Introduction to Biomedical Engineering

3 units

An introduction to the vast and diverse field of biomedical engineering (BME), this very challenging course has two main purposes. One is to teach students -- via lectures, reading assignments, homework and exams, to think on their own, to solve problems and know how engineering principles are applied to the areas of bioelectricity, biomechanics, biomolecules, biotechnology and bioimaging. The second is to introduce students -- via guest lectures by school of medicine and engineering faculty, to some of the fascinating and challenging ongoing research in these areas. The course is challenging because students at this early stage, by and large, lack the knowledge base to understand either the engineering / biological aspects of the topical areas or the research being presented. Nevertheless, because future success depends on such, emphasis throughout is placed on developing self-learning as well as quantitative and analytical problem-solving skills, but at an appropriate level. By the end of the course it is hoped that students will have begun to acquire the skills and approaches necessary to succeed in the engineering curriculum as well as a much more in-depth and informed perspective of BME.