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.
Recommended Background: none.
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.
Recommended Background: Prior knowledge of college-level chemistry and physics.
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.
Recommended Background: PH 1120/PH 1121, CH 1010 or equivalent.
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.
Recommended Background: BME 2210, CS 1004 or equivalent.
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.
Recommended Background: Differential (MA 1021) and integral (MA 1022) calculus, vector algebra (MA 1023), physics mechanics (PH 1110 or PH 1111), and statics (ES 2501). Students who have previously received credit for BME 2511 or ES 2502 may not receive credit for BME 2502.
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.
Recommended Background: Basic knowledge of differential and integral calculus (e.g. MA 1021 and MA 1022 or equivalent), human biology (e.g., BB 1025 or equivalent), and chemistry (e.g. CH 1010 and CH 1020 or equivalent).
BME 3012. Biomedical Sensors Laboratory: Techniques
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This laboratory-based course is designed to develop hands-on experimental skills relevant to the selection and application of various sensors used to acquire biomedical signals.
Recommended Background: BME 2210, ECE 2010, ECE 2019 or equivalent. Students who have previously taken BME 3011 may not receive credit for this course.
BME 3013. Biomedical Instrumentation Laboratory: Techniques
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This laboratory-based course is designed to develop hands-on experimental skills relevant to the design and application of analog instrumentation commonly used to acquire biomedical signals.
Recommended Background: BME 2210, ECE 2010, ECE 2019 or equivalent. Students who have previously taken BME 3011 may not receive credit for this course.
BME 3014. Physiological Signals Laboratory: 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.
Recommended Background: A first course in MATLAB such as BME 2211, BME 1004 or equivalent.
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.
Recommended Background: A knowledge of Cell Biology (such as BB 2550), biomechanics and biotransport (such as BME 2502), and signal analysis (such as BME 2210) or equivalent.
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.
Recommended Background: A knowledge of Human biology (such as BB 1025 or equivalent) and Cell Biology (such as BB 2550 or equivalent).
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 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).
Recommended Background: A solid knowledge of mechanics of materials (ES 2502) and material science (ES 2001). Students who have previously taken BME 3504 may not receive credit for this course.
BME 3507. Skeletal Biomechanics Laboratory: Techniques
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.
Recommended Background: Statics (ES 2501) and dynamics (ES 2503). Students who have previously taken BME 3504 may not receive credit for this course.Note: Students who previously took BME 3503 will not get credit for BME 3507
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.
Recommended Background: Basic knowledge of differential and integral calculus (e.g., MA 2051 or equivalent), fundamental knowledge of biological system function or cell function (e.g., BB 1101 or BB 2550 or equivalent), fundamentals of data analysis and process modeling such as some of the topics covered in BME 2211 or BME 2610 or CHE 2011, or equivalent.
BME 3811. Biomaterials Laboratory: Techniques
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.
Recommended Background: Basic chemistry (CH 1010 and CH 1020) and a knowledge of material science (ES 2001) or equivalent.
BME 3813. Cellular Engineering Laboratory: Techniques
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.
Recommended Background: Basic chemistry (CH 1010 and CH 1020) and a solid knowledge of cell biology (BB 2550) or equivalent.
BME 4012. Biomedical Sensors and Instrumentation Laboratory: Applications
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This applications lab is a sequential extension of the corresponding techniques lab (BME 3012 and BME 3013). The lab course provides students with experience of utilizing biomedical sensors and instrumentation and their applications for biomedical engineering. The students will learn about the appropriate selection of sensors for clinically relevant problems. The students will work on design projects in teams to develop their instrumentation system that demonstrates proof-of-concept of a potentially useful biomedical instrument, analyzing and interpreting data and effective communication skills. The lab will build on the concepts in sensors and instrumentation introduced in BME 3012 Biomedical Sensors Laboratory: Techniques and BME 3013 Biomedical Instrumentation Laboratory: Techniques, and lower-level instrumentation and data analysis courses.
Recommended Background: Knowledge obtained in BME 3012, BME 3013 and ability to perform statistical analysis of the data.
BME 4201. Biomedical Imaging
Cat II (offered at least every other Year).
This course provides an understanding of fundamental principles of various biomedical imaging modalities as well as computational image analysis. Topics include: light microscopy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, computational image analysis, and review of computer vision theory and the relevant principles of physics. Course work uses examples from light microscopy, computed tomography, X-ray radiography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Familiarity with a high-level programming language is recommended. This course will be offered in 2022-23, and in alternating years thereafter.
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.
Recommended Background: Principles of engineering design such as BME 3300 or equivalent. Course should be taken concurrently with the MQP. Students who have taken BME 430X may not get credit for BME 4300.
BME 4301. Biomedical Capstone - Design from the Margins
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This course will explore open-ended problems at the intersections of engineering, biology, and social responsibility. This course challenges students to thoughtfully and consciously apply the engineering design process to develop innovative and accessible solutions for healthcare issues affecting marginalized communities. This course aims to empower students to become socially conscious engineers, equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the healthcare outcomes of marginalized communities. By the end of the course, students will have a deep understanding of the ethical and practical dimensions of engineering solutions in biomedical applications, particularly for those who are most vulnerable in society. This class can be counted toward the BME capstone design requirement.
Recommended Background: Proficiency in applying the engineering design process to open-ended problems (BME 3300 or equivalent)
BME 4505. 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).
Recommended Background: Ability to independently perform tensile and bending tests using a uniaxial mechanical testing machine and to perform mechanical and statistical analysis of test data (BME3505). Students who have previously taken BME 3504 may not receive credit for this course.Note: Students who previously took BME 3506 will not get credit for BME 4505
BME 4507. Skeletal Biomechanics Laboratory: Applications
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This application lab is a sequential extension of the corresponding techniques lab (BME 3507). This course provides hands-on experience with applying/utilizing state-of-the-art mechanical testing equipment and software to characterize whole-body biomechanics, including balance, strength, and movement, in the context of an authentic real-world challenge. Students will work in teams to design and execute experiments, utilize appropriate testing equipment, analyze, and interpret data, and effectively communicate results.
Recommended Background: A demonstrated ability to independently use skeletal biomechanics equipment to measure balance, kinetics, and kinematics is essential (BME 3507) and the ability to perform statistical analysis of test data.
BME 4607. Biotransport Laboratory: 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.Note: Students who previously took BME 3605 will not get credit for BME 4607.
Recommended Background: Basic Chemistry (CH 1010, CH 1020), Basic Physics (PH 1010), Material Science (ES 2001 or BME 2001), stress analysis (ES 2502 or BME 2502) and a knowledge of cell biology (BB 2550), or equivalent.
BME 4701. Cell and Molecular Bioengineering
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This course examines the principles of molecular and cell biology applied to the design of engineered molecules, cells and tissues. Topics will include the basic structural, chemical and physical properties of biomolecules (proteins, lipids, DNA and RNA), application of biomolecules to monitor and alter cellular processes in vitro and in vivo, and design considerations for engineering cell and molecular therapeutics. Case studies will be used to examine specific applications of molecular and cellular bioengineering technologies to treat disease and promote tissue repair and regeneration. Students who earned credit for BME 37XX may not receive credit for BME 4701.
Recommended Background: Cell biology (BB 2550). Additional coursework in molecular biology (BB 2950) and/or genetics (BB 2920) would be beneficial.
BME 4811. Biomaterials Laboratory: Applications
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This application lab is a sequential extension of the corresponding techniques lab (BME 3811). This applications-based, 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 in a team setting and communicate their findings effectively.
Recommended Background: Basic materials science as in ES 2001 or BME 2001, Biomaterials laboratory techniques BME 3811 and data analysis BME 2210.
BME 4813. Cellular Engineering Laboratory: Applications
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This application lab is a sequential extension of the corresponding techniques lab (BME 3813 Cellular Engineering: Techniques). This course provides experience in advanced cellular engineering techniques for students who are already proficient in basic mammalian cell culture methods. Students, in consultation with the course instructor, will formulate and conduct independent project(s) to answer specific questions/hypothesis from selected research topics. Students will develop their own experimental plans, considering the experimental set up, timelines, number of replicates, experimental controls, and strategies to test their hypothesis. Students must use proper statistical method(s) to test their hypothesis and present their findings.
BME 4828. Biomaterials-Tissue Interactions
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
This course examines the principles of materials science and cell biology underlying the design of medical devices, artificial organs and scaffolds for tissue engineering. Molecular and cellular interactions with biomaterials are analyzed in terms of cellular processes such as matrix synthesis, degradation and contraction. Principles of wound healing and tissue remodeling are used to study biological responses to implanted materials and devices. Case studies will be analyzed to compare tissue responses to intact, bioresorbable and bioerodible biomaterials. Additionally, this course will examine criteria for restoring physiological function of tissue and organs and investigate strategies to design implants and prostheses based on control of biomaterial-tissue interactions.
Recommended Background: BB 2550 or equivalent, ES 2001 or equivalent, PH 1110 or PH 1111.
BME 4831. Drug Delivery
Cat I (offered at least 1x per Year).
The course examines fundamental composition, structure, property and performance relationships in classical and novel drug delivery systems as part of disease treatment strategies (i.e. cancer, organ damage). Physiological barriers to drug delivery and methods to overcome these barriers are analyze. The course will familiarize students with biomaterial-based drug delivery systems that have recently been developed. Topics include routes of drug administration, diffusion, Ficks law, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, drug modifications, materials for drug delivery (implantable, transdermal, injectable), antibody therapeutics, cells as drugs and drug delivery vehicles, and novel drug formulations and delivery systems.
Recommended Background: Fundamental knowledge of biomaterials (e.g. BME 2001 or equivalent), multivariable calculus (e.g. MA 1024 or equivalent) and biological system function or cell function (e.g., BB 1035 or BB 2550 or equivalent)
Graduate Courses
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 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 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 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.