Biomedical Engineering
Undergraduate Courses
BME 1001. Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This course uses lectures, demonstrations, projects and scientific literature readings on the major branches of biomedical engineering. A series of guest lectures, including device demonstrations introduce students to the many branches of biomedical engineering. Course work for BME 1001 is based on small, creative projects focusing on primary literature, department research, global health, and biomedical engineering as a whole.
BME 1004. Introduction to Programming in Matlab
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This course will introduce basic and essential programming skills in modern engineering program language, Matlab, to all BME students. The course will include basic programming syntax, control structures, data structures (vectors, matrices, structures, cell arrays), 2D images, 3D image volumes, string manipulations, File I/O, figure plotting/visualization, image display, and basic graphical user interface (GUI) design. NOTE: The course does not count for engineering credits, but will fulfill the computer programming requirement for BME students.
BME 2001. Introduction to Biomaterials
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This beginning course provides important background for all science and engineering disciplines regarding the capabilities and limitations of materials relevant to the development of medical devices. Students are introduced to the fundamental theme of materials science structureproperty-processing relationships in biomaterials, specifically metals, ceramics, and plastics. Aspects of material structure range from the atomic to microstructural and macroscopic scales. In turn, these structural features determine the properties of materials. In particular, this course investigates connections between structure and mechanical properties, and how working and thermal treatments may transform structure and thus alter material properties. This knowledge is then applied to material selection decisions for the design of medical devices and engineered tissues. Students who have previously received credit for ES 2001 or BME 2811 may not receive credit for BME 2001.
BME 2210. Biomedical Signals, Instruments and Measurements
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This course is an introduction to the instrumentation methods used to measure, store and analyze the signals produced by biomedical phenomena. The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the basic design and implementation of techniques for measuring a broad scope of signal types for molecular, cellular and physiological research. Sensors used for acquiring electrical, magnetic, optical/spectral and chemical signals will be covered. Topics include the underlying physics and chemistry of biomedical signals, biosensor types and usage, amplification and signal conditioning, data acquisition methods, and sources of artifact and noise.
BME 2211. Biomedical Data Analysis
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
To learn the fundamentals of basic signal processing methods as well as linear time series analyses framework for modeling and mining biological data. Tools of data analysis include statistics for determining significance of a result, Laplace and Z transforms, convolution, correlation, sampling theorem, Fourier transform, transfer function, coherence function and various filtering techniques. The goal of this course is to offer the students an opportunity to learn and model and simulate static and dynamic physiological systems using linear systems theory. First principles of chemistry and physics are used to quantitatively model physiological systems. Most of the models are based on linear systems theory. Simulations and estimation are performed using Matlab and already-developed software.
BME 2502. Introduction to Biomechanics: Stress Analysis
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This is an introductory course that addresses the analysis of basic mechanical and structural elements relevant to biomechanics. Topics include general concepts of stresses, strains, and material properties of biomaterials and biological materials including viscoelasticity. Also covered are stress concentrations, two-dimensional stress transformations, principal stresses, and Mohrs circle. Applications are to uniaxially loaded bars, circular shafts under torsion, bending and shearing and deflection of beams. Both statically determinate and indeterminate problems are analyzed.
BME 2610. Introduction to Bioprocess Engineering
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This course is an introduction to fundamental material and energy balances related to the field of Biomedical Engineering. The fundamentals of bioprocess engineering calculations and data analysis, and bioengineering processes and process variables will be covered. Students will learn to identify a system, define boundary conditions, and characterize the system processes to generate appropriate material and energy balances using the principles of conservation of mass and energy. Fundamentals and applications in the human body and biomanufacturing are examined. Specific examples may include an organ, multiple organs or the entire body, bioprocess instrumentation, individual or groups of cells, cell culture bioreactors, tissue engineered scaffolds, and drug delivery systems.
BME 3014. Physiological Signals Laboratory I: Techniques
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This course is an introduction to the computational methods used to extract and analyze the signals produced by biomedical phenomena. The goal of this course is to familiarize the student with implementing the most common algorithmic approaches for data analysis used in biomedical engineering. Coursework will cover programming for topics such as peak detection, spectral analysis and the fast Fourier transform FFT method, auto-regression analysis, polynomial trend removal, and signal filtering methods.
BME 3111. Physiology and Engineering
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This course provides students with an understanding of mammalian physiology and the engineering aspects of different physiological systems. The course will have both a lecture and laboratory portion. The laboratory portion will provide the students with the ability to analyze and interpret data from living systems, which is a required ABET program criteria for student majoring in Biomedical Engineering. The course will focus on a number of organ systems that may include cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal. Engineering principles that include biomechanical, bioelectrical, and biofluids will be applied to physiological systems.
BME 3112. Human Physiology for Biomedical Engineers
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This course provides students with an understanding of the structure, function and pathologies of physiological systems such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, and the renal system. The course will teach the mechanisms of organ function from an engineering standpoint that help students understand the principles and techniques employed in designing devices used to treat or correct pathological conditions in these organ systems. Students will gain a better understanding of the interface between physiology and device design used in medical devices such as stents, catheters, pacemakers, ECG machines, and other devices as applicable. Special emphasis will be given to group discussions where students will discuss disease pathologies and review the devices used to treat those conditions. Students will be encouraged to review the device design and suggest improvements for better patient outcomes. Other topics covered in the course include regenerative medicine, biomedical ethics and the concept of Bioinspired design. This course will not count towards the Biomedical Engineering and Engineering course requirement for Biomedical Engineering majors. Students who have received credit for BME3111 cannot receive credit for BME3112.
BME 3300. Biomedical Engineering Design
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
Students are guided through the open-ended, real-world, design process starting with the project definition, specification development, management, team interactions and communication, failure and safety criteria, progress reporting, marketing concepts, documentation and technical presentation of the final project outcome. The course will include a significant writing component, will make use of computers, and hands-on design explorations. Students who have previously received credit for BME 2300 may not receive credit for BME 3300.
BME 3503. Skeletal Biomechanics Laboratory
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This laboratory course will help students increase their knowledge of the mechanics of the musculoskeletal system. Students will gain understanding of the course materials and technical skills through the combined hands-on application of state-of-the-art biomechanical testing equipment and computer simulation modules towards solving authentic problems involving balance, strength, and movement.
BME 3505. Solid Biomechanics Laboratory: Techniques
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This laboratory-driven solid biomechanics course provides hands-on experience in characterizing the mechanical properties of biological tissues such as bone, tendons, ligaments, skin, and blood vessels and their synthetic analogs. Students gain an in-depth understanding of the course material by performing uniaxial tension and compression, bending, and torsion tests on hard and soft tissues using industry-standard testing equipment and completing mechanical and statistical analysis of the data. Some sections of this course may be offered as Writing Intensive (WI).
BME 3506. Solid Biomechanics Laboratory: Applications
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This laboratory-driven solid biomechanics course provides hands-on experience in characterizing the mechanical properties of biological tissues such as bone, tendons, ligaments, skin, and blood vessels and their synthetic analogs, in the context of an authentic challenge. Students gain an in-depth understanding of the course material from personal observations, measurements, and analysis of biological tissues and synthetic replacement/fixation materials using industry-standard testing equipment. A challenge-based laboratory project will be assigned which will require the students to determine and execute effective test methods at their own pace in a team setting and communicate their findings effectively. Some sections of this course may be offered as Writing Intensive (WI).
BME 3605. Biotransport Laboratory II: Applications
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This laboratory-driven transport course provides hands-on experience in measuring heat, flow, and transport in biologically-relevant systems. Students gain an in-depth understanding of the course material from personal observations and measurements on model cardiovascular systems and connective tissues. Challenge-based laboratory projects will be assigned which will require the students to determine and execute effective test methods at their own pace in a team setting and communicate their findings effectively. Systems modeled may include blood vessels, stenotic vessels, and aneurysms. Connective tissues tested may include blood vessels and skin.
BME 3610. Transport Analysis in Bioengineering
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This course provides an overview of the modeling and analysis of fluid and mass transport processes related to the field of Biomedical Engineering and Bioprocess Engineering. Fundamentals and applications of hydrostatics, conservation of mass and momentum in modeling and analysis of biological fluid transport processes in the human body and bioprocess equipment are presented and discussed. It includes modeling and analysis of blood and biological fluid flow through blood vessels, capillary beds and bioprocess equipment. Modeling and analysis of diffusive and convective mass transport in biological conduits and membranes, selective permeability and nutrient/waste exchange in parenchymal tissues with transport barriers unique to biological systems such as intact and fenestrated endothelium. Basic concepts of pharmacokinetics such as plasma clearance, volume of distribution of drugs and other biological solutes in body tissues are also covered. Surface adsorption and membrane permeability concepts are covered in the context of biological soluted exchange in capillaries and bioprocess operations. Students may not receive credit for both BME 3610 and BME 36IX.
BME 3811. Biomaterials Lab
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This laboratory-driven course provides hands-on experience in the design, fabrication and characterization of biomaterials for medical applications. Students will use synthetic and natural polymer materials to fabricate a scaffold for applications such as tissue engineering, wound healing or controlled drug delivery. A challenge-based laboratory project will be assigned which will require the students to design a biomaterial scaffold that meets specific design criteria, and quantitatively assess the properties of this scaffold to evaluate how well the criteria were met. Design criteria may include mechanical strength, biocompatibility, porosity, degradation rate, or release kinetics. Students will complete the project at their own pace in a team setting and communicate their findings effectively.
BME 3813. Cellular Engineering Lab
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This laboratory-driven course provides hands-on experience in the application of bioengineering to control cellular processes. Students will be challenged to design an intervention to manipulate a specific cellular process (adhesion, proliferation, migration, differentiation) and use modern cellular and molecular biology tools to assess and refine their approach. Laboratory exercises will provide an overview of cell culture technique, microscopy and molecular probes, quantification of cell proliferation and migration, and assessment of cellular differentiation in the context of the assigned projects. Students will complete the project at their own pace in a team setting and communicate their findings effectively.
BME 4023. Biomedical Instrumentation Design
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This course builds on the fundamental knowledge of instrumentation and sensors. Lectures cover the principles of designing, building and testing analog instruments to measure and process biomedical signals. The course is intended for students interested in the design and development of electronic bioinstrumentation. Emphasis is placed on developing the students ability to design a simple medical device to perform real-time physiological measurements.
BME 4300. MQP Capstone Design
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This course guides students through the engineering design process during the first term of their MQP to aid them in fulfilling their capstone design requirement. The course focuses on developing a revised client statement based on the objectives, constraints, and functions of the design. Methods for concept generation, concept selection and development strategy will be covered. In addition, project planning tools, business plans, ethics, and design for manufacturability and sustainability will be covered. BME 4300 cannot be used to fulfill graduate degree requirements.
BME 4503. Computational Biomechanics
Cat II (offered at least every other Year).
This course will focus on using computational modeling approaches, particularly, finite element models, to simulate, validate, and analyze the biomechanics involved in soft and hard tissue deformation and stress/strain analysis in quasi-static or impact conditions. First, students will be introduced to the process of setting specific analytical goals and establishing the need for a specific quantitative biomechanical model. Then, basic underlying principles of forward and inverse static/dynamics simulations are covered. Finally, multi-scale and multi-step models will be introduced. During the process, material models and property assignment will also be covered. Model building, testing, optimization and validation with experimental data will be discussed. An introduction to tools and techniques used in computational biomechanics will be provided.
Students may not receive credit for both BME 450X and BME 4503.
This course will be offered in 2022-23, and in alternating years thereafter.
Graduate Courses
BME 520. Biomechanics and Robotics
This course introduces Biomechanics and Robotics as a unified subject addressing living and man-made organisms. It draws deep connections between the natural and the synthetic, showing how the same principles apply to both, starting from sensing, through control, to actuation. Those principles are illustrated in several domains, including locomotion, prosthetics, and medicine. The following topics are addressed: Biological and Artificial sensors, actuators and control, Orthotics Biomechanics and Robotics, Prosthetic Biomechanics and Robotics: Artificial Organs and Limbs, Rehabilitation Robotics and Biomechanics: Therapy, Assistance and Clinical Evaluation, Human-Robot Interaction and Robot Aided Living for Healthier Tomorrow, Sports, Exercise and Games: Biomechanics and Robotics, Robot-aided Surgery, Biologically Inspired Robotics and Micro- (bio) robotics, New Technologies and Methodologies in Medical Robotics and Biomechanics, Neural Control of Movement and Robotics Applications, Applied Musculoskeletal Models and Human Movement Analysis. This course meshes physics, biology, medicine and engineering and introduce students to subject that holds a promise to be one of the most influential innovative research directions defining the 21st century.
BME 530. Biomedical Materials
This course is intended to serve as a general introduction to various aspects pertaining to the application of synthetic and natural materials in medicine and healthcare. This course will provide the student with a general understanding of the properties of a wide range of materials used in clinical practice. The physical and mechanical property requirements for the long term efficacy of biomaterials in the augmentation, repair, replacement or regeneration of tissues will be described. The physico-chemical interactions between the biomaterial and the physiological environment will be highlighted. The course will provide a general understanding of the application of a combination of synthetic and biological moieties to elicit a specific physiological response. Examples of the use of biomaterials in drug delivery, theranostic, orthopedic, dental, cardiovascular, ocular, wound closure and the more recent lab-on-chip applications will be outlined. This course will highlight the basic terminology used in this field and provide the background to enable the student to review the latest research in scientific journals. This course will demonstrate the interdisciplinary issues involved in biomaterials design, synthesis, evaluation and analysis, so that students may seek a job in the medical device industry or pursue research in this rapidly expanding field. Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have received credit for the Special Topics (ME 593/MTE 594) version of the same course, or for ME/BME 4814 Biomedical Materials.
BME 531. Biomaterials in the Design of Medical Devices
Biomaterials are an integral part of medical devices, implants, controlled drug delivery systems, and tissue engineered constructs. Extensive research efforts have been expended on understanding how biologic systems interact with biomaterials. Meanwhile, controversy has revolved around biomaterials and their availability as a result of the backlash to the huge liability resulting from controversies related to material and processing shortcomings of medical devices. This course specifically addresses the unique role of biomaterials in medical device design and the use of emerging biomaterials technology in medical devices. The need to understand design requirements of medical devices based on safety and efficacy will be addressed. Unexpected device failure can occur if testing fails to account for synergistic interactions from chronic loading, aqueous environments, and biologic interactions. Testing methodologies are readily available to assess accelerated effects of loading in physiologic-like environments. This combined with subchronic effects of animal implants is a potential tool in assessing durability. It is difficult to predict the chronic effects of the total biologic environment. The ultimate determination of safety comes not only from following the details of regulations, but with an understanding of potential failure modes and designs that lowers the risk of these failures. This course will evaluate biomaterials and their properties as related to the design and reliability of medical devices.
BME 532. Medical Device Regulation
This course provides an overview of regulations that guide the medical devices industry. Primary focus is on the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and its associated regulations. The course covers the FD&C Act, including definitions, prohibited acts, penalties and general authority. The course also covers regulations, including establishment registration, premarket approval (PMA) and current good manufacturing practices. Requirements of other federal agencies (NRC, FCC, EPA) will also be discussed.
BME 533. Medical Device Innovation and Development
The goal of this course is to introduce medical device innovation strategies, design and development processes, and provide students with an understanding of how medical device innovations are brought from concept to clinical adoption. Students will have opportunities to practice medical device innovation through a team-based course project. Specific learning outcomes include describing and applying medical device design and development concepts such as value proposition, iterative design, concurrent design and manufacturing, intellectual property, and FDA regulation; demonstrating an understanding of emerging themes that are shaping medical device innovation; demonstrating familiarity with innovation and entrepreneurship skills, including customer discovery, market analysis, development planning, and communicating innovation; and gaining capability and confidence as innovators, problem solvers, and communicators, particularly in the medical device industry but transferable to any career path.
BME 535. Medical Device Design Controls
An introduction to the fundamentals of medical device design controls from concept generation to manufacturing. Students work in teams to navigate through the medical device design and development lifecycle on various device types, fulfilling design control requirements while learning what is required to bring a concept to life in industry. Students may not receive credit if they previously completed this course as BME 595: Special Topics. *Does not fulfil technical depth requirement.
BME 550. Tissue Engineering
This biomaterials course focuses on the selection, processing, testing and performance of materials used in biomedical applications with special emphasis upon tissue engineering. Topics include material selection and processing, mechanisms and kinetics of material degradation, cell-material interactions and interfaces; effect of construct architecture on tissue growth; and transport through engineered tissues. Examples of engineering tissues for replacing cartilage, bone, tendons, ligaments, skin and liver will be presented.
BME 552. Tissue Mechanics
This biomechanics course focuses on advanced techniques for the characterization of the structure and function of hard and soft tissues and their relationship to physiological processes. Applications include tissue injury, wound healing, the effect of pathological conditions upon tissue properties, and design of medical devices and prostheses.
BME 553. Biomechanics of Orthopaedic Devices
This course will survey different types of orthopaedic implants and devices, primarily focusing on joint arthroplasty and fracture fixation methods. Topics such as: device design and function, mechanics, materials, validation and testing, failure, use cases, and regulatory requirements will be discussed. Class projects and discussions will cover contemporary topics related to the design, manufacture, and post-implantation measurement and performance evaluation of orthopaedic devices. Students may not receive credit if they previously completed this course as BME 595: Special Topics.
BME 555. BioMEMS and Tissue Microengineering
This course covers microscale biological and physical phenomena and state-of-the-art techniques to measure and manipulate these processes. Topics include scaling laws, microfabrication, machining three-dimensional microstructures, patterning biomolecules, and designing and building microfluidic devices. We will cover various biomedical problems that can be addressed with microfabrication technology and their associated engineering challenges, with special emphasis on applications related to quantitative biology, tissue microengineering, controlling the cellular microenvironment, and clinical/diagnostic lab-on-a-chip devices.
BME 560. Physiology for Engineers
An introduction to fundamental principles in cell biology and physiology designed to provide the necessary background for advanced work in biomedical engineering. Quantitative methods of engineering and the physical sciences are stressed. Topics include cell biology, DNA technology and the physiology of major organ systems. NOTE: This course can be used to satisfy a life science requirement in the biomedical engineering program. It cannot be used to satisfy a biomedical engineering course requirement.
BME 562. Laboratory Animal Surgery
A study of anesthesia, surgical techniques and postoperative care in small laboratory animals. Anatomy and physiology of species used included as needed. Class limited to 15 students. Approximately 15 surgical exercises are performed by each student. NOTE: This course can be used to satisfy a life science requirement in the biomedical engineering program. It cannot be used to satisfy a biomedical engineering course requirement.
BME 564. Cell and Molecular Biology for Engineers
An advanced course in cell and molecular biology for engineering graduate students, with an emphasis on molecular approaches to measuring and manipulating cell responses for biomedical engineering applications. Course topics will include in depth exploration of the molecular basis of cellular function, including protein biochemistry, signal transduction, cell-extracellular matrix interactions and regulation of gene expression. Tools and techniques used in modern cell and molecular biology will be discussed in the context of current research literature. NOTE: This course can be used to satisfy a life science requirement in the graduate biomedical engineering program. It cannot be used to satisfy a biomedical engineering course requirement (undergraduate or graduate).
BME 580. Biomedical Robotics
This course will provide an overview of a multitude of biomedical applications of robotics. Applications covered include: image-guided surgery, percutaneous therapy, localization, robot-assisted surgery, simulation and augmented reality, laboratory and operating room automation, robotic rehabilitation, and socially assistive robots. Specific subject matter includes: medical imaging, coordinate systems and representations in 3D space, robot kinematics and control, validation, haptics, teleoperation, registration, calibration, image processing, tracking, and human-robot interaction.Topics will be discussed in lecture format followed by interactive discussion of related literature. The course will culminate in a team project covering one or more of the primary course focus areas. Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have taken the Special Topics (ME 593U) version of the same course.
BME 581. Medical Imaging Systems
Overview of the physics of medical image analysis. Topics covered include X-Ray tubes, fluoroscopic screens, image intensifiers; nuclear medicine; ultrasound; computer tomography; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Image quality of each modality is described mathematically, using linear systems theory (Fourier transforms, convolutions).
BME 583. Biomedical Microscopy and Quantitative Imaging
This course introduces fundamental principles of biomedical imaging focused on quantitative microscopy. Topics include physical basis of light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, live cell imaging and computer vision algorithms. Advanced topics include 3D imaging (confocal, light sheet, 2-photon), super-resolution, sample preparation, and equipment considerations. Selected topics in medical imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound) may be included, with hands-on instruction on commercial and student-built systems. NOTE: Students who received credit for BME 581 in Spring 2016 may not also receive credit for BME 583.
BME 591. Graduate Seminar
Topics in biomedical engineering are presented both by authorities in the field and graduate students in the program. Provides a forum for the communication of current research and an opportunity for graduate students to prepare and deliver oral presentations. Students may meet the attendance requirement for this course in several ways, including attendance at weekly biomedical engineering seminars on the WPI campus, attendance at similar seminar courses at other universities or biotech firms, attendance at appropriate conferences, meetings or symposia, or in any other way deemed appropriate by the course instructor.
BME 5910. Master's Design Project
A Masters Design Project experience is designed to enhance the professional development of the graduate student who wishes to focus on design. Masters Design Projects may be pursued within any laboratory or other organization within or external to WPI. The project deliverable must be the design or prototype of a device. This course is subject to approval by the departmental designee and sponsor.
BME 592. Healthcare Systems and Clinical Practice
This course fulfills the Clinical Competency requirement in Biomedical Engineering. The course will follow a seminar format, with healthcare professionals, faculty, and medical device industry experts serving as invited lecturers and case study presenters. The course is designed to introduce BME graduate students to clinical environments and practice, healthcare delivery systems, and communication with clinical stakeholders.
BME 5920. Master's Clinical Preceptorship
A Masters Clinical Preceptorship experience is designed to enhance the professional development of the graduate student who wishes to focus on clinical applications of BME. Clinical Preceptorships may be pursued at any organization providing clinical care, such as hospitals, physician offices, dentists, and veterinary clinics. This course is subject to approval by the departmental designee and external organization.
BME 593. Scientific Communication
Clear oral, written, and graphical communication of scientific methods and data is an essential skill for success, both in research and in industry. This course will cover aspects of scientific communication including: scientific manuscript preparation and the peer review process, technical report organization, graphical presentation of quantitative data, and oral presentation of scientific information. Organization and clarity will be emphasized in communicating scientific methods, results, and interpretation. Students will complete regular writing and presentation assignments and participate in peer critique sessions. Students will complete an original research article, review article, or technical report as a final project. Students may not receive credit if they previously completed this course as BME 393: Special Topics. *Does not fulfil technical depth requirement.
BME 594. Biomedical Engineering Journal Club
This course will cover different topics in biomedical engineering research, both basic and translational. Enrolled students read and discuss the literature in relevant topics, which may include biomaterials, drug delivery, tissue engineering, cardiovascular engineering, mechanobiology, quantitative imaging, instrumentation, computational biomechanics, injury and rehabilitative biomechanics, or any focused topic related to biomedical engineering. The objectives of the course are for students to learn about current topics within a focused area of biomedical engineering, to improve their ability to critically review literature, and develop their technical presentation skills. Multiple sections of biomedical engineering journal club focused on different research topics may be offered each semester. Biomedical engineering graduate students may take up to 3 credits of BME 594 to satisfy Biomedical Engineering or Elective course credit to meet graduate program distribution requirements. NOTE: This course cannot be used to satisfy Biomedical Engineering or Engineering elective credit to meet undergraduate program distribution requirements.
BME 597. BME Professional Project
This course fulfills the requirement for a Project-based Masters of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering. The Professional Project is carried out in combination with an industry experience, clinical preceptorship, or design project, with oversight and input from a WPI core faculty member. Goals and objectives for the project must be documented and approved by the core faculty member, in consultation with the sponsor. To complete the project, a capstone deliverable, representative of the experience, is required. Examples of deliverables include a device prototype, public presentation, online portfolio, or another format appropriate for the specific project. Students should register for a total of 6 credits of this course, in combination with 0 credits of BME 5900 (Masters Graduate Internship Experience), BME 5910 (Masters Design Project), or BME 5920 (Masters Clinical Preceptorship).
BME 598. Directed Research
Students may register for Directed Research to fulfill graduate research rotation (e.g. Masters students seeking a thesis lab) or independent, mentored graduate research and projects. BME graduate students may apply up to 3 credits of BME 598 as BME course credit and an additional 3 credits of BME 598 credit to fulfill elective, laboratory rotation, or independent project credit. BME 598 credit used for laboratory rotations may be converted to BME 599 or BME 699 credit for qualified graduate students who remain in the rotation laboratory for their thesis or dissertation research.
BME 6999. Ph.D. Qualifying Examination
This examination is a defense of an original research proposal, made before a qualifying examination committee (QEC) representative of the areas of specialization. The examination is used to evaluate the ability of the student to pose meaningful engineering and scientific questions, to propose experimental methods for answering those questions, and to interpret the validity and significance of probably outcomes of these experiments. It is also used to test a students comprehension and understanding of their formal coursework in life sciences, biomedical engineering and mathematics. Possible outcomes of the qualifying examination are:1. Unconditional Pass - The candidate satisfied a majority of the QEC according to all criteria.2. Conditional Pass with specific course work to address a specific deficiency - The candidate satisfied a majority of the QEC with the exception of a particular weakness in one of the areas of specialization. The QEC is confident that the weakness can be corrected by the candidate taking a particular course specific to the area of weakness. Upon completion of the designated course with a B grade or higher, the student advances to PhD candidacy.3. Fail with an opportunity to retake within 6 months The QEC determined that the candidate had several weaknesses. However, the majority of the QEC determined that the student has the potential to be a successful PhD candidate and could address the weaknesses. In this case, the student will have an opportunity to repeat the exam, which must be accomplished with 6 months of the original exam. The second exam only has two possible outcomes; unconditional pass, or fail without opportunity to retake the exam.Students are required to take the Ph.D. qualifying examination no later than the fifth semester after formal admittance to the Ph.D. program. Admission to Ph.D. candidacy is officially conferred upon students who have completed their course credit requirements, exclusive of dissertation research credit, and passed the Ph.D. qualifying examination.