School of Engineering

Course Descriptions

Biomedical Engineering (BE) Graduate Courses

To view the complete schedule of courses for
each semester, go to Cardinal Station.

BE 502: Advanced Biomechanics

3.00 Credits

This course provides students with advanced topics of traditional and contemporary biomechanics. Study will address mechanisms by which experimental and computational biomechanics investigate human and joint dynamics (kinetics and kinematics) and its association to ergonomics, orthopedic and sports biomechanics. Selected topics will include: biological materials, measurement techniques, advanced force system analysis, energy considerations, simulation using musculoskeletal models, optimization of inverse and forward dynamics, and applications of finite element techniques in biomechanics.

BE 504: Biomechanics of Hard Tissue

3.00 Credits

The inter-relationships among nanoscale and macroscale structural features and functional properties will be covered from a mechanical properties of materials and fracture mechanics perspective. Topics that will be covered in this course include atomic bonding, mechanical properties characterization tools and techniques for various length scales, and case studies involving unique biological hard tissues and biomineralized structures such as bone, teeth, nacre, arthropod shell, and hard organic materials such as wood and nut shells.

BE 506: Mechanics of Soft Tissue

3.00 Credits

no description available

BE 513: Biomedical Instrumentation I

3.00 Credits

Introduces the fundamental principles of biomedical instrumentation and their application to real-world devices. In a combination of laboratory and classroom exercises, students design, construct, and test biomedical instruments from the ground level up. Emphasis on use of computers and digital signal processing techniques in biomedical instruments. Prerequisites: Engr 321, 355 or equivalent.

BE 514: Introduction to Biomedical Optics

3.00 Credits

This course introduces the fundamental principles of biomedical optics and their applications to real-world devices. In a combination of laboratory and classroom exercises, student will design optical systems for evaluation of optical properties of biological media as well as learn computational methods to simulate light transport into such media.

BE 515: Biomedical Signal Processing

3.00 Credits

Provides a comprehensive treatment of signal processing techniques used in biomedical applications. Discusses fundamentals of digital signals and systems; covers classical spectral estimation techniques, including discrete Fourier transform, periodogram and Blackman-Tukey method, and cepstrum method. Covers adaptive filters such as the adaptive noise cancelling method and adaptive zero tracking; discusses modern signal processing methods such as autoregressive (AR), autoregressive moving average (ARMA), the Prony method, and neural networks and wavelets. Introduces and explores numerous biomedical examples.

BE 516: Biocontrols

3.00 Credits

Introduces use of linear systems analysis and control techniques in the field of biomedical engineering. Aims to provide students with the opportunity to use systems analysis techniques to enhance their understanding of biological systems and to use control systems engineering techniques to design control systems for medical devices. Extensively uses computer simulation to understand system causality, to perform sensitivity analysis, and to implement control system tools. Prerequisites: ENGR 222;BE 315.

BE 518: Biomedical Sensors

3.00 Credits

This course introduces to various types of biomedical sensors including sensors measuring pressure, flow, motion, temperature, heat flow, evaporation, biopotential, biomagnetism, and chemical quantities. Underlying measurement principles and design will be emphasized. Various practical applications will be introduced.

BE 521: Neural Control of Movement

3.00 Credits

Sensorimotor integration of visual, vestibular, proprioceptive, and biomechanical systems in the control of eye, head and neck movement, and the maintenance of postural stability. Examining current computational methods in neuroscience, and developing models and experimental analyses for normal and pathological behavior with linear and nonlinear dynamical methods.

BE 522: Human Locomotion

3.00 Credits

Studies the biomechanics and neural control of human locomotion. Topics include kinematics, kinetics and muscle activity patterns of normal walking, measurement systems used in human motion analysis, and neurophysiological control of locomotion. Aims to provide students with the background required for work in the fields of musculoskeletal biomechanics, motor control, and rehabilitation.

BE 523: Biomechanical Assessment of Locomotion Disorders

3.00 Credits

This is an introductory course in the application of biomechanical techniques to the assessment of disorders of human movement. This course is intended to provide a foundation for engineers working in a gait laboratory and similar clinical environments, enabling them to interpret and discuss biomechanical test results with clinical personnel. Prerequisites: BIOL 518 and BE 522.

BE 524: Principles of Prosthetics and Orthotics

3.00 Credits

This is an introductory course in the theory and practice of prosthetics (artificial limbs), and orthotics (braces and splints). it is designed for Biomedical Engineering graduates working in the field of human locomotion. Prerequisites: BIOL 518 and BE 522.

BE 525: Biomedical Heat and Mass Transfer

3.00 Credits

Analysis of heat and mass transfer, with examples chosen from the biomedical engineering field. Topics include review of the first law of thermodynamics; one-dimensional steady state and transient heat conduction; steady state and transient mass diffusion through a stationary medium; transfer of momentum, heat, and mass transfer in engineering problems; radiation from black surfaces; radiation heat transfer between black surfaces; elements of heat and mass exchangers design.

BE 526: Biomedical Transfer Processes

3.00 Credits

The purpose of the course is to provide the fundamentals of transport processes in the human body and principles of design of artificial kidney and heart-lung devices. Among topics covered are mass balances and physiological variables of the human body; physical and rheological properties of blood; dynamics of the circulatory system; heat production and transfer; modeling the body as biological membranes, especially the human kidneys. Artificial kidney devices; human lungs and artificial heart-lung devices, blood pumping devices.

BE 527: Cell and Tissue Engineering

3.00 Credits

The structure and function of cells, basic principles involved in cell culture, and safety rules in handling cells. Experimental methods used to investigate the cell deformability, adherence strength, and cell motility. Particular emphasis on laminar flow assays and micromanipulation methods. Discussion of recently published papers on tissue engineering.

BE 528: Rehabilitation Engineering

3.00 Credits

This course explores the principles and practices of rehabilitation engineering and the role of engineers in the delivery of health care to disabled individuals. Discussions of approaches to diagnosis and treatment of disorders involving motor function will be included as will an analysis of the design of devices and systems to aid the disabled. Disabilities as a result of stroke, spinal cord disorders, cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease will be discussed. Examples of technologies examined include devices aiding mobility, limb prosthetics, robotic aids, functional electrical stimulation, and interfaces to microcomputers.

BE 529: Clinical Engineering

3.00 Credits

This course is an introductory course relating engineering, life sciences, and medicine. Specifically, the course discusses various aspects of engineering in the clinical setting and discusses topics such as biomedical instrumentation, clinical laboratory measurements, medical device sterilization techniques, reliability engineering, regulatory practices, and other topics.

BE 530: Human Computer Interfaces

3.00 Credits

Principles underlying the design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computing systems, as well as the major research topics associated with such systems. Technical breakdown of interfaces that are multimedia-based front ends to complex networks. Introduces graphical user interfaces, with related physiological and human factors issues. Design of interfaces using virtual reality, World Wide Web, and advanced interfacing devices such as voice and eye movement activation.

BE 531: Neural Stimulation in Rehabilitation

3.00 Credits

Aims to provide students with an understanding of electrical stimulation techniques for medical rehabilitation that are currently in use and/or development. Focus will be on rehabilitation engineering aspects of replacing nervous system function with electrical stimulation. Covers several medical applications of electrical stimulation, but emphasis is on restoration of motor function.

BE 532: Sensory Motor Integration

3.00 Credits

This course integrates engineering principles with physiological systems. Topics covered in the course include studying and modeling musculoskeletal behavior, understanding neural systems regulating muscle length and force, posture and balance, and other sensory modalities. A basic introduction to robotics will be presented, including discussions of forward and inverse dynamic models. Course instruction will be from both text and literature surveys, and will include lab experiments.

BE 533: Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics

3.00 Credits

no description available

BE 535: Optimization of Human Performance

3.00 Credits

Principles of optimum design, as related to human performance and the human-technology interface. Overview of musculoskeletal mechanics, with emphasis on human-device interaction for postural and propulsive tasks. Neurobehavioral measures of human performance, with emphasis on goal-directed neuromotor tracking tasks. Use of sensitivity analysis; optimal control theory applied to simple goal-directed movements. Techniques in numerical optimization, especially computer-aided optimization tools. Projects related to computer-aided design of assistive technology, interactive interface devices, performance evaluation technology, or human-powered vehicle interface. Prerequisite: BE 516 or similar control systems course.

BE 536: Mechanics of Dance and Sports

3.00 Credits

An expose' of rigid body mechanics and its application to the study of human movement. The laws of motion and the extent to which they account for human and animal motion. Human body idealized as a collection of rigid bodies, connected by joints in a treelike configuration. Insights into mechanical aspects of leaps, turns, and other complex movements observed in ballet, diving, and gymnastics. Discussion of muscle force distribution during workout exercises such as pullups, situps, and pushups. Inclusion of examples where motion is determined by simulation software such as Autolev3 and Working Model 3D.

BE 540: Home Care Technologies Seminar

1.00 Credits

A once-a-week seminar featuring guest lecturers and readings/discussions on alternate weeks. Each student will be required to write a short "breadth" paper and presentation.

BE 541: Home Care Technologies I: Foundations

3.00 Credits

Introduction to the broad foundations related to home health care and roles of technology. Begins with a review of the current state of home care technologies, followed by learning modules: clinical health assessment tools, geriatrics and the aging process, telecommunications and information technologies, human factors design, and health policy related to home care and disability rights.

BE 542: Home Care Technologies II:Product Evaluation

3.00 Credits

Focuses on the multi-faceted evaluation process and provides students with tools for evaluating home health care technologies. Students are exposed to the underlying science and different aspects of product evaluation for key areas, with modules on biosensors and noninvasive technologies, objective human performance evaluation tools, and human usability and human error. Actual off-the-shelf products are evaluated, with the final project being team-based evaluations. Evaluation techniques include disassembly, technical engineering evaluation, user testing/usability evaluation, safety and risk management, economic considerations. Prerequisite BE 541 or consent of the instructor.

BE 543: Home Care Technologies III: Product Design and Manufacturing

3.00 Credits

This course focuses on the product design and manufacturing processes involved with bring-home health care products to market in a rapidly changing environment. Begins with modules focusing on the design of new products, on development issues for biosensors and image-based systems for physiological measurement, on important manufacturing processes and finally, on moving new products from the development stages to the market. Practice-oriented, project-driven course that gives students an opportunity to apply their recently gained knowledge to real-world problems. Projects will be driven by industrial support, student interest, and faculty discretion. Prerequisites: BE 497 or BE 542 or consent of instructor.

BE 544: Telemedicine & E-Health

3.00 Credits

This course will offer an overview of telemedicine and e-health and provide discussion of their shared history, evolution, and role in today's evolving healthcare system. Emphasis will be placed on describing telemedicine technology and the importance of human factors in telemedicine equipment. Other topics such as reimbursement, licensure, research, standards, and practice guidelines will also be addressed. The objective of this course is to provide an understanding of the key topics in modern telemedicine and e-health. Assignments are targeted to increase students' perspectives of real-world aspects of telemedicine in the areas of clinical practice, research, technology, and program development.

BE 546: Medical Device Design

3.00 Credits

This course will consider the multiple steps in the development of a medical device and examine the regulatory processes applicable at each stage in the design, testing, manufacture and marketing of a medical device. The instructor and guest speakers will provide expert insight into device design planning, human factors engineering, device testing, quality systems requirements, marketing applications, device standards and guidances, data integrity and interacting with FDA.

BE 552: Biotechnology & Biomedicine

3.00 Credits

no description available

BE 554: Bioinformatics

3.00 Credits

no description available

BE 581: Medical Imaging

3.00 Credits

Introduction to the physical principles, image reconstruction techniques, and advanced digital processing techniques used in modern medical imaging systems. Introduces common imaging modalities such as ultrasound, x-rays, computer-aided tomography (CAT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). Discussion of advanced computer methods for 2-D and 3-D image reconstruction as well as digital signal processing methods used in image recognition and enhancement of medical images. Fundamentals of medical imaging. Prerequisite: MATH 221.

BE 583: Bio-Optics

3.00 Credits

no description available

BE 596: BMED Grad Internship Projects

3.00 Credits

Lecture. Biomedical internship projects. On-campus supervised or off-campus student training, in which students are co-supervised by a professional at the supporting institution and a biomedical engineering faculty member. Includes a proposal, a mid-term report, and a final project presentation and report.

BE 617: Soft Computing-BioMonitoring and Bio-Control

3.00 Credits

Foundations of soft computing (fuzzy expert systems, artificial neural networks, genetic algorithms). Use of intelligent tools for monitoring physiological signals, including automated recognition and alerting systems. Principles of fuzzy control systems for modeling hierarchical neurocontrol systems and designing smart interactive interfaces.

BE 621: Advanced Topics in Neural Control

3.00 Credits

This course provides an in depth analysis of current computational neuroscience techniques as applied to vestibular and oculomotor physiology. Topics will include basic neurophysiology, clinical studies, and vestibular rehabilitation. Students will develop computer simulations of neural control models and develop research proposals for future studies.

BE 651: Computations in Genetic Engineering

3.00 Credits

Discusses the theory and practice of molecular database searching and sequence alignment in genetic engineering. Covers databases and Internet access, sequence homology searching, and multiple alignment and sequence motif analysis. Practical classes include analysis of software setup and usage, sequence analysis over the Internet, and the interpretation of the results of database searches and sequence alignments.

BE 671: Cardio-Pulmonary Biomechanics

3.00 Credits

This course is designed to be a first course covering the broad fields of cardiac and pulmonary biomechanics. The course begins with a review of anatomy and physiology of the human circulatory and respiratory systems before focusing on engineering approaches to the study of these respective areas of study.Topic areas will include: rheology of blood, mechanics of blood vessels and the airway, steady and unsteady flow models, cardiac and pulmonary bioinstrumentation, cardiac ejection mechanics, mechanics of ventilation, and applications of imaging techniques to study the cardiac and pulmonary systems.Prerequisite ENGR 331; Co-requisite BIOL 518.

BE 683: Principles and Biomedical Applications of Fluorescence

3.00 Credits

Fluorescence techniques have been widely used in biology, medicine and pharmaceutics. Especially, fluorescence techniques have become powerful tools for researches in tissue molecular imaging for disease diagnosis and monitoring, biomedical sensing, clinical chemistry, environmental monitoring, and DNA sequencing. In this course, the principles of fluorescence, typical fluorophores and instruments (both in time-domain and frequency-domain) will be introduced. The modern fluorescence techniques will be demonstrated in laboratory, including measuring fluorescence lifetime at nanosecond order and molecular distance at nanometer distance.

BE 721: Advanced Neuro-Mechanical Modeling

3.00 Credits

Approaches for modeling muscle mechanics, skeletal structures, spinal neural networks. Neuromuscular models that include sensory feedback. Simulations of simple models of human eye, eye-head, and elbow systems for a variety of movement tasks. Use of inverse and forward dynamic simulations to investigate human movement strategies. Addressing redundancy in larger-scale elastostatic models of the head and shoulder systems. Use of sensitivity analysis and optimization as tools for understanding goal-directed movement strategies. Includes modeling project. Prerequisites: BE 516; 535 or 621.

BE 728: Advanced Topics in Rehabilitation Engineering

3.00 Credits

In-depth engineering and service delivery analysis of four key topics in rehabilitation engineering, emphasizing the human-technology interface. Possible topic areas include therapeutic intervention strategies and the provision of assistive technology for a specific population of persons with disabilities (e.g., stroke); passive- and active-assist arm orthoses; rehabilitation robotics; virtual reality in rehabilitation; wheelchair and seating technology; and international rehabilitation. Includes eight presentations and short reports by each student, five short exams, and a final project. Prerequisite: BE 528 or equivalent.

BE 729: Advanced Topics in Biomaterials

3.00 Credits

Provides an overview of the physical and chemical properties of the materials used in health care and biotechnology. Topics include crystal structures of metallic and ceramic alloys used in dental and orthopedic implants, surface properties such as chemical inertness, surface roughness and adhesivity, and factors that contribute to implant failure.

BE 733: Mathematical Modeling in Biology

3.00 Credits

Provides an overview of mathematical models of biological systems. Sliding filament theory of muscle contraction, mathematical models of cell migration and nerve signal propagation, regulation of cell division, etc. Mathematical models of the immune system, circulatory system, and other biological systems involving population dynamics and heterogeneity. Prerequisites: ENGR 222 ; BE 516, 621 or equivalent.

BE 734: Molecular Dynamics and Simulation

3.00 Credits

Provides hands-on experience in the use of computational graphics and simulation in molecular dynamics such as the deformation of binding sites during bimolecular interactions. Emphasis is on rational design principles for drugs used in medicine.

BE 797: Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering

3.00 Credits

no description available

BE 798: Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering

3.00 Credits

no description available

BE 991: Directed Research

6.00 Credits

no description available

BE 992: Directed Research

6.00 Credits

no description available

BE 993: Directed Research

3.00 Credits

no description available

BE 994: Directed Research

3.00 Credits

no description available

BE 995: Thesis - Masters

0.00 Credits

no description available

BE 996: Thesis - Masters

0.00 Credits

no description available

BE 997: Dissertation - Doctoral

0.00 Credits

no description available

BE 998: Dissertation - Doctoral

0.00 Credits

no description available