiries@eait.uq.edu.au.

Updated enrolment planning resources are available on the academic advice page for engineering students (electrical and biomedical). If you still have further queries or are having difficulty planning your enrolment, you can also book an academic advising appointment.