NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

Department of Biomedical Engineering

BN4203 – Rehabilitation Engineering – AY2018/19

Group Term Paper

Objective of the term project:
Rehabilitation engineering covers a very broad range of topics and the lectures can only
cover certain topics in class. The objective of the term project is for students to choose
an area/topic in rehabilitation engineering and assistive technologies that they are most
interested in and conduct an in-depth study. The students will also share their study in
the whole class so that other students can benefit from their studies.

Topics Selection:
The topic must be on an area of rehabilitation engineering and assistive technologies,
which can include devices, processes, or analysis methods. Another key criterion is to
include an element of AI. You can select your topic from the suggested list of areas or
an area of your own interests.

Scope of Report:
The following is a guide, though not necessary to follow strictly:
• Abstract
• Background and Significance (Historical perspective of the topic and its
significance in the field)
• Objective of project (State your objective(s) for this term paper)
• Current state-of-the-art (Detailed discussion of the existing development, e.g.
research, device design, treatment options, etc. This should include
shortcomings or limitations of what currently exists.)
• Propose your innovative improvements on devices and treatment options.
This is where your creativity will shine through. You should discuss in some detail
how you would improve upon what already exists. You may not know all the
details of how to do this, but you should point out and discuss what could or
should be done and why this would improve things. Discuss the challenges in
implementing the improvements. If you are focusing on a device, please also
include a review of the market and provide a competitive analysis.
• Summary

Length of Report:
The Group Term Paper should be around 5000 words for a team of 5 members,
inclusive of illustrations and references. The length of each section is your choice.
There should be at least 15 reference scientific papers cited, excluding websites.

The paper should also clearly indicate the responsibility of each member.
Format:
The paper must be typed on plain white A4 paper, double-spaced, with one-inch
margins on all four sides, and paginated. Arial, Times-Roman or Helvetica fonts are
preferred. Font size must be at least 12 points. At the end of the paper, there should be
a list of references in the order cited in the text.

References:
Citations consist of a number in brackets, e.g., [1], in the text or figure legend.
References must be limited to pertinent printed matter, such as books, book chapters or
journal articles. This excludes material found on websites, though you are free to use
this medium in your preliminary background research. An abstract may be cited only
when it is the sole source. Citations should be limited to articles that you have actually
read in preparation for your writing.

Presentation:
Each group will be asked to give a 20-min presentation (including a 5-min Q&A) on the
paper in the class towards the end of the semester. Each member must present.

Evaluation:
The grade of the term paper will account for 40% of the module grade.
The term paper will be graded based on the report and the presentation. The paper
itself will account for 60% and the presentation will account for 40%.
Papers will be graded on intellectual and engineering content, logical thought process,
creativeness, writing quality (including grammar and spelling), and overall neatness.
Presentation will be graded based on content, as well as clarity of presentation.

Important dates:
8 Mar 2018: Submission of topic (Email)
17 April 2018: Submission of presentation slides (IVLE)
17 & 18 April 2018: Presentation on term project
25 April 2018: Submission of term paper (IVLE)

List of Suggested Topics

Assistive Technologies:
• Prosthetic devices / artificial limbs
• Orthotic devices / exoskeletons
• Functional electric stimulation
• Robotic aids
• Smart living spaces
• Social robotics
Rehabilitation
Processes/Devices/Robotics
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation
• Upper limb rehabilitation
• Lower limb rehabilitation
• Virtual reality for rehabilitation