9.3
Medical Technology — Bionics
H1. discusses advances in scientific understanding and technology that have changed the direction or nature of scientific thinking
H2. applies the processes that are used to test and validate models, theories and laws, to investigations
H3. assesses the contribution of scientific advances on the development of technologies
H4. assesses the impacts of applications of science on society and the environment
H5. describes possible future directions of scientific research
1. Increases in scientific understanding and
technological advances have broadened
options for maintaining humans
as functioning organisms
 identify parts of the body and the biomaterials and
biomedical devices that can be used to replace
damaged or diseased body parts including: pins,
screws and plates, artificial joints, pacemakers,
artificial valves, crowns, dentures, lenses,
prosthetic limbs, cochlear implants

gather and process information from secondary
sources to trace the historical development of one
of the following implants:
– cochlear implants
– artificial valves
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Identity the part of the body that is replaced by [insert name of any device from list in
dot point].
Define the term “biomaterial”.
Identify the biomaterial/s used in by [insert name of any device from list in dot point].
Assess the contribution of scientific advances on the development of pacemakers. (H3) (4M)
Assesses the impacts of applications of science on society. (H4) (5M)
Propose a possible future direction of scientific research into the use of prosthetic limbs.
7.
8.
Assesses the impacts of cochlear implants science on society. (H4) (4M)
9.
Construct a timeline to show the key advances in the development of artificial heart valves.
(4M)
Describe the structure of a heart valve. (3M)
Outline the function of a heart valve.
Explain how the function of a heart valve is determined by its structure. (5M)
Explain how the function of the atria in the heart is related to their structure.
Explain how the function of the ventricles in the heart is related to their structure.
Compare the structure of arteries and veins and relate their structures to their
functions. (6M)
Assess the contribution of scientific advances on the development of cochlear implants. (H3)
(4M)
2.
The regular beating of the heart and
continuity of the flow of blood through the
heart and around the body is needed to
maintain good health

explain the relationship between the structure and
function of the following parts of the heart
- valves
- atria
- ventricles
- major arteries and veins
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

gather, identify data sources, plan, choose
equipment or resources for, perform a first-hand
investigation and analyse information about
changes in the heartbeat rate before and after
physical activity
16. Recount how you carried out an investigation to gather and analyse information
about changes in the heartbeat rate before and after physical activity. (6M)
17. Identify the independent and dependent variables in the investigation that you
carried out to learn about changes in the heartbeat rate before and after physical
activity.
18. Identify the variables that needed to be kept constant in your investigation about the
changes in the heartbeat rate before and after physical activity.
19. Outline the strategies that you used to ensure that some variables were kept
constant in the investigation of the changes in the heartbeat rate before and after
physical activity.
20. Account for the changes in heartbeat rate that occur before and after physical
activity.

explain that specialised tissues in the heart
produce an electrical signal that stimulates
rhythmic contractions of the cardiac muscle
21. Identify the function of the sino-atrial node in the heart.
22. Explain why the heart of an accident victim whose spine has been severed just
below the neck may continue to beat normally.

plan and perform an investigation to identify
individual aspects that comprise the heartbeat
23. Recount an investigation that you conducted to identify individual aspects that
comprise a heartbeat and outline the results of the investigation. (6M)
24. Describe the key events in the sequence in which they occur during one cycle of a
heartbeat. (4M)

discuss the problems that can result from
interruptions to the normal rhythm of the heart
25. Outline the problems that can result from interruptions to the normal rhythm of the
heart. (2M)

identify that a pacemaker will produce a regular
electrical impulse
26. Identify the function of a pacemaker.
27. Outline the natural process in the heart that a pacemaker replaces.
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
identify the types of materials used to make
pacemakers and the properties that make these
suitable for implanting in the body
28. Identify the types of materials used to make pacemakers and the properties that
make these suitable for implanting in the body.
29. Pacemakers make use of electronic components and chemicals in their batteries
that are not biocompatible. Explain how it is nevertheless possible to leave the
pacemaker inside the body.

identify data sources, gather, process and analyse
information to outline the historical development of
pacemakers and use available evidence to
identify types of technological advances that have
made their development possible
describe the problems that can result from faulty
valves in the heart
describe the properties of materials such as
Teflon/pyrolytic carbon that make them versatile
materials for making artificial body parts, including
heart valves
30. Identify four technological advances that have made the development of
pacemakers possible. (4M)
31. Outline how improvements in battery technology have affected the use of
pacemakers.

process information to identify different types and
functions of artificial valves in the heart
35. Describe four different types of artificial heart valves. (4M)
36. Outline the function of artificial heart valves.
37. Describe three problems that had to be overcome when using artificial heart valves
and outline how these problems were addressed. (6M)

describe and explain the effects of a build-up of
plaque on the walls of major arteries and veins on
blood flow to and from the heart
38. What is meant by the term “plaque” as it applies to the human circulatory system?
39. Explain the effects of a build-up of plaque on the walls of major arteries and veins on
blood flow to and from the heart. (4M)

construct a simple model to demonstrate the
function of valves in the heart
40. Describe a model that you constructed to demonstrate the function of a heart valve
and outline the main function of a heart valve that your model demonstrated.
41. How did you test and validate your models? (H2)

gather information from secondary sources on
techniques used, including angioplasty, to ease
blood flow to and from the heart and in blood
vessels, when there has been a build-up of plaque
discuss ways in which plaque could be eliminated
or altered to ease blood flow
42. Describe some techniques used to improve blood flow when there has been a buildup of plaque. (4M)
43. Outline the process of angioplasty and the condition that it is used to treat. (4M)
gather, process and analyse information to outline
areas of current research in heart transplants
and/or artificial hearts and their impact on society
45. Outline current areas of research into the development of artificial hearts. (4M)
46. Assesses the impacts of heart transplants on society. (4M) (H4)
47. Propose a possible future direction of scientific research in the area of heart transplants. (2M)
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

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32. Describe the problems that can result from faulty valves in the heart. (2M)
33. Describe the properties of Teflon that makes it a useful material for making artificial
heart valves.
34. Describe the properties of pyrolytic carbon that makes it a useful material for making
artificial heart valves.
44. Discuss ways in which plaque could be eliminated or altered to improve blood flow.
(5M)
(H5)
48. Propose a possible future direction of scientific research in the area of artificial hearts. (2M)
(H5)
3. The wide range of movements, continual
absorption of shocks and diseases make the
skeletal system vulnerable to damage but new
technologies are allowing the replacement of
some damaged structures
 identify the role of the skeletal system particularly
in relation to maintaining an upright stance and
protecting vital organs
49. Outline two roles of the skeletal system.
50. Describe how a human is able to maintain an upright stance with particular
reference to the skeleton and its interaction with other key body systems. (6M)
51. Identify two parts of the skeletal system that protect vital organs and identity the
organs that are protected. (2M)

describe the different types of synovial joints as
–
ball and socket
–
hinge
–
double hinge
–
sliding
–
pivot
and identify their location
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.

perform an investigation to demonstrate the
different types of joints and the range of
movements they allow
perform a first-hand investigation to remove
calcium compounds from chicken bones to
examine the flexible nature of bones
58. Describe the range of movements of each of the following types of joints; ball and
socket, hinge, double hinge, sliding and pivot.

Describe what is meant by the term “synovial joint”. (2M)
Identify the locations in the body of ball and socket joints.
Identify the location in the body of a hinge joint.
Identify the location in the body of a double hinge joint.
Identify the locations in the body of a sliding joint.
Identify the locations in the body of a pivot joint.
59. Outline the method used to remove calcium compounds from chicken bones. (4M)
60. Describe two significant observations that you made about the nature of bones after
the calcium compounds were removed from them. (2M)
61. Account for the flexible nature of the chicken bone after its treatment with acid. (2M)
2
62. Identify a risk involved in the process of removing calcium from chicken bones and
outline how you minimised the potential hazard.

perform an investigation to examine the
relationship between cartilage, muscle, tendon
and bone in an animal limb
63. Identify two functions of cartilage in a synovial joint. (2M)
64. Draw a diagram to show the relationship between muscle, bones and tendons. (2M)
65. Explain how muscles, bones and tendons work together to produce movement. (3M)

describe the role of cartilage and synovial fluid in
the operation of joints
66. Describe the role of cartilage in the operation of joints. (2M)
67. Describe the role of synovial fluid in the operation of joints. (2M)

process secondary information to compare the
shock absorbing abilities of different parts of
bones
68. Use a diagram to describe the different parts of a bone such as the femur (upper leg
bone). (3M)
69. Compare the shock absorbing abilities of different parts of bones. (2M)

plan, choose equipment or resources for and
perform a first-hand investigation to demonstrate
properties of silicone such as acid resistance,
flexibility and imperviousness to water that make it
suitable for use in bionics
70. Recount how you investigated the acid resistant properties of silicone. In your
answer describe the use of a control in the investigation. (4M)
71. Describe the observations that you made in your investigation to investigate acid
resistance of silicone and write a conclusion based on these observations. (4M)
72. Answer the previous two questions, substituting “flexibility” and “imperviousness to
water” for “acid resistance”.

identify the properties of silicone that make it
suitable for use in bionics
explain why silicone joints would be suitable
substitutes for small joints in the fingers and toes
that bear little force
describe the properties that make ultrahigh
molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) a
suitable alternative to cartilage surrounding a ball
and socket joint in terms of its
–
biocompatability with surrounding tissue
–
low friction
–
durability
73. Identify the properties of silicone that make it suitable for use in bionics. (3M)
describe the properties of materials such as
‘superalloy’ that make a ball and stem for the
bone components of a large joint including:
– low weight
– good compatibility with body tissue
– inertness
analyse secondary information to compare the
strength of UHMWPE and ‘superalloy’ metal
79. Describe three properties that make ‘superalloy’ a suitable material for use in a ball
and socket joint. (3M)
80. Contrast the properties of silicone and superalloy. (2M)
81. Compare the properties of superalloy and UHMWPE. (2M)

explain why artificial joints have the articulating
ends covered in polyethylene
84. What is meant by the term “articulation” in relation to human joints? (2M)
85. Explain why artificial joints have the articulating ends covered in polyethylene. (3M)

identify that artificial implants can be either
cemented or uncemented into place
describe the properties of the cement that is used
in implants and discuss how an uncemented
implant forms a bond with bone
86. Outline two methods by which artificial implants can be secured in place. (2M)
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4. Life support systems can be used to sustain
life during operations or while the body
repairs itself
 perform an investigation to model the action of the
diaphragm in inhalation and exhalation
74. Explain why silicone is a suitable material for replacing small joints in fingers and
toes. (3M)
75. What is meant by the term “biocompatability”?
76. Describe three properties that make ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
(UHMWPE) a suitable alternative to cartilage in a ball and socket joint. (3M)
77. Describe the frictional characteristics of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
(UHMWPE) that make it suitable for use in ball and socket joints.
78. Outline why durability would be an important property of ultrahigh molecular weight
polyethylene (UHMWPE) in relation to its use in an artificial hip joint.
82. Describe the biomedical materials known as UHMWPE and “superalloy”. (2M)
83. Clarify the meaning of the word “strength” in the context of the biomedical materials
UHMWPE and superalloy and compare the strength of these materials.
87. Outline how an uncemented implant used as a part of an artificial hip joint stays in
place. (3M)
88. Describe the “cement” that is used in artificial joints such as a hip joint. (2M)
89. Use a diagram to clarify the nature of the model you used to show the action of the
diaphragm when inhalation and exhalation occurs. (4M)
90. Compare the model with the real system that it was modelling and justify the use of
scientific models with reference to this one. (5M)

describe the structures of the respiratory system
and identify their function including
– trachea
– bronchi
– alveoli
– capillary network around the alveoli
91. Sketch a diagram of the respiratory system showing the lungs, trachea, bronchi and
alveoli. (4M)
92. Describe the structure of the trachea (2M) and relate its structure to its function
(2M).
93. Use a diagram to show how alveoli work in conjunction with capillaries to carry out
their functions. (4M)

perform a first-hand investigation to identify
carbon dioxide in inhaled air and in exhaled air
and determine which has the greater
concentration
94. Recount how you carried out an investigation to identify carbon dioxide in inhaled
and exhaled air and state the conclusion that you reached about the concentration
of carbon dioxide in air before it is breathed in and when it is breathed out. (5M)
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

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
5.
explain why cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
techniques can maintain life when the heart has
ceased beating
identify that artificial lungs remove carbon dioxide
from the blood and replace it with oxygen
discuss the type of operations that would require
the use of an artificial lung
95. Explain why cardio-pulmonary resuscitation techniques can maintain life when the
heart has ceased beating. (4M)
identify the devices that constitute life support
systems in any major hospital
gather, process and present information from
secondary sources to identify monitoring and
other devices that constitute life support systems
and use available evidence to explain their roles
in maintaining life
98. Identify four life support systems that would be commonly found in a hospital. (2M)
96. Outline the functions of artificial lungs. (2M)
97. Discuss two types of operations that would require the use of an artificial lung and
justify this requirement. (4M)
99. Describe two devices used to monitor a patient’s wellbeing in a hospital. (4M)
100. Explain the roles of the following life support systems; (a) heart-lung machine
(b) insulin pump (c) Intravenous drip (d) pacemaker
The use of non-invasive or minimally invasive
medical techniques has greatly reduced risks
to patients and has increased our
understanding of how the body works

discuss the terms non-invasive and minimally
invasive in relation to medical techniques
101. With reference to specific examples, compare the features of medical techniques
that would enable them to be classified as non-invasive or minimally invasive. (4M)

identify data sources, gather, process, analyse
and present information to discuss the
advantages and disadvantages of non-invasive
and minimally invasive medical techniques
describe the advantages of using minimally
invasive surgery techniques such as keyhole
surgery
102. Present and analyse information to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
non-invasive and minimally invasive medical techniques. (5M)

identify non-invasive diagnostic techniques
including X-rays, ultrasound, thermography and
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and discuss
their importance in diagnostic medicine
105. Identify the features shared by X-rays, ultrasound, thermography and magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI). (2M)
106. Outline why X-rays, ultrasound, thermography and magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) are important medical procedures. (2M)
107. Outline how an X-ray [or substitute for X-ray ultrasound, thermography or magnetic
MRI] is carried out. (3M)

gather, process and analyse information and use
available evidence to discuss how technological
developments have impacted on the
understanding of how the body works
108. Discuss, using specific examples, how technological developments have impacted
on the understanding of how the body works. (6M)
109. The use of ultrasound has been a significant technological development. Describe
the contribution of ultrasound to our understanding of how the body works. (3M)

103. Describe what is meant by the term “keyhole surgery” and outline two examples of
this type of procedure. (4M)
104. Describe the advantages of using keyhole surgery. (3M)
110. Discuss advances in technology that have changed medical scientific thinking. (4M)
111. Propose what scientific advances were required to develop the heart pacemaker.
(4M)
112. Assess the impact of three applications of medical science on society. (6M)
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