Biomedical Engineering (BE)

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.

This course includes cell and organ physiology concepts, such as cell biology, plasma membrane and potential, nervous system, muscle physiology, cardiac physiology, blood vessels and blood pressure, blood, immune system, respiratory system, fluid balance, and digestive system. By the end of the course, students are expected to have a broad understanding of physiological processes that underlie many subjects in Biomedical Engineering.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 an additional lab fee. This fee will cover consumables and equipment needed for all lab coursework and projects.

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 an additional lab fee. This fee will cover consumables and equipment needed for all lab coursework and projects.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cell-related phenomena important to tissue engineering and medicine: Cell-surface and cell-cell interactions; chemical/mechanical effects on cell function; cell/tissue engineering applications for better understanding, prevention, and treatment of human diseases. The course will satisfy the breadth and depth requirements in the Molecular/Cell/Tissue Engineering area of the BE Department, and will serve as a technical elective for students in Biomedical Engineering. It will be useful to those of our students who (a) are seeking employment in biotech industries, (b) pursue graduate studies in biomedical engineering and/or sciences, or (c) apply to medical school, because it will increase their level of understanding of current research efforts in cell and tissue engineering.

This course is a technical introduction to pattern classification and machine learning with a focus on biomedical data. Students will learn the details of classical and modern machine learning approaches and when to apply them. We will focus on applications to biomedical problems, including quantification, disease diagnosis, patient classification, and decision support systems. The lecture material will be a mix of theory and application, with both lecture notes and in-class demos used to describe the concepts behind each of the algorithms we will discuss. The goal is for students to feel confident in selecting and applying machine learning algorithms to problems in biomedical engineering. This course is dual-listed with BE 532.

In the first half of the course we explore the statics and dynamics needed to understand human posture and movement. This include laboratory experiences with biomechanics in various modalities of human movement (walking, jumping, various sports). This first module provides you with the scientific and engineering knowledge to engineer systems that work with human movement. In the second half of the course we explore occupational ergonomics, the science that uses knowledge of human capabilities and limitations to improve the design the work environment. It will cover relevant human anatomy, physical human capabilities in terms of physiology and biomechanics, allowing you to use this information to practice ergonomics in occupational and research settings.

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.

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.

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

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.

Modern neuroprosthetic devices are sensory based biorobotic systems driven by human biosignals. This course will examine these devices, how they work, and how to design them into a functioning mechatronic system. Students will learn hands-on skills developing a neuroprosthesis using Arduino compatible modules such as: EMG sensors, motors, microcontrollers, etc. Students will become familiar with the electronic systems and how to integrate them into a device, as well as programming the device to operate based on typical control algorithms. Mechanical drafting and development of a 3D printed prosthesis is also included. By the end of the course, students will have built a functioning mechatronic system for a neuroprosthetic device, and will have a broad understanding in prototyping/design of prosthetic systems. Computer programming, mechanics, and electronics course background strongly recommended. Pre-requisite BE 307 or equivalent.

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.

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. This course is dual-listed with BE 559.

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 EE 460, and course repeat rules will apply. Students should consult with their major department regarding any restrictions on their degree requirements.

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.

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.

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.

This course is a one-semester course introducing some techniques used in medical imaging, e.g., Fourier Transforms, convolution, basic imaging properties, image generation, and measurement techniques used in medical imaging. The course is designed to provide a basic understanding of medical imaging techniques followed up with hands-on experience and investigations into the implications of the introduced concepts.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.