Introducing Innovative Prototypes in Course Materials and Fabrication Technologies in Medical Devices for Electrical and Biomedical Engineering Students

Abstract

Contribution: This article presents the innovative prototypes used in materials and fabrication technologies in medical devices (MFTIMD) laboratory course, under the curriculum of Biomedical (BME) and Electrical Engineering (EE) undergraduate studies. A special part of the course is devoted to state-of-the-art topics, such as flexible and wearable electronic devices and microfluidic devices. The article contains a brief overview of the laboratory course content as well as an assessment analysis with a satisfactory review and an academic outcomes review. Background: The course should address the properties and the applications of new types of materials used in medical electronics as well as corresponding fabrication technologies and devices. The course content and literature provide a multidisciplinary approach to contemporary engineering problems, specifically in a fast-developing field of biomedical electronics. Intended Outcomes: After successfully completing the MFTIMD course, undergraduate Biomedical (BME) and EE students are trained to independently fabricate and characterized various materials and components for medical devices. They are also capable of creating original ideas and realizing them according to gained knowledge. Application Design: The assessment and evaluation study consist of satisfactory test with positive statements and gradual multiple-choice options for student to rate the statements as well as teachers and the literature. An additional survey of acquired knowledge was conducted before the June exam period and a short prior/post-test focused on main course topics. Findings: The satisfactory survey results indicated a very positive students’ attitude toward the course material and the teaching methods. The pass rate was above 85% in first (June) exam period with an average mark of 8.63 (on a scale from 5 to 10). The prior/post test revealed a significant improvement in the overall knowledge of the course subject, while the preparation test before the exam period resulted in 84% of correct test answers.