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PHPS41060

Academic Year 2023/2024

Medical Devices & Connectivity (PHPS41060)

Subject:
Public Health & Population Sci
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Public Hlth, Phys & Sports Sci
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Cailbhe Doherty
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the underlying technologies and principles of operation of a range of commonly used medical devices and their role in healthcare. Students will explore the design and functionality of medical devices such as blood pressure monitors, ventilators and implantable devices like pacemakers. The module will cover the principles of operation of medical devices, including sensors, data acquisition, and signal processing. Students will learn about the different types of medical devices and how they are used to diagnose and treat various health conditions. The module will also explore the safety and regulatory requirements for medical devices.

In addition, the module will focus on the latest commercial wearable technology devices (including fitness trackers, smartwatches, and health monitors) and their evolving applications in healthcare. Students will learn about the sensors and algorithms used in commercial wearable technology (including their validity and reliability) and how they collect and analyse data. The module will also cover the data privacy and security issues associated with using wearable technology in healthcare.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

Understand the design and functionality of a range of commonly used medical devices and their principles of operation
Evaluate the safety and regulatory requirements for medical devices
Analyze the data collected from medical devices and its potential uses in healthcare
Evaluate the role and potential benefits of commercial wearable technology in healthcare
Analyze the data collected from commercial wearable technology and its potential uses in healthcare
Evaluate the data privacy and security issues associated with using wearable technology in healthcare

Indicative Module Content:


Introduction to Medical Devices and Commercial Wearable Technology
Overview of medical devices and their evolution in healthcare
Overview of commercial wearable technology and its role in healthcare
Principles of Operation of Medical Devices
Sensors, data acquisition, and signal processing
Types of medical devices and their uses in healthcare
Safety and Regulatory Requirements for Medical Devices
Quality and risk management in medical device design and manufacturing
Applications of Medical Devices in Healthcare
Pacemakers, insulin pumps, MRI machines, etc.
Case studies and examples of medical devices in healthcare
The 'Rise' of Commercial Wearable Technology
Types of sensors used in wearable technology
Algorithms used to collect and analyze data from wearable technology: accuracy
Evolving applications of Commercial Wearable Technology in Healthcare
Smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health monitors
Case studies and examples of wearable technology in healthcare
Data Privacy and Security Issues in Wearable Technology in Healthcare
Patient data privacy and security concerns
Compliance with data protection regulations

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Lectures

15
Online Learning

15
Project Supervision

5
Total

95

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will take place online and will comprise of:

15-hours of online ‘live’ video lectures
15-hours of asynchronous lecture material covering important concepts
30-hours of self-directed learning
30-hours for the final assignment

Total = 90 hours.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment: Students will be required to complete and submit either a literature review on the module content OR a project related to commercial wearable technologies (topic to be decided by class consensus). Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded Yes
100
 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual feedback will provided alongside provisional grades within 30 working days of submission on Brightspace.

Name Role
Mr Francis Hegarty Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor James Matthews Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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