Diseño de prácticas de laboratorio para la tarjeta de desarrollo ppg eduKit orientado para estudiantes de postgrado

Abstract

CONDITION FOR PUBLICATION OF PROJECT. (PPG) is a technique used to measure volumetric changes in blood flow. This method is commonly applied to the index finger. The device consists of electronic components that emit LED light, which passes through the person's dermis, while a photodetector measures the amount of absorbed light. This signal is processed by a microcontroller to determine the associated voltage, thereby calculating blood oxygen levels. In the postgraduate laboratory sessions of the Master's in Biomedical Engineering, educational PPG boards have been used. These sessions allow students to familiarize themselves with the principles of PPG, particularly in measuring blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, and heart rate. While generalized laboratory guides developed by the manufacturer are available, these are not adapted for the laboratories at ESPOL. This project proposes the design of new postgraduate-focused laboratory tutorials to facilitate learning in electronics, filters, signal acquisition, and artificial intelligence through the analysis of a PPG signal processing system. As part of a cooperation agreement between ESPOL and VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), the Master's in Biomedical Engineering program has access to PPG EduKit boards for studying the electronics and instrumentation implemented in this device, as well as the acquisition and visualization of photoplethysmography data. A group of students was provided with the new guides as part of their laboratory practices. Each tutorial consists of the following components: a pre-lab assignment, sent in advance for students to complete; the lab session, conducted jointly with the tutor in charge of the practical component; and an evaluation rubric, which allows the tutor to assess the student’s acquired knowledge through their lab reports. To validate IV these tutorials, data was collected from a total of twenty-seven undergraduate students majoring in mechatronics engineering at ESPOL, enrolled in the biomechatronic systems course. These tutorials improved undergraduate students' comprehension and understanding of the device for photoplethysmography applications in biomechatronic systems practices. The ultimate focus of these guides is the postgraduate group in the Master in Biomedical Engineering, making it valid to test their implementation with undergraduate students first. The guides will be made available for future cohorts of the Master in Biomedical Engineering at ESPOL. Keywords: Photoplethysmography, Laboratory tutorials, Assessment, Master's Degree, Biomedical Engineering.