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Biomedical Engineering

About the Program

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering (BMES): 197.5 - 201.5 quarter credits

Biomedical Engineering is an innovative Bachelor of Science degree program developed and delivered in collaboration with the College of Engineering, the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Information Science and Technology. It prepares students to conceive, design, and develop devices and systems that improve human health and quality of life. Biomedical engineering is the convergence of life sciences with engineering. From child car seats and football helmets to drug-delivery systems, minimally invasive surgery, and noninvasive imaging technology, the work of the biomedical engineer makes a difference in everyone’s life.

The undergraduate biomedical engineering curriculum is designed to strike a balance between academic breadth in biomedical engineering and specialization in one of five concentration areas: biomaterials and tissue engineering, biomechanics and human performance engineering, biomedical bioinformatics, biomedical devices and imaging, and neuroengineering.

As preparation for the major in biomedical engineering, students are strongly encouraged to take AP biology courses in high school.

Concentrations

The undergraduate biomedical engineering curriculum is designed to strike a balance between academic breadth in biomedical engineering and specialization in an area of concentration. Each concentration has its own degree requirements for graduation, and its own plan of study:

The degree program provides innovative experiences in hands-on experimentation and engineering design as well as opportunities for personal growth and development of leadership and communication skills.

Working with a faculty advisor, students can select their core and elective courses from the curricula offered by the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems and the Departments of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the College of Information Science and Technology.

Professional Educational Objectives

Objective 1: Professional Presence
As a result, within a few years, the graduate has established an Internet presence, either through professional organizations, social networking and/or other activities, which demonstrate an appreciation and use of modern technological capabilities.

Objective 2: Workforce Skilled in Integrating Engineering, Design, and Life Sciences
As a result, this workforce will identify opportunities to contribute to our society in a variety of positions ranging from biomedical engineering, biotechnology design and development, to practicing physicians, lawyers, innovators, and business managers. The graduate may also pursue further education in the form of graduate and professional degrees.

Objective 3: Innovation & Design, Leadership, Problem-Solving Abilities, and Research Abilities
As a result, within a few years of graduation, the graduate will have made significant or meaningful contributions in his or her chosen field, either thorough research publications and/or presentations, the development of a product or process, obtaining patents for new products and/or processes, or other evidence of contributing to the advancement of knowledge, particularly in fields integrating engineering and the life sciences.

Objective 4: Ethical Reasoning, Behavior, and Professionalism
As a result, within a few years of graduation, the graduate will demonstrate adherence to the professional codes of conduct appropriate to his or her field of study and/or practice, as well as exhibit behavior consistent with accepted standards of fiduciary responsibility, risk/benefit analysis and professional accountability.

Objective 5: Communication
As a result, graduates will have effective communication skills as evidenced by their professional presentations, and in their productive interactions with co-workers. The graduates may also use their communication skills to foster collaborative effort among co-workers and/or may represent his or her company, institution and/or laboratory to other interested parties.

Objective 6: Human Interactions
As a result, within a few years, the graduate will be working independently and in diverse groups to effectively and efficiently achieve personal and organizational goals, engage in community or public service, create a product or process that fills a social need, and/or participate in educating individuals about an issue of societal concern.

Student Outcomes

The program’s student outcomes reflect the skills and abilities that the curriculum is designed to provide to students by the time they graduate:

Outcome 1: Communication
The graduate employs an understanding of audience, purpose and context to communicate effectively in a range of situations using appropriate media while displaying a significant aptitude for presenting scientific and technical materials to diverse audiences.

Outcome 2: Engagement
The graduate uses his or her knowledge and skills, including those associated with engineering and life science, to make a positive difference on issues of public concern.

Outcome 3: Ethical Reasoning, Behavior, and Professionalism
The graduate recognizes ethical issues, considers multiple points of view, and uses critical ethical reasoning to determine the appropriate behavior to follow. The graduate thus demonstrates a high level of integrity and a positive work ethic combined with a thorough understanding of the ethical implications and obligations associated with the practice of biomedical engineering.

Outcome 4: Innovation and Design
The graduate often asks questions and makes observations that lead to new ideas or hypotheses. He or she formulates highly original solutions while moving beyond the conventional to new methods blending creative and practical approaches, methods and designs which may involve pioneering applications along the interface of engineering and biology. The graduate has the ability to create quality products and processes that are state-of-the-practice in his or her field.

Outcome 5: Leadership
The graduate is able to articulate a vision or goal in such a manner as to promote collaboration and successful implementation. The graduate displays a willingness to overcome adversity and work diligently in pursuit of goals, thus serving as a role model for others

Outcome 6: Problem-Solving Abilities
The graduate is able to creatively solve problems from both analytic and synthetic perspectives using multiple approaches, integrating the life sciences, engineering, and the humanities. The graduate is able to recognize, incorporate and adapt to the limitations and consequences of applying various problem solutions.

Outcome 7: Research Abilities
The graduate is able to collect and process data, information and knowledge to answer specific questions or generate new conceptual models and hypotheses. The graduate evaluates these models and hypotheses using the appropriate experimental, mathematical and statistical approaches.

Outcome 8: Human Resources and Interactions
The graduate is able to work either independently or in diverse groups to effectively and efficiently to respond to academic and work requirements.

Outcome 9: Technological Skills
The graduate makes appropriate use of technologies to communicate, collaborate, solve problems, make decisions, and conduct research, as well as foster creativity and life-long learning. The graduate is able to use state-of-the-art technological resources and tools and keeps up on advancements in her or her field of study and/or practice.

Additional Information

Students should contact the School's Assistant Director for Biomedical Engineering and Biomedical Science
academic advising issues:

Caryn Glaser
Assistant Director
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
215-895-2237
Glasercb@drexel.edu

Career and professional counseling is provided independently by the student's faculty advisor. Information regarding undergraduate faculty advisors is available on the School's Undergraduate Faculty Advisors page.

Concentrations

The BS in Biomedical Engineering offers five different concentrations. Each concentration is highly specialized, with specific requirements.

Courses

BMES 124 Biomedical Engineering Freshman Seminar I 1.0 Credit

This course is intended to introduce freshman biomedical engineering students in the School of biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems at Drexel University to academic programs and opportunities, ongoing research projects and University resources to ensure a successful educational experience at Drexel and beyond. Through class discussions and guest lecture presentations, the students are provided with information and contacts necessary to begin a plan of academic study.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit

BMES 125 Foundations of Biomedical Engineering 2.0 Credits

This course is intended to introduce new transfer biomedical engineering students in the School of biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems at Drexel University academic programs and opportunities, ongoing research projects and University resources to ensure a successful educational experience at Drexel and beyond. Through class discussions and guest lecture presentations, the students are provided with information and contact necessary to begin a plan of academic study.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit

BMES 126 Biomedical Engineering Freshman Seminar II 1.0 Credit

This course is intended to introduce freshman biomedical engineering students to the career embodied by the School’s current concentration areas. Each area will be discussed in terms of the current state of the art, research possibilities and career opportunities. The curricula for each concentration will be discussed in detail so as to facilitate students’ knowledge of how each curriculum relates to the research and employment opportunities in that field.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit

BMES 130 Problem Solving in Biomedical Engineering 2.0 Credits

This course integrates fundamental principles of biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics into a framework for the study of biomedical engineering. In this course, students will use both engineering and scientific approaches to problem-solving. They will learn about the differences between engineering design and biological evolution. They will also learn to apply basic principles of chemistry, physics and mathematics to specific biological and physiological problems.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: MATH 122 [Min Grade: D] and CHEM 102 [Min Grade: D] and PHYS 101 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 201 Programming and Modeling for Biomedical Engineers I 3.0 Credits

This course aims to introduce students with some fundamental concepts about programming in MATLAB to give the ability to solve basic bioengineering problems. The course introduces the basics of programming using Matlab, including programming environment and tools. Fundamental programming techniques and concepts such as loops, switches and logical operators, functions and file handling are covered. Applications in bioengineering for basic numerical problem solving are discussed.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: MATH 200 [Min Grade: D] and PHYS 102 [Min Grade: D] and BIO 122 [Min Grade: D] and (BMES 130 [Min Grade: D] or BMES 125 [Min Grade: D])

BMES 202 Programming and Modeling for Biomedical Engineers ll 3.0 Credits

The course aims to introduce students to advanced programming concepts and tools to solve numerical problems in bioengineering. lt provides the foundation for biosimulation and biocomputation classes. This course introduces advanced programming methods and computational tools for numerical analysis, model design and graphics. Higher level level lunctionality in Matlab such as SIMULINK, symbolic processing and CAD related tools are discussed.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BMES 201 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 212 The Body Synthetic 3.0 Credits

The Body Synthetic introduces concepts underlying biological and engineering principles involved in the design and construction of prosthetic devices used to replace various parts of the human body.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: (TDEC 122 [Min Grade: D] or BIO 122 [Min Grade: D]) and (BMES 130 [Min Grade: D] or BMES 125 [Min Grade: D])

BMES 235 Living Systems Engineering 4.0 Credits

This course introduces the biomedical engineering students to engineering principles applied to biological and physiological systeTs. This course focuses.on evolution, adaptation, energy, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and control systems in living organrsms.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 122 [Min Grade: D] and CHEM 102 [Min Grade: D] and MATH 200 [Min Grade: D] and PHYS 102 [Min Grade: D] and BMES 130 [Min Grade: D] and BIO 201 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 301 Laboratory I: Experimental Biomechanics 2.0 Credits

This course deals with experimental aspects of biomechanics, specifically with the testing mechanical properties of biological tissues.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman or Sophomore
Prerequisites: (TDEC 114 [Min Grade: D] or MATH 200 [Min Grade: D]) and (TDEC 115 [Min Grade: D] or PHYS 201 [Min Grade: D]) and (TDEC 211 [Min Grade: D] or ENGR 231 [Min Grade: D]) and MEM 202 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 302 Laboratory II: Biomeasurements 2.0 Credits

This course introduces students to the measurement of physiological/biological/functional signals. Four specific signals will be collected and analyzed. Students are expected to analyze type of signal to be collected, possible measurement techniques and potential data analysis and then collect and analyze each signal.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman or Sophomore
Prerequisites: ECE 201 [Min Grade: D] (Can be taken Concurrently)(BMES 222 [Min Grade: D] or BIO 201 [Min Grade: D]) and (TDEC 231 [Min Grade: D] or ENGR 103 [Min Grade: D])

BMES 303 Laboratory III: Biomedical Electronics 2.0 Credits

This course introduces students to the widespread application of electronics and electronic devices in biomedical engineering. The course reinforces concepts learned in ECE 201 with hands-on experimentation related to biomedical applications such as telemedicine and medical devices.

BMES 304 Laboratory IV: Ultrasound Images 2.0 Credits

This course introduces students to the engineering principles of acoustical measurements by combining hands-on laboratory experiences with lectures. Students will learn the engineering/physical principles of measuring sound velocity in different materials, attenuation, and directivity of a circular transducers.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman or Sophomore
Prerequisites: (BIO 201 [Min Grade: D] or BMES 235 [Min Grade: D]) and ECE 201 [Min Grade: D] and (TDEC 231 [Min Grade: D] or ENGR 103 [Min Grade: D])

BMES 305 Laboratory V: Musculoskeletal Anatomy for Biomedical Engineers 2.0 Credits

This course provides an opportunity for students to study the anatomy and biomechanics of select articulations of the human body. While the main emphasis will be on the musculoskeletal structures associated with each articulation, major neural and vascular structures will be studied as well.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: (BIO 201 [Min Grade: D] or BMES 235 [Min Grade: D]) and MEM 202 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 310 Biomedical Statistics 4.0 Credits

This course is designed to introduce biomedical engineering students to the fundamentals of biostatistics necessary for medical research. Topics covered include measurements, sampling, basic hypothesis testing, analysis of variance and regression. Medical applications are emphasized.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENGR 231 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 315 Experimental Design in Biomedical Research 4.0 Credits

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles of experimental design and statistical analysis as applied to biomedical research with animals and humans. Topics to be covered include experimental design, clinical design, and protocol submission and review.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BMES 310 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 325 Principles of Biomedical Engineering I 3.0 Credits

This course is the first part of a two-term sequence which introduces biomedical engineering students to engineering principles applied to biological and physiological systems. This course focuses on bioethical questions, biomechanics, human performance engineering, biomaterials and tissue engineering.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 122 [Min Grade: D] and CHEM 102 [Min Grade: D] and (BIO 203 [Min Grade: D] or BMES 235 [Min Grade: D]) and MEM 202 [Min Grade: D] and ENGR 220 [Min Grade: D] and ENGR 232 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 326 Principles of Biomedical Engineering II 3.0 Credits

This course is the second part of a two-term sequence which introduces biomedical engineering students to engineering principles applied to biological and physiological systems. This course focuses on bioinformatics, neuroengineering, biosignal processing, biosensors, and medical imaging.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BMES 325 [Min Grade: D] and BIO 201 [Min Grade: D] and (BMES 202 [Min Grade: D] or ENGR 202 [Min Grade: D])

BMES 330 Biological Rhythm in Pharmacology and Toxicology 3.0 Credits

This course covers the fundamentals of biological rhythms with particular emphasis on the influence these cycles have on the susceptibility of organism to physical, chemical, and /or toxic agents.

BMES 331 Computers in Health Systems I 3.0 Credits

Introduces the allied health professional to basic computer applications on personal computers. Includes word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and networking (e.g., e-mail and information search and retrieval) in a primarily Windows environment. Designed for individuals with little or no computer background. Students are encouraged to bring in their own work-related problems or projects to provide immediate application of knowledge learned to the student's professional healthcare environment.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit

BMES 332 Computers in Health Systems II 3.0 Credits

Continues the general overview of computers for people in the allied health professions, using specific examples from health care. Offers further study of and practice with special scientific (e.g., statistics, graphing) and medical clinical decision-support software. Introduces algorithms and formal programming methods.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman

BMES 335 Biomedical Informatics I 3.0 Credits

Introduces information and information handling systems for people in the allied health professions, with specific examples drawn from health care. Covers locating, manipulating, and displaying information in the health system setting.

BMES 336 Biomedical Informatics II: Hospital and Patient Information 3.0 Credits

Continues BMES 335. Emphasizes medical records and hospital and patient information handling. Examines the problems of patient information flow within the health care system. Introduces conventional and proposed patient and hospital information systems.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BMES 335 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 338 Biomedical Ethics and Law 3.0 Credits

Introduces the wide spectrum of ethical, regulatory, and legal issues facing health care practitioners and health-related research workers. Helps students become aware of the ethical and legal issues involved in their work. Helps students understand how legal and ethical decisions should be made in health-related matters, as well as what sources of help and guidance are available.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman

BMES 340 Health Care Administration 3.0 Credits

This course provides students with an analysis of health care administration process, including: planning, organizing, designing, decision-making, leading, and controlling. Presents methods and techniques that can contribute to the effective performance of administrative duties.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman

BMES 345 Mechanics of Biological Systems 3.0 Credits

This course introduces the fundamentals of mechanics of deformable bodies as they relevant to biologicaltissues and biomaterials. Major topics include stress and strain, mechanical properties of biologicaltissues and biomaterials, axial loading, torsion, bending, and viscoelasticity, These concepts will be applied to biological examples such as long bones, the heart, blood vessels, and orthopaedic implants.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: MEM 202 [Min Grade: D] and (BIO 203 [Min Grade: D] or BMES 235 [Min Grade: D])

BMES 350 Med & Bio Effects Of Light 3.0 Credits

Examines the role of environmental lighting in human physiological and psychological processes. Topics include vitamin D synthesis and calcium regulation; light effects on bilirubin in newborns; photoactivation and DNA in skin; effects of nonionizing radiation on the immune systems; environmental lighting and human vision; light effects on biological rhythms and sleep; photosensitivity diseases related to interior lighting; the therapeutic uses of light; and light and the aging eye.

BMES 363 Robotics in Medicine I 3.0 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the use of haptics (the use of somtaosensory information) in the design of robotic devices in surgery. Topics covered include actuators, sensors, nonportable feedback, portable force feedback, tactile feedback interfaces, haptic sensing and control systems.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: MEM 238 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 365 Robotics in Medicine II 3.0 Credits

This course covers the use of robots in surgery and included aspects of safety, robot kinematics, analysis of surgical performance using robotic devices, inverse kinematics, velocity analysis and acceleration analysis. Various types of surgeries in which robotic devices are or could be used are presented on a case study basis.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BMES 363 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 372 Biosimulation 3.0 Credits

This course provides the foundation for the mathematical analysis of biomedical engineering systems. It focuses on the essential mathematical methods necessary for further development of modeling and simulation skills in other courses (materials, mechanics, fluids/transport, signals/control system, etc). The course applies the skills in calculus, differential equations and linear algebra gained in ENGR 231 and ENGR 232 to developing analytical techniques for biomedical applications.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 201 [Min Grade: D] and (BIO 203 [Min Grade: D] or BMES 235 [Min Grade: D]) and ENGR 231 [Min Grade: D] and ENGR 232 [Min Grade: D] and (BMES 201 [Min Grade: D] and BMES 202 [Min Grade: D]) or (ENGR 201 [Min Grade: D] and ENGR 202 [Min Grade: D])

BMES 375 Computational Bioengineering 4.0 Credits

This course introduces undergraduate students to the mathematical and computational analysis of biological systems. The systems analyzed include the genome, protein and gene networks, cell division cycles, and cellular level disease. Mathematical tools include matrix algebra, differential equations, cellular automata, cluster analysis, etc.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if classification is Junior or Senior.
Prerequisites: (BIO 203 [Min Grade: D] or BMES 235 [Min Grade: D]) and BMES 325 [Min Grade: D] and BMES 372 [Min Grade: D] and ENGR 231 [Min Grade: D] and (TDEC 221 [Min Grade: D] or ENGR 232 [Min Grade: D])

BMES 381 Junior Design Seminar I 2.0 Credits

This is the first course in a two-course sequence intended to present the basics of engineering design, project management, product development and translational research. This first course focuses on engineering design and product development. A case-study approach is used to illustrate best practices and common mistakes in engineering design.

BMES 382 Junior Design Seminar II 2.0 Credits

This is the second course in a two-course sequence intended to present the basics of engineering design, project management, product development and translational research. This second course focuses on project management and quality control. A case-study approach is used to illustrate best practices and common mistakes in management and evaluation of engineering projects.

BMES 391 Biomedical Instrumentation I 3.0 Credits

This course introduces the student to the medical instrumentation and provides background on the physical, chemical, electronic and computational fundamentals by which medical instrumentation operates. It is an analytical course exploring the design, operation, safety aspects and calibration of primary electronic instruments.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman or Sophomore
Prerequisites: ECE 201 [Min Grade: D] and (TDEC 202 [Min Grade: D] or ENGR 210 [Min Grade: D]) and (TDEC 221 [Min Grade: D] or ENGR 231 [Min Grade: D]) and ENGR 232 [Min Grade: D] and (BMES 235 [Min Grade: D] or BIO 203 [Min Grade: D])

BMES 392 Biomedical Instrumentation II 3.0 Credits

Continues BMES 391. Explores the operation, safety aspects, and calibration of primarily optical and acoustical instruments, as well as those involving ionizing radiation. Also examines instrumentation primarily intended for particular departments and areas, such as anesthesia and infusion.

BMES 401 Biosensors I 4.0 Credits

Introduces the general topic of microsensors, discusses basic sensing mechanisms for microsensors, and presents various types of conductometric, acoustic, silicon, and optical microsensors. Uses two case studies that include an acoustic immunosensor and silicon glucose sensor to provide students with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience. Provides additional experience through three laboratory sessions that support the lectures and familiarize students with practical aspects of microsensors. Also discusses applications of microsensors in the medical, chemical, pharmaceutical, environmental, aeronautical, and automotive industries.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if classification is Junior or Senior.
Prerequisites: (BMES 222 [Min Grade: D] or BMES 326 [Min Grade: D]) and (TDEC 202 [Min Grade: D] or ENGR 210 [Min Grade: D]) and (TDEC 221 [Min Grade: D] or ENGR 231 [Min Grade: D]) and ECE 201 [Min Grade: D] and ENGR 232 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 402 Biosensors II 4.0 Credits

Investigates modern biosensor design methods and addresses the challenges associated with fabrication technologies and instrumentation techniques. Topics include theory and modeling of biosensors, biosensor fabrication steps, and electronic and clinical testing methods. Discusses local and distant sensor data acquisition techniques. Students will design, fabricate and test a biosensor. Essential stages of biosensor manufacturing processes will be outlined. Some or all pre-requisites may be taken as either a pre-requisite or co-requisite. Please see the department for more information.

BMES 403 Biosensors III 4.0 Credits

Covers recent advances in biosensor technology and applications, business aspects, and technology transfer issues. Topics include new sensing mechanisms, new technologies, new biomedical applications, the starting of small sensor companies, and the introduction of new sensor technologies into industrial settings. Requires students to develop a technical proposal in the area of biosensors and to review proposals written by their peers. Presentations by regular faculty and industrial and government researchers form an integral part of the course.

BMES 405 Physiological Control Systems 3.0 Credits

Introduces the basic concepts of feedback and feed forward controls systems, including characterizations in terms of prescribed constraints, study of input and output relationships for various types of physiological systems, and stability and time-delay problems. Covers mathematical models of physiological systems, with emphasis on non-linear and adaptive systems study.

BMES 409 Entrepreneurship for BMES 3.0 Credits

This course serves as the foundation course in entrepreneurship and is designed to provide students with a complete working knowledge of the modern entrepreneurial and business planning process.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit

BMES 411 Chronoengineering I: Biological Rhythms in Health and Performance 3.0 Credits

Introduces students to the concepts of biological, and especially circadian, rhythmicity. Advances students' knowledge of biological time-keeping and adaptive functions of biological clocks. Topics include biochemical and physiological models of biological clocks, adjustment to environmental cycles, rhythms in behavior and physiological functions, sleep-wake cyclicity, adaptability of circadian systems, and influences of rhythms on human physiology and behavior. Designed to give students a thorough understanding of the role rhythms play in animal and human behavior, physiology, and medicine.

BMES 412 Chronoengineering II: Sleep Functions in Health and Performance 3.0 Credits

Continues BMES 411. Enhances students' education in the concepts of biological, and especially circadian, rhythmicity. Focuses on sleep patterns, rhythms, evolution, neurology, psychology, and overall function.

BMES 421 Biomedical Imaging Systems I: Images 4.0 Credits

Provides an overview of the field of medical imaging. Covers aspects of light imaging; systems theory, convolutions, and transforms; photometry, lenses, and depth of field; image perception and roc theory; three-dimensional imaging; image acquisition and display; and image processing operations, including scanning and segmentation.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if classification is Senior.
Prerequisites: (TDEC 115 [Min Grade: D] or PHYS 201 [Min Grade: D]) and (BIO 203 [Min Grade: D] or BMES 235 [Min Grade: D]) and (MATH 311 [Min Grade: D] or BMES 310 [Min Grade: D]) and (TDEC 222 [Min Grade: D] or ENGR 231 [Min Grade: D]) and ENGR 232 [Min Grade: D] and ECES 302 [Min Grade: D] and ECES 304 [Min Grade: D] and BMES 325 [Min Grade: D] and BMES 326 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 422 Biomedical Imaging Systems II: Ultrasound 4.0 Credits

Intended for students who would like to gain an adequate understanding of diagnostic ultrasound imaging principles and become familiar with developments in this rapidly expanding field. Introduces medical visualization techniques based on ultrasound propagation in biological tissues. Topics include generation and reception of ultrasound, imaging techniques (A-mode, B-mode, M-mode, and Doppler), typical and emerging diagnostic applications, elements of ultrasound exposimetry, and safety aspects from the clinical point of view.

BMES 423 Biomedical Imaging Systems III 4.0 Credits

Covers volumetric and functional imaging systems. Discusses the principles and algorithms of projection tomography, XCAT, SPECT, PET; the principles of MRI: Bloch equation, slice selection, K-space scanning, volumetric MRI; biochemical imaging; chemical equilibrium equations and Scatchard plots, specific and nonspecific labeling; autoradiography; and flow and dynamical systems: Doppler, mass transport, and phase (MRI) measurement of flow.

BMES 430 Neural Aspects of Posture and Locomotion 3.0 Credits

Students will study the physiology of ensory/motor systems, with emphasis on modeling of neural systems and biomechanical aspects of functional tasks. Combines information on basic nerve cell activities, synaptic communication and structure/function relationships of skeletal muscle with basic mechanics to study spinal, vestibular and ocular reflexes. Culminates with the study of the control of motor systems with respect to bipedal motion.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 201 [Min Grade: D] and (BIO 203 [Min Grade: D] or BMES 235 [Min Grade: D]) and (BMES 201 [Min Grade: D] and BMES 202 [Min Grade: D]) or (ENGR 201 [Min Grade: D] and ENGR 202 [Min Grade: D]) and MEM 202 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 432 Biomedical Systems and Signals 3.0 Credits

Introduces various aspects of biomedical signals, systems, and signal processing. Covers topics in the origin and acquisition of biomedical signals; discrete-time signals and linear systems; frequency analysis of discrete-time signals, spectral estimation, data records and digital filters; and compression of biomedical signals through time-domain and frequency-domain coding.

BMES 440 Introduction to Biodynamics 3.0 Credits

The objective of the course is to prepare students for biomechanical modeling, modeling methods, formulation of equations of motion and methods of determination of strength will be applied to human body dynamics. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of Rigid Body and Multi-Body Dynamics.

BMES 441 Biomechanics I: Introduction to Biomechanics 4.0 Credits

Teaches students to use mechanical tools to get an introductory appreciation for solving biomechanical problems. Models human performance by using static, quasi-static, and dynamic approaches. Assesses overall loading of the musculoskeletal system during functional activities. Demonstrates some introductory methods of estimation of forces in the joints and muscles and evaluates the endurance of the human tissues under traumatic loading conditions. Builds on existing knowledge in mechanics, such as the basic variables of mechanics, modeling methods, formulation of the equations of motion, and methods of determination of strength, then practices actual illustration of the application of the mechanical tools in the determination of human systems performance.

BMES 442 Biomechanics II: Musculoskeletal Modeling and Human Performance 4.0 Credits

Teaches students to think biomechanically. Reviews and categorizes the various functional components (tissues) of the musculoskeletal system. Considers constraints of the joints and action of the soft and hard tissues, along with corresponding models. Computes joint and muscle forces. Discusses some aspect of postural stability of the whole musculoskeletal structure and reviews various methods of task performance.

BMES 443 Biomechanics III: Mechanics of Biological Tissues, Implant Technology and Prosthetics 4.0 Credits

Provides more advanced knowledge of mechanics of materials and offers a general description of mechanical behavior of the variety of the soft and hard tissues of the human body. Considers some prosthetic replacements of tissues as well as entire bone, joint, soft tissue, and system prosthetics. Reviews some specific orthopedic appliances and covers limb prosthetics if time permits. Students plan design projects.

BMES 444 Biofluid Mechanics 3.0 Credits

This course introduces flow-related anatomy and pathophysiology, and biomedical flow devices and their design challenges. Analysis methods to solve biological fluid mechanics design problems will be introduced and several interdisciplinary team projects will be assigned to apply fluid mechanics to practical biological or medical problems.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BMES 451 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 451 Transport Phenomena in Living Systems 4.0 Credits

Introduces students to applications of chemical engineering concepts in biological systems. Shows that chemical engineering approaches to problem solving are ideally suited to investigation of biology. Approaches include material and energy balances, transport phenomena, and kinetics.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman or Pre-Junior or Sophomore
Prerequisites: (TDEC 115 [Min Grade: D] or PHYS 201 [Min Grade: D]) and (BMES 222 [Min Grade: D] or BMES 326 [Min Grade: D]) and (BIO 203 [Min Grade: D] or BMES 235 [Min Grade: D]) and (TDEC 202 [Min Grade: D] or ENGR 210 [Min Grade: D]) and ENGR 232 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 452 Transport Phenomena in Living Systems II 3.0 Credits

Continues BMES 451. Advances students' understanding of the engineering principles of membrane transport and its consequences at the subcellular (mitochondria), cellular (neuron), and organ (kidney) level. Introduces concepts associated with pharmacokinetics. Provides students with a kinetic approach to analysis of receptors, including the kinetics of ligand-receptor binding, rate constants, and signal transduction.

BMES 460 Biomaterials I 4.0 Credits

First course in a three-quarter sequence designed to acquaint students with the behavior of materials used in biomedical application under load (i.e., mechanical properties), their modes of failure and as a function of their environment. This course provides students with the fundamentals needed to proceed with Biomaterials II.

BMES 461 Biomaterials II 4.0 Credits

Second course in a three-quarter sequence in biomaterials. The goal of this course is with an understanding of, and ability to select, appropriate materials for specific applications taking into account mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties taught in Biomaterials I and combining them with the biocompatibility issues covered in the present course.

BMES 466 Robotics in Medicine III 3.0 Credits

This course covers topics in the design of medical robotic systems, including force and movement analysis for robotic arms, dynamics, computer vision and vision-based control. Thus use of haptics, vision systems and robot dynamics are examined in a cohesive framework.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BMES 365 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 471 Cellular and Molecular Foundations of Tissue Engineering 4.0 Credits

Course is designed to familiarize students with the advanced concepts of cellular and molecular biology and physiology relevant to tissue engineering. The initial part of a two-quarter sequence combining material from cellular/molecular biology, evolutionary/developmental biology with engineering design and biomaterials to educate students in the principles, methods, and technology of tissue engineering.

BMES 472 Developmental and Evolutionary Foundations of Tissue Engineering 4.0 Credits

Familiarizes students with advanced concepts of developmental and evolutionary biology relevant to tissue engineering. This second part of the two-quarter sequence combines material from cellular/molecular biology and evolutionary design and biomaterials to educate students in the principles, methods, and technology of tissue engineering.

BMES 475 Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering III 4.0 Credits

This course provides students with in-depth knowledge of factor-mediated tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Students learn about fundamental repair and regenerative processes and gain an understanding of specific biomaterials being used to mimic and/or enhance such processes. Students also learn about the delivery methods of agents which promote the proper functional development of specialized tissues.

BMES 477 Neuroengineering I: Neural Signals 3.0 Credits

Introduces the theory of neural signaling. Students will learn the fundamental theory of cellular potentials and chemical signaling, the Hodgkin Huxeley description of action potential generation, circuit representations of neurons and be able to derive and integrate equations describing the circuit as well as design computer models.

BMES 478 Neuroengineering II: Principles of Neuroengineering 3.0 Credits

This course investigates cutting edge technologies in neuroengineering in a seminar-style format with faculty from the School of Biomedical Engineering and College of Medicine. Three modules cover topics, which vary from year to year. Students are expected to submit written and oral presentations covering each topic.

BMES 480 Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering & Sciences 12.0 Credits

Covers topics related to the field of health care, systems, and technology. Past topics include health care administration.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit

BMES 483 Quantitative Systems Biology 4.5 Credits

This course uses a systems engineering approach to provide a foundation in systems biology and pathology informatics. Topics covered include the robust complex network of genes and proteins; cell as basic units of life; communication of cells with other cells and the environment; and gene circuits governing development.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if classification is Senior.
Prerequisites: (TDEC 222 [Min Grade: D] or ENGR 232 [Min Grade: D]) and (BIO 203 [Min Grade: D] or BMES 235 [Min Grade: D]) and (BMES 202 [Min Grade: D] or ENGR 202 [Min Grade: D]) and BMES 372 [Min Grade: D] and BMES 375 [Min Grade: D] and CS 172 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 484 Genome Information Engineering 4.5 Credits

This course is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the application of genomic, proteomic, and other large-scale information to biomedical engineering. The underlying goal is to develop an understanding of highthrough underlying technologies, biological challenges, and key mathematical and computational methods relevant to biomedical engineering.

BMES 488 Medical Device Development 3.0 Credits

Medical device product development must take into account a diverse set of disciplines to achieve a safe and successful product. This course exposes the student to several of these disciplines with the objective of raising the student¿s awareness of safety throughout the product development life cycle. Students will learn to appreciate the complex engineering decisions that support development of a safe medical device through an examination of risk management, regulatory processes, human factors and clinical studies.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BMES 391 [Min Grade: D] and BMES 392 [Min Grade: D]

BMES 491 [WI] Senior Design Project I 3.0 Credits

This is the first course in a three-quarter capstone design experience for senior biomedical engineering students.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if classification is Senior.

BMES 492 Senior Design Project II 2.0 Credits

Continues senior design activities begun in BMES 492.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if classification is Senior.

BMES 493 Senior Design Project III 3.0 Credits

Continues the design project begun in BMES 491 and continued through BMES 492.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if classification is Senior.

BMES 494 Clinical Practicum I 3.0 Credits

This course provides biomedical engineering students with an extensive exposure to live clinical cardiology procedures, including cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, echocardiography and nuclear stress testing. Emphasis is placed on identifying important interfaces between engineering and clinical medicine, particularly in areas where clinical needs may be addressed by advances in biomedical engineering.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is BME.

BMES 495 Clinical Practicum II 3.0 Credits

This course provides biomedical engineering students with an extensive exposure to live operations in an emergency department and intensive care unit. The students are expected to analyze specific operations within these environments and develop a solution to a process problem within one of these environments. System analysis, design and evaluation are emphasized.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is BME.

BMES 496 Clinical Practicum III 3.0 Credits

This course provides biomedical engineering students with an opportunity to observe basic operative and postoperative procedures with the idea of both learning about such procedures and identifying the role of biomedical engineering in these clinical settings.

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is BME.

BMES 499 Independent Study in Biomedical Engineering and Science 0.5-6.0 Credits

College/Department: School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit

Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems Faculty

Fred D. Allen, PhD (University of Pennsylvania). Assistant Professor. Tissue engineering, cell engineering, orthopedics, bone remodeling, wound healing, mechanotransduction, signal transduction, adhesion, migration.

Sriram Balasubramanian, PhD (Wayne State University). Assistant Professor. Structural characteristics of the pediatric thoracic cage using CT scans and developing an age-equivalent animal model for pediatric long bones.

Kenneth A. Barbee, PhD (University of Pennsylvania). Associate Professor. Cellular biomechanics of neural and vascular injury, mechanotransduction in the cardiovascular system, mechanical control of growth and development for wound healing and tissue engineering.

Lin Han, PhD (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Assistant Professor. Nanoscale structure-property relationships of biological materials, genetic and molecular origins soft joint tissue diseases, biomaterials under extreme conditions, coupling between stimulus-responsiveness and geometry.

Uri Hershberg, PhD (Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel). Assistant Professor. Bioinformatics, immunology, neural computation, system biology, somatic selection, autoimmunity, genetic stability, germline diversity, dendritic cell, transcription elements, pathogens, computational and mathematical modeling, complex systems, cognition and inflammation.

Joshua Jacobs, PhD (University of Pennsylvania). Assistant Professor. Neuroengineering, electrocorticography (ECoG), electroencephalography (EEG), single-neuron spiking, brain oscillations, episodic memory, working memory, spatial navigation, conceptual representations.

Dov Jaron, PhD (University of Pennsylvania) Calhoun Distinguished Professor of Engineering in Medicine. Professor. Mathematical, computer and electromechanical simulations of the cardiovascular system.

Andres Kriete, PhD (University in Bremen Germany) Associate Director for Graduate Studies and Academic Operations. Systems biology, bioimaging, control theory, biology of aging, skin cancer.

Ryszard Lec, PhD (University of Warsaw Engineering College). Professor. Biomedical applications of visoelastic, acoustoptic and ultrasonic properties of liquid and solid media.

Peter Lewin, PhD (University of Denmark, Copenhagen-Lyngby) Richard B. Beard Professor, School Of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems. Professor. Biomedical ultrasonics, piezoelectric and polymer transducers and hydrophones; shock wave sensors.

Hualou Liang, PhD (Chinese Academy of Sciences). Associate Professor. Neuroengineering, neuroinformatics, cognitive and computational neuroscience, neural data analysis and computational modeling, biomedical signal processing.

Donald L. McEachron, PhD (University of California at San Diego) Associate Director. Research Professor. Animal behavior, autoradiography, biological rhythms, cerebral metabolism, evolutionary theory, image processing, neuroendocrinology.

Karen Moxon, PhD (University of Colorado). Associate Professor. Cortico-thalamic interactions; neurobiological perspectives on design of humanoid robots.

Banu Onaral, Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania) H.H. Sun Professor / Director, School of Biomedical Engineering Science and Health Systems. Professor. Biomedical signal processing; complexity and scaling in biomedical signals and systems.

Kambiz Pourrezaei, PhD (Rensselaer Polytechnic University). Professor. Thin film technology; nanotechnology; near infrared imaging; power electronics.

Arye Rosen, PhD (Drexel University) Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. Microwave components and subsystems; utilization of RF/microwaves and lasers in therapeutic medicine.

Ahmet Sacan, PhD (Middle East Technical University). Assistant Professor. Indexing and data mining in biological databases; protein sequence and structure; similarity search; protein structure modeling; protein-protein interaction; automated cell tracking.

Joseph J. Sarver, PhD (Drexel University). Teaching Professor. Neuromuscular adaptation to changes in the myo-mechanical environment.

Rahamim Seliktar, PhD (University of Strathclyde, Glasgow) Vice Director, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems. Professor. Limb prostheses, biomechanics of human motion, orthopedic biomechanics.

Adrian C. Shieh, PhD (Rice University). Assistant Professor. Contribution of mechanical forces to tumor invasion and metastasis, with a particular emphasis on how biomechanical signals may drive the invasive switch, and how the biomechanical microenvironment interacts with cytokine signaling and the extracellular matrix to influence tumor and stromal cell behavior.

Wan Young Shih, PhD (Ohio State University) School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems. Associate Professor. Piezoelectric microcantilever biosensors development, piezoelectric finger development, quantum dots development, tissue elasticity imaging, piezoelectric microcantilever force probes.

Kara Spiller, PhD (Drexel University). Assistant Professor. Cell-biomaterial interactions, biomaterial design, and international engineering education.

Aydin Tozeren, PhD (Columbia University) Distinguished Professor and Director, Center for Integrated Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems. Professor. Breast cell adhesion and communication, signal transduction networks in cancer and epithelial cells; integrated bioinformatics, molecular profiling, 3D-tumors, bioimaging.

Margaret Wheatley, PhD (University of Toronto) John M. Reid Professor, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems. Professor. Ultrasound contrast agent development (tumor targeting and triggered drug delivery), controlled release technology (bioactive compounds), microencapsulated allografts (ex vivo gene therapy) for spinal cord repair.

Yinghui Zhong, PhD (Georgia Institute of Technology). Assistant Professor. Spinal cord repair, and engineering neural prosthesis/brain interface using biomaterials, drug delivery, and stem cell therapy.

Interdepartmental Faculty

Douglas L. Chute, PhD (University of Missouri) Louis and Bessie Stein Fellow. Professor. Neuropsychology and rehabilitation; technological applications for the cognitively compromised and those with acquired brain injuries.

Emeritus Faculty

William Freedman, PhD (Drexel University). Professor Emeritus. Motor control; sensory and motor systems; reflexes; eye movements; neural networks.

John M. Reid, PhD (University of Pennsylvania) Calhoun Professor Emeritus. Professor Emeritus. Diagnostic ultrasound, wave propagation and scattering in inhomogeneous media, imaging, instrumentation.

Hun H. Sun, PhD (Cornell University). Professor Emeritus. Biological control systems, physiological modeling, systems analysis.