Module manager: Dr Peter Watson
Email: p.watson1@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module provides medical engineers with a framework of knowledge on the structure and function of the human body, as well as how this informs different areas of medical engineering. This module will cover basic concepts in human biology (including cells, tissues and organs) and discuss the key properties of these in terms of function in the whole organism. Students will then explore medical engineering approaches to repair the body following disease or injury.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Describe and locate anatomical positions and directional terms, planes, sections and cavities;
- Demonstrate an awareness of the layers of structural organisation in the human body and how this relates to overall function;
- Describe the gross anatomy and physiology of whole body systems (including the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems);
- Link biological properties to the requirements for repair or regenerative strategies in disease or injury from a medical engineering perspective;
- Understand the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion in patient groups and treatment design.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Use appropriate terminology to describe anatomical positions, movements, planes, sections and cavities
2. Discuss layers of structural organisation of the human body, and have an awareness of how this relates to function
3. Describe whole body systems in terms of anatomy, physiology and critical function
4. Discuss benefits and limitations of engineering approaches to restoring function to bodily systems following disease or injury
5. Evaluate the appropriateness of treatment designs from an EDI perspective, taking into account the diverse nature of patients.
These module learning outcomes contribute to the following AHEP4 learning outcomes:
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study. [C1]
- Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles. [C2]
- Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed. [C3]
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
a. Critical thinking [Academic skills]
b. Problem solving & analytical skills [Work ready skills]
c. Tissue dissection [Technical skills]
d. Ethical [Sustainability skills]
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 19 | 1 | 19 |
| Practical | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Seminar | 19 | 1 | 19 |
| Independent online learning hours | 57 | ||
| Private study hours | 97 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 46 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
An online discussion board will be monitored. Any clarifications which are needed will be brought into seminar sessions.
Feedback will be requested in seminar sessions on specific elements, as well as the use of in class polls/quizzes to see how well the material is being understood.
Seminars will cover topics relevant to assessment, such as report preparation, dissection preparation, critical evaluation, with feedback given on student led discussions and activities in session.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team