Biomedical Engineering (B M E)

(Interdepartmental Graduate Program)
Supervisory Committee: M. H. Greer, associate professor in charge; E. B. Bartlett,
T. R. Derrick, A. B. Flateau, W. D. Franke,
R. T. Greer, S. Jeftinija, S. Mallapragada,
T. D. McGee, S. P. McLean, P. E. Patterson, R. C. Seagrave, H. Tyler, R. J. Weber, H. Xin

The biomedical engineering program (B M E) is interdisciplinary in scope. The participating faculty are from the Colleges of Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Education and Agriculture. Biomedical engineers are concerned with the application of engineering concepts and analytical techniques to biological and medical problems. They are interested in developing new concepts, instrumentation, and materials for use with living systems. In addition, they seek to understand those phenomena of living systems which have functional capabilities desirable in the design of physical systems. Graduates of the program are able to understand scientific literature, formulate hypotheses, complete independent research or design projects and report their results. They engage in research or design careers in the various fields of biomedical engineering.

Undergraduate Study

A curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering is not offered. Undergraduate students planning graduate study are encouraged to develop knowledge in subjects prerequisite to biomedical engineering courses. For example, undergraduate students majoring in engineering, physics, or mathematics are encouraged to elect courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and biology. Undergraduate students majoring in life science areas should prepare for graduate study by electing courses in mathematics, engineering, and physics.

Graduate Study

Work is offered for the degrees master of science and doctor of philosophy with a major in biomedical engineering; students taking major work in other areas can minor or comajor in biomedical engineering. Prerequisite to major and minor work in biomedical engineering is an undergraduate degree in one of the fields of engineering, life sciences, physical sciences, or a professional degree in one of the fields of medicine.

The program of formal courses taken by students is oriented toward developing proficiency in research or design in the interdisciplinary field or in utilizing biomedical principles in clinical situations. Selected background and advanced courses from related disciplines are taken in conjunction with appropriate biomedical engineering courses. The program of formal courses varies, depending upon the background and interests of the student, and is determined in consultation with the student’s advisory committee.

Course Primarily for Undergraduate Students

B M E 401. Scope of Biomedical Engineering
(1-0) Cr. 0.5. F. 8 weeks. Topics characteristic of career activities in biomedical engineering. For undergraduate students who wish to become familiar with the field of biomedical engineering. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

Courses Primarily for Graduate Students, open to qualified undergraduate students

B M E 521. Biomechanics (Same as E M 521, I E 521.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: Phys 111 or 221, Math 265. For students with interests in the life sciences, ergonomics, or rehabilitation engineering. Topics include equilibrium, motion, energy, stress and deformation, material properties, flow of fluids, dimensional analysis and modeling of biological systems. Illustrative examples taken from biology and medicine.

B M E 540. Biomedical Applications of Chemical Engineering (Same as Ch E 540.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: Ch E 210, Math 266, Phys 222. Applications of material and energy balances, transport phenomena, chemical reaction engineering, and thermodynamics to problems in biomedical and biochemical engineering, applied physiology and environmental studies.

B M E 580. Biomaterials (Same as E M 580, M S E 580.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Mat E 211 or 272. Presentation of the basic chemical and physical properties of biomaterials as they are related to their manipulation by the engineer for incorporation into living systems. Role of microstructure properties in the choice of biomaterials and design of artificial organs, implants, and prostheses.

B M E 590. Special Topics
Cr. 1 to 5 as arranged. Investigation of problems of special interest in biomedical engineering.

                A. Instrumentation

                B. Simulation

                C. Transport Phenomena

                D. Biomaterials

                E. Information Processing

                F. Tissue Engineering

                G. Biomechanics

                H. Virtual Reality

                I. Computational Intelligence

Courses for Graduate Students

B M E 690. Advanced Topics
Cr. 1 to 5 as arranged.

                A. Instrumentation

                B. Simulation

                C. Transport Phenomena

                D. Biomaterials

                E. Information Processing

                F. Tissue Engineering

                G. Biomechanics

                H. Virtual Reality

                I. Computational Intelligence