Biomedical Engineering (BE)

The Learning Environment

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers nine engineering programs leading to the degree of bachelor of science (BS) degree: aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, industrial and mechanical engineering.

Five combined BS/MBA programs are offered in conjunction with the School of Management. BA, BS, and BS/MS degrees in computer science are offered through the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. A BS degree in engineering physics is offered jointly with the Department of Physics.

The curricula allow students flexibility in their programs of study and encourages interaction between students and faculty. The undergraduate educational experience prepares students for professional practice and advanced study. Special programs including our experiential learning program, undergraduate research, and internship opportunities provide professional development skills and experiences and facilitate placement of our graduates in high-quality engineering positions.

About Our Facilities

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences occupies six buildings on UB's north campus: Bell, Bonner, Davis, Furnas, Jarvis, and Ketter Hall.

Together, these buildings form an outstanding educational and research facility, comprising 275,000 square feet of laboratory and office space.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering is located in Bonner Hall on the North Campus, although faculty in the Department are located on each of the three UB campuses. There are two primary laboratory spaces used in undergraduate education: our modern, well-equipped wet lab and dry lab that encompass over 2000 sq ft. These spaces are also available to students outside of class time for independent project work. Additionally, students have access to shared project spaces within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Students who wish to engage in research will also find cutting-edge research labs.

About Our Faculty

With thirteen full-time faculty members and numerous other affiliated faculty members, undergraduate BME students will interact with our faculty in the classroom and through research activities. Our faculty are engaged in cutting-edge research in the areas of nanomedicine, tissue engineering, biomedical imaging and biomedical devices, among others; this research activity is translated to the classroom so that undergraduate students understand the changes occurring in the field. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to engage with our faculty in research and design projects.

The Chair and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Albert H. Titus, may be contacted at ahtitus@buffalo.edu to answer questions about the program.

Faculty List Directory

Please visit the Biomedical Engineering department website for additional information about our faculty.

BE Courses

BE 201LR Principles of Biomedical Engineering
Lecture

Introduces students to biomedical engineering. Provides an introduction to bioengineering labs and confidence in performing a lab, and provides competence in technical writing and an introduction to writing lab reports. Finally, students will learn how to assemble a poster presentation and gain an understanding of its important in conveying science and technological findings to their community.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Summer
Prerequisites: MTH 141 and (PHY 101 or PHY 107 or PHY 117);Approved and Intended Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 202LR Applied Medical and Engineering Biology
Lecture

Emphasizes foundations of our understanding of cells, cell organelles, membrane structure, bioenergetics, photosynthesis, cytoskeleton, cell matrix, cell cycle, protein trafficking, nucleic acids, and cell reproduction. Engineering applications of this material are stressed.

Credits: 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: CHE 102 or CHE 106 or CHE 108;Approved and Intended Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 304LR Principles of Medical Imaging
Lecture

A one semester course covering the basic aspects of medical imaging. The most commonly used imaging modalities (projection x-ray, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance, ultrasound, and microscopy) are discussed in terms of the mathematics, the physical systems, data produced, and the quality of these data.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: MTH 142;
Corequisites: BE 202;Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 305LR Biomaterials and Mechanics
Lecture

This course will introduce the common biomaterials used in biological and medical applications, including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, etc.; properties of biomaterials (physical properties and surface characteristics); interactions of biomaterials with cells and tissues (biocompatibility); testing of biomaterials and biodegradation. This course will also introduce the concepts and models of solid biomechanics, which is an important physical property of the biomaterials.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: (PHY 108 or PHY 118) and PHY 158;
Corequisites: BE 201;Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 307LR Biomedical Circuits and Signals
Lecture

Designed for BE juniors. Explores fundamental knowledge of biological signals and the circuitry and software used to acquire, analyze, and process these circuits and signals. Reviews basic properties of signals and systems, develops an in-depth knowledge of electronic circuit design, and exposes students to problem-oriented design with special emphasis on problems particular to biomedical applications, and integrates the physiological concepts with electronic design to prepare the students for solving problems in any area of biomedical engineering. Teaches LabView, a graphical programming tool for virtual instrumentation. Students will develop skills to analyze, design, and build both real and virtual instruments for biomedical research applications and prototyping of medical devices.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: (PHY 108 or PHY 118) and PHY 158 and (EAS 230 or EAS 240 or CSE 115 or EAS 999TRCP);
Corequisites: BE 201;Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 308LR Biofluid Mechanics
Lecture

Principles of fluid mechanics as applied in physiological systems with the primary focus on the human circulatory system. This course will prepare students for advanced topics in biofluids transport, cardiovascular biomechanics, and biofluids modeling.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: BE 305 and MTH 241 and MTH 306;Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 309LR Biomedical Chemical Principles 1
Lecture

This course introduces basic concepts of biochemistry for biomedical engineering, with a focus on engineering solutions and applications.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: CHE 102 or CHE 106 or CHE 108;Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 310LR Biomedical Chemical Principles 2
Lecture

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes of living things. The course covers the fundamentals of biological chemistry. We will introduce the structures and functions of major biomolecules found in the cells, including water, amino acids, nucleic acids, proteins, sugars and polysaccharides, and lipids. We will introduce biotechnologies used in the synthesis, purification and characterization of proteins and nucleic acids, such as solid phase peptide synthesis, chromatography, electrophoresis, western blotting, qRT-PCR, and DNA sequencing.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: BE 309 or CHE 201 or CHE 203;
Corequisites: BE 202;Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 311LR Biomedical Engineering Cellular and Molecular Lab
Lecture

One of two courses intended to expose junior-level students to BE lab techniques and analysis procedures. The lab provides hands-on experience with cell culture technology with emphasis on the principles and practices of initiation, cultivation, maintenance, preservation of cell lines and applications. Biochemical and biophysical characteristics of cells in culture. Analysis of cell viability, growth and proliferation. Basic training in microscopy, spectrophotometry, and immunological methods. The lectures will focus on background material for the lab exercises as well as provide a forum for discussion of current research in BE. Please be advised that this course requires a $110.00 lab fee. This fee will cover consumables and equipment needed for all lab coursework and projects.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: PHY 158;
Corequisites: BE 201;Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 312LLB Biomedical Engineering Biosignals Lab
Lecture

One of two courses intended to expose junior-level students to BE lab techniques and analysis procedures. The labs are an extension of course material learned in a previous class in biomechanics and biomaterials as well as course material learned in a concurrent class in biomedical circuits and signals. Initial lab sessions will focus on lab safety, technical communications, and the statistical and error analysis of data. Please be advised that this course requires a $88.00 lab fee. This fee will cover consumables and equipment needed for all lab coursework and projects.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: EAS 305;
Corequisites: BE 202;Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 400LEC Biomedical Engineering Special Topics
Lecture

Topics and instructors vary by semester as determined by instructor, but each will focus on current aspects of or new technologies within Biomedical Engineering.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Varies
Prerequisites: EAS 207; BE Approved Majors only
BE 403LR Biomedical Instrumentation
Lecture

Introduction to biomedical instrumentation covering clinical and research measurements. Covers topics in biomedical electronics, measurement techniques, understanding of transducers used in measurements and system for physical, optical, electrical, mechanical, thermal transductions mechanics. Specifically measurement techniques using biopotential electrodes, strain transducers, pressure sensors, flow sensors, biochemical sensors are discussed. Further, this course also introduces students to basic principles in data acquisition and signal processing of sensory data.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: BE 304 and BE 307 and BE 312;Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 405LR Transport Processes in Biomedical Engineering
Lecture

Covers the basic molecular mechanics of fluid and electrolyte transport across cell membranes and epithelia. Emphasizes the description of these mechanisms using mathematical formulations and computer modeling. Describes the extraction of parameters from experimental data. subjects include osmotic pressure, conversion of energy between electrical, chemical and physical quantities, application of these principles to ion homeostasis, transport and signaling. Also examines organ level applications in the neuronal action potential, cell volume regulation and water transport.

Credits: 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: BE 308 and BE 310 or CHE 202.Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 406LR Biological Systems Engineering
Lecture

Topics include mathematical techniques for optimization, genomics-genome sequencing, genome sequence annotation, metabolic networks, linear and quadratic optimization for metabolic network optimizations, experimental approaches to metabolic network optimization, c-labeling for metabolic flux determination, examples of using such approaches for high value chemical production optimization, background on cell signaling, biochemical/biophysical description of major signaling pathways including techniques for collecting experimental data, strategies for modeling signaling networks, examples of utilizing a mathematical framework to predict (and manipulate) cellular behavior in response to specific stimuli, examples of cell signaling in disease states, background and description of genetic networks, experimental approaches to genetic networks, strategies for modeling genetic networks, examples of describing/predicting genetic network behavior using mathematical tools, and an overview of genomic and proteomic methodologies.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: (EAS 230 or EAS 240 or CSE 115 or EAS 999TRCP) and BE 312 and MTH 306;Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 420LEC Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine
Lecture

This course will introduce the concepts and approaches for biomaterial application in the field of regenerative medicine. Significance and role of biomaterials in tissue regeneration, drug delivery, sensors and imaging. Chemical, physical, thermal, mechanical properties of polymers, natural material, ceramics and metals as biomaterials Response of biomaterials. Material sources, scale-up, processing and manufacturability. Methodologies for scaffolding, surface modification and recognition, micro/nanoparticle fabrication. Current status of biomaterial development.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: BE 305 And CHE 201 or CHE 203Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 430LEC Bio Micro Sensors and Devices
Lecture

The course focuses on the design, fabrication and operation of microsensors for biomedical applications, in particular for wearable devices. The course begins with an overview of sensing concepts in general (sensitivity vs. selectivity, linearity, drift, etc.) and then covers measurement and detection limits. Then it covers sensing methods. There is a discussion of microfabrication techniques as they apply to microsensors, for silicon-based devices and organic devices. Microarrays are also introduced. Finally, the course finishes with a discussion of state-of-the-art point-of-care devices and a discussion of FDA regulations.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: BE 301 and BE 307 and approved BME majors
BE 442LEC Introduction to Biomedical Optics and Ultrasound
Lecture

This course is designed for BME seniors and graduate students. This course content covers the fundamentals of biomedical optics and ultrasound and their applications in medical imaging and therapy.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Varies
Prerequisites: BE 304 and 307; BE majors only.
BE 450LEC Orthopedic Science and Engineering
Lecture

This course is designed for BME undergraduate students. The course content is directed towards developing a fundamental knowledge of orthopedic basic science and engineering (functional anatomy, biology, injury mechanisms, and repair techniques/devices/therapeutics). This course will expose students to problem-oriented design with special emphasis on practical problems encountered in orthopedic surgery.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Varies
Prerequisites: BE 202 and BE 305
BE 451LEC Electrochemical Aspects of Metallic Biomaterials
Lecture

This lecture based course will cover relevant aspects of metallurgy, materials science, surface science, corrosion science, and electrochemical characterization of metallic biomaterials used for orthopedic and dental applications

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Varies
Prerequisites: BE 305LR
BE 453LEC Rehabilitation Engineering
Lecture

Rehabilitation engineering aims to investigate, design, and apply technologies to address issues in human disability, motor functionality, and improving the quality of life for people with paretic neuromuscular function. The course will examine the human sensory-motor system, prosthetics and orthotics, human gait, robotic systems for rehabilitation, and clinical applications. The goal of this course is to provide an engineering framework for the principles and design of modern rehabilitation technologies.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: BE 305, BE 307, and approved Biomedical Engineering students only
BE 455LEC Biomechanics and Mechanobiology
Lecture

This course provides an introduction to both the mechanical behavior of cell and tissues and the biological responses of these biological systems to mechanical stimuli. Topics include subcellular and cellular mechanics, tissue mechanics, experimental methods and theoretical modeling for cell and tissue mechanics, mechanotransduction, mechanoregulation of development, mechanoregulation of diseases, experimental methods for mechanobiology.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Varies
Prerequisites: BE 305 or permission of instructor
BE 459LEC Introduction to Neural Engineering
Lecture

The course will introduce students to the field of Neural Engineering that represents the application of Engineering to Neurosciences. After an introduction to clinical neurophysiology (from the book: Principles of Neural Science), we will focus on the Theory and Physiology of Electrical Stimulation of the Nervous System (from the book: Neuroengineering) towards monitoring and activating neural function in health and disease. Students will learn the basic principles of clinical neurophysiology, principles of neural stimulation and recording, and its application in the disorders of the nervous system. Students will also learn about current challenges and future directions in this field.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: BE 307 and BE 312.
BE 460LEC Intro to MRI
Lecture

This course covers topics related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including: Magnetic resonance signal generation and detection; spatial encodings; image formation and reconstruction; image contrasts; biomedical applications; advanced imaging techniques. This course is the same as BE 460, and course repeat rules will apply. Students should consult with their major department regarding any restrictions on their degree requirements.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: PHY 108 or PHY 118 and Approved Biomedical Engineering Major or Approved Electrical Engineering Major.
BE 461LEC Introduction to Biomedical Image Analysis
Lecture

Designed for BE seniors and first year graduate students. This course focuses on computational quantification of biologically relevant micro/macroscopic structures in biomedical images. Students will learn how (i) raw data is acquired before digitization; (ii) to read, display, and interpret various medical image data types using a computer; (iii) to detect, segment, and quantify heterogeneous structures in biomedical images; (iv) to leverage features extracted from biomedical images for classification; (v) to setup experiments in MATLAB via script writing for biomedical image analysis. Image analysis problems related to fluorescence and brightfield microscopy and fluorescence molecular tomography systems and corresponding biomedically relevant computational image analysis tools will be discussed. Simulated and real images of these systems will be used for quantitative analysis via MATLAB based script writing. This course is the same as PAS 461 and course repeat rules will apply. Students should consult with their major department regarding any restrictions on their degree requirements.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: EAS 230 or EAS 240, EAS 305 or EE 305, and BE 304
BE 462LEC Engineering Principles of Computer Tomography
Lecture

This class is an introduction to fundamental aspects of Computed Tomography Principles, design Artifacts and Recent Advances. Students will learn basic description of the reconstruction, artifacts and image representation associate with the Computed Tomography Acquisition.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: MTH 241, PHY 108,BE 304
BE 463LLB Introduction to Data and Image Processing Using LabVIEW
Lecture

This course teaches students introductory concepts and techniques about signal and image processing and simulations using LabVIEW programming. In the first half students will learn how to create programs to simulate, measure and acquire data. In the second half the course covers basic aspects of instrument control, measurement analysis and image processing.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Varies
Prerequisites: 4th Year approved engineering majors, force registration and instructor approval.
BE 472LEC Biomedical Microtechnology and Nanotechnology
Lecture

This course will introduce principles and applications of micro/nanotechnologies for biomedicine. Topics include biomimetic nanostructure, micro/nanofabrication, micro/nanofluidics, nanomedicine, biosensors and nanotoxicology. Students with satisfactory completion of the course will have a demonstrated knowledge of how to apply micro/nanotechnology to address biomedical problems.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: BE 309 or CHE 201 or CHE 203;
Corequisites: BE 202;Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 480LLB BioMEMS Fabrication Laboratory
Lecture

An introduction into design and fabrication of microelectro mechanical systems for biological and biomedical applications (BioMEMS). Goal is to introduce students to the practice of device fabrication including mask layout, photolithography, chemical etching, thin film deposition, and polymer micromolding through hands on laboratory sessions. Basic cleanroom etiquette and device metrology will also be covered.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: BE 305 and BE 312 and approved BME majors only
BE 493TUT Research and Design in Biomedical Engineering
Tutorial

This course is an introduction to engineering research and design as applied to biomedical topics, and serves as a first semester of two semesters of senior capstone design (the subsequent course is BE 494 Senior Capstone Design Project). In this course segment the students will learn basic research tools as well as develop skills in project planning for their senior design project. Students will gain experience in group engineering design. By the end of the semester, students will have used these skills to have an initial project plan and schedule for the realization of a biomedical-related device or system. Students are required to attend weekly class meetings

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: BE 201 and BE 311 and BE 312;Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only;Senior Standing Required
BE 494SEM Senior Capstone Design Project
Seminar

Participation in group engineering design. By the end of the semester, students will complete a design and demonstrate a biomedical-related device or system that is a culmination of their previous biomedical engineering courses. Weekly meetings focus on design concepts, standards, planning, and group discussions of projects.

Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: BE 493;Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 496TUT Biomedical Engineering Internship
Tutorial

This course is designed to allow students to gain credits for their Biomedical Engineering degree while applying the skills and knowledge learned in an industry position. This is a variable unit course, up to three (3) credits. The number of credits to be earned is designated by the number of credits for which the student registers. For each credit hour, a minimum of forty-five (45) hours at the internship or jobsite must be completed.

Credits: 1 - 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Other Requisites: Biomedical Engineering Majors only; Seniors only.
BE 498TUT Undergraduate Research
Tutorial

Students work with the faculty members on research problems. Topics vary by professor.

Credits: 1 - 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisites: Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors Only
BE 499TUT Independent Study
Tutorial

Independent study allows individualized guidance of a faculty member; allows students to study a particular topic that is not offered in the curriculum but is of interest to both the student and faculty member. Requires dual registration in department office. Independent study under the guidance of a faculty member.

Credits: 1 - 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and student's adviser; Approved Biomedical Engineering Majors

Department of Biomedical Engineering