Bioinstrumentation 2022

Subject Overview

Of all the subjects and semesters I have taught, this was my most enjoyable semester yet. I was amazed as how receptive the class was to the new mode of teaching. Bioinstrumentations is all about how to build electronics that interface with the body. The subject was taught in a blended synchronous mode, with both online and in-person students. The subject does not have traditional lectures but uses a discussion group model where students read content before class and we engage in a discussion of synthesizing the concepts in class. To my great surprise more than 50% of the class attended the discussion groups each week. The discussion groups were followed by a tutorial on solving problems in class, and a workshop which used this same content to build a circuit. Outside of class students go on to doing a self-paced project. This years project was building an electrooculogram. Below are some of the amazing projects from the 2022 Bio-instrumentation students. I’ve only posted videos from students who volunteered their videos.

Student Project Portfolios

The Electrooculogram (EOG) involves recording the electrical potential difference between the cornea and the retina of the eye, which can be used to monitor eye movements. The students choose to either build their devices to control LEDs or gaming interfaces.

Here are some video portfolios from the students who worked on the EOG project:

Cheng-Ju Tsai: Link to Video Portfolio
Description: In this video, Cheng-Ju demonstrates the circuit they built to measure the EOG signals and explains the process of recording and analyzing the signals. They also discuss the potential applications of EOG in clinical settings. Cheng-Ju created a game in Unity which he can control using his eye movements. In the video he talks about how the technology works.

Caroline Quarterman: Link to Video Portfolio
Description: Caroline showcases their EOG project, showing how the signals from electrodes on the face are buffered, amplified, filtered and put through a peak detection circuit to light LEDs indicating the extent of horizontal eye movement.

These video portfolios provide a glimpse into the innovative work of the students in the Bio-instrumentation class. Each project showcases the practical application of EOG and demonstrates the students’ understanding of the subject matter.

Well done to all the students who volunteered their videos and contributed to this exciting area of research!

Personal Reflections

Going into 2022, I was nervous as, the subject was not well received when we ran it fully online during COVID. Yet, I was convinced that building a strong community in class will engage the cohort and build their confidence in their project work. While its hard to assess the impact of community in this learning and building of confidence, one might see the regularity of attendance in class as evidence that the class enjoyed the community environment. In the end most of the class really enjoyed the new format, they embraced the new format, they stepped up to the challenge and they thrived. I am incredibly proud of the class and what they have achieved. The most rewarding aspect was when students said things like: I never thought I would like electronics but I can see how I can do it and I was so happy when it finally worked. At the start of semester I could not see how we could do it but now that I have I can’t believe I did it in 12 weeks.

If you are looking for interns, I have a whole class of bright students looking for internships. email: sam.john@unimelb.edu.au