Descriptions of New Undergraduate Bioengineering Courses

BIEN 110 Biomechanics of the Human Body

Introduces the motion, structure and function of the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system, and the pulmonary system. Topics include applied statics, kinematics, and dynamics of these systems and the mechanics of various tissues (ligament, bone, heart, blood vessels, lung). Emphasis is on the relation between function and material properties of these tissues.

BIEN 120 Biosystems and Signal Analysis

Provides basic knowledge for the quantitative analysis of the dynamic behavior of biological systems. Particular applications include neural systems, control of metabolic and hormonal systems, and design of instruments for monitoring and controlling biological systems. Topics include system theory, signal properties, control theory, and transfer functions.

BIEN 125 Biotechnology and Molecular Bioengineering

Provides an overview of biochemical processes in cells and their use in developing new products and processes. Presents cellular processes such as metabolism, protein synthesis, enzyme behavior, and cell signaling and control from an engineering viewpoint of modeling and control.

BIEN 130 Bioinstrumentation

Introduces basic components of instruments for biological applications. Explores sources of signals and physical principles governing the design and operation of instrumentation systems used in medicine and physiological research. Topics include data acquisition and characterization; signal-to-noise concepts and safety analysis; and interaction of instrument and environment.

BIEN 131L Bioinstrumentation Lab

Laboratory experience with instrumental methods of measuring biological systems. Introduces various sensors and transducers to measure physical, chemical, and biological properties. Covers reliability, dynamic behavior, and data analysis.

BIEN 135 Biophysics and Biothermodyanmics.

An introduction to the application of thermodynamic principles to understanding the behavior of biological systems. Discusses biophysical properties of biomacromolecules, such as proteins, polynucleotides, carbohydrates, and lipids, and methods of characterizing their properties and interactions.

BIEN 140A Biomaterials

Covers the principles of materials science and engineering, with attention to topics in bioengineering. Discusses atomic structures, hard treatment, fundamentals of corrosion, manufacturing processes, and characterization of materials.

BIEN 140B Biomaterials

Covers the structure-property relations of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, as well as hard and soft tissues such as bone, teeth, cartilage, ligament, skin, muscle, and vasculature. Focuses on behavior of materials in the physiological environment.

BIEN 155 Bioengineering Laboratory

Laboratory experience in cell culture, bioreactors, optical techniques, array techniques, and separation and purification methods.

BIEN 175A & BIEN 175B Senior Design

Preparation of formal engineering reports and statistical analysis on a series of problems illustrating methodology from various branches of applied bioengineering. Covers the entire design process: design problem definition, generation of a design specification, documentation, design review process, prototype fabrication, testing and calibration, cost estimation, and federal guidelines. Requires a term project and oral presentation.