Department of Biomedical Engineering Courses

Note on Course Numbers

Each Carnegie Mellon course number begins with a two-digit prefix which designates the department offering the course (76-xxx courses are offered by the Department of English, etc.). Although each department maintains its own course numbering practices, typically the first digit after the prefix indicates the class level: xx-1xx courses are freshmen-level, xx-2xx courses are sophomore level, etc. xx-6xx courses may be either undergraduate senior-level or graduate-level, depending on the department. xx-7xx courses and higher are graduate-level. Please consult the Schedule of Classes each semester for course offerings and for any necessary pre-requisites or co-requisites.

42-101 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering: Fall and Spring: 12 units
This course will provide exposure to basic biology and engineering problems associated with living systems and health care delivery. Examples will be used to illustrate how basic concepts and tools of science & engineering can be brought to bear in understanding, mimicking and utilizing biological processes. The course will focus on four areas: biotechnology, biomechanics, biomaterials and tissue engineering and biosignal and image processing and will introduce the basic life sciences and engineering concepts associated with these topics. Pre-requisite OR co-requisite: 03-121 Modern Biology.
Corequisite: 03-121

42-200 Sophomore BME Research Project: Fall and Spring
Research projects for sophomores under the direction of a regular or adjunct BME faculty member. Arrangements may also be made via the Associate Head of BME for off-campus projects provided that a regular or adjunct BME faculty member agrees to serve as a co-advisor. The nature of the project, the number of units, and the criteria for grading are to be determined between the student and the research advisor. The agreement should be summarized in a two-page project description with sign-off by the research advisor and a copy submitted for review and filing with the BME Department. A final written report or oral presentation of the results is required. Units may vary from 3 to 12 according to the expected time commitment, with one unit corresponding to 1 hour of research per week.

42-201 Professional Issues in Biomedical Engineering: Fall and Spring: 3 units
This course exposes students to many of the issues that biomedical engineers face. It provides an overview of professional topics including bioethics, regulatory issues, communication skills, teamwork, and other contemporary issues. Outside speakers and case studies will describe real world problems and professional issues in biotechnology and bioengineering, and progress toward their solution. Prerequisite or co-requisite: 42-101 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
Prerequisite: 42-101

42-202 Physiology: Fall and Spring: 9 units
This course is an introduction to human physiology and includes units on all major organ systems. Particular emphasis is given to the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and endocrine systems. Modules on molecular physiology tissue engineering and physiological modeling are also included. Due to the close interrelationship between structure and function in biological systems, each functional topic will be introduced through a brief exploration of anatomical structure. Basic physical laws and principles will be explored as they relate to physiologic function. Prerequisite or co-requisite: 03-121 Modern Biology, or permission of instructor.
Corequisite: 03-121

42-203 Biomedical Engineering Laboratory: Fall and Spring: 9 units
This laboratory course is designed to provide students with the ability to make measurements on and interpret data from living systems. The experimental modules reinforce concepts from 42-101 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering and expose students to four areas of biomedical engineering: biomedical signal and image processing, biomaterials, biomechanics, and cellular and molecular biotechnology. Several cross-cutting modules are included as well. The course includes weekly lectures to complement the experimental component. Prerequisites: 42-101 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering and 03-121 Modern Biology. Pre-med students should register for 03-206. Priority for enrollment will be given to students who have declared the Additional Major in Biomedical Engineering.
Prerequisites: 03-121 and 42-101

42-300 Junior BME Research Project: Fall and Spring
Research projects for juniors under the direction of a regular or adjunct BME faculty member. Arrangements may also be made via the Associate Head of BME for off-campus projects provided that a regular or adjunct BME faculty member agrees to serve as a co-advisor. The nature of the project, the number of units, and the criteria for grading are to be determined between the student and the research advisor. The agreement should be summarized in a two-page project description with sign-off by the research advisor and a copy submitted for review and filing with the BME Department. A final written report or oral presentation of the results is required. Units may vary from 3 to 12 according to the expected time commitment, with one unit corresponding to 1 hour of research per week.

42-321 Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology: Fall: 9 units
This course will provide students with an introduction to biotechnology in an engineering context. The focus will be on using microorganisms to prepare therapeutically and technologically relevant biochemicals. Topics to be covered include cellular and microbial metabolism, recombinant DNA methodologies, bioreactor design, protein separation and purification, and systems approaches to biotechnology. Prerequisites: (42-202 Physiology OR 03-121 Modern Biology OR 03-232 Biochemistry) AND (06-262 Mathematical Methods of Chemical Engineering OR 21-260 Differential Equations) OR permission of instructor.
Prerequisites: 06-262 and 42-202

42-341 Introduction to Biomechanics: Fall: 9 units
This course provides a general survey of the application of solid mechanics and rigid body dynamics to the study of the human cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. The mechanical properties and behavior of heart, blood vessel, bone, muscle and connective tissues are discussed and methods for the analysis of human motion are developed. Both analytic and experimental results are presented through readings from reports in recent journals and the relevance of these results to the solution of unsolved problems is highlighted. The development of appropriate models for particular problems is also considered. Pre-requisites: 21-260 Differential Equations AND (24-262 Stress Analysis OR 12-331 Solid Mechanics OR equivalent). Useful, but not required: 24-141 Statics and Dynamics AND 24-202 Mechanics of Deformable Solids.
Prerequisites: 21-260 and 24-262

42-400 Senior BME Research Project: Fall and Spring
Research projects for seniors under the direction of a regular or adjunct BME faculty member. Arrangements may also be made via the Associate Head of BME for off-campus projects provided that a regular or adjunct BME faculty member agrees to serve as a co-advisor. The nature of the project, the number of units, and the criteria for grading are to be determined between the student and the research advisor. The agreement should be summarized in a two-page project description with sign-off by the research advisor and a copy submitted for review and filing with the BME Department. A final written report or oral presentation of the results is required. Units may vary from 3 to 12 according to the expected time commitment, with one unit corresponding to 1 hour of research per week.

42-401 Foundation of BME Design: Fall: 3 units
This course introduces Biomedical Engineering students to the design of useful biomedical products. Students will learn to identify product needs, how to specify problem definitions and to use project management tools. Methods to develop creativity in design will be introduced. Students will form project teams and select a project to be completed during the following semester in 42-402. This course culminates in the completion of a design brief. Prerequisite: Senior standing in Biomedical Engineering. Co-requisite: 42-101

42-402 BME Design Project: Spring: 9 units
This course focuses on integrated product development for biomedical products. Teams will consist of a variety of Biomedical Engineering students. The course consists of modules including the development of a project plan, background research, hazard analysis, setting product specifications based on user requirements, detailed design and analysis, prototype development and final documentation and presentation. Additional relevant professional development topics are also covered, including technical public speaking, proposal preparation, personal time management, and other topics. All products developed will respond to the needs of appropriate market segments; resulting products will be deemed safe, effective, useful, usable and desirable by those segments. Students will produce a form model, functional prototype, marketing plan, and manufacturing plan of their product. Prerequisite: 42-401 (3 units, Fall) Foundations of Biomedical Engineering Design
Prerequisite: 42-401

42-411 Introduction to Molecular Biomaterials: Fall: 9 units
This course will cover structure-processing-property relationships in biomaterials for use in medicine. This course will focus on a variety of materials including natural biopolymers, synthetic polymers, and soft materials with additional treatment of metals and ceramics. Topics include considerations in molecular design of biomaterials, understanding cellular aspects of tissue-biomaterials interactions, and the application of bulk and surface properties in the design of medical devices. This course will discuss practical applications of these materials in drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensors, and other biomedical technologies. Cross-listed with 27-411

42-419 Biomaterial/Host Interactions: Fall: 12 units
The goal of this course is to provide students with hands-on experience in investigating host responses to materials. Implant studies of tissue-engineering materials will be performed using animal models in a laboratory setting, and students will gain experience in the analysis of host responses. Material biocompatibility and tissue regeneration will be addressed. Characterization techniques will include histology, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescent staining. Laboratory work will be complemented with lectures. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing in Biomedical Engineering, or consent of instructor.

42-426 Biosensors and BioMEMS: Intermittent: 9 units
This course emphasizes the principles of biomolecule-based sensing, including molecular recognition, biomolecular binding kinetics and equilibrium; methods of detection and signal transduction, including optical, colorimetric, fluorescence, potentiometric, and gravimetric techniques; statistical principles of high throughout screening; microfluidic and microarray device design principles and fabrication technologies; molecular motors. Prerequisites: 03-231 OR 03-232 Biochemistry.
Prerequisite: 03-232

42-431 Introduction to Biomedical Imaging and Image Analysis: Fall: 12 units
This course gives an overview of tools and tasks in various biological and biomedical imaging modalities, such as microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, x-ray computed tomography, ultrasound and others. Students will be exposed to the major underlying principles in modern imaging systems as well as state of the art methods for processing biomedical images such as deconvolution, registration, segmentation, pattern recognition, etc. The discussion of these topics will draw on approaches from many fields, including physics, statistics, signal processing, and machine learning. As part of the course, students will be expected to complete an independent project. Students will have the opportunity to visit laboratory to see real biomedical imaging devices in action. Prerequisites: 18-290 Signals and Systems or permission of the instructor, working knowledge of Matlab, and some image processing experience. Cross-listed courses: 18-496
Prerequisites: 18-396 and 42-202

42-441 Cardiovascular Biomechanics: Intermittent: 9 units
This course covers the solid and fluid mechanics of the heart and vascular system as well as the mechanics of medical devices used to assist or replace cardiovascular function. Prerequisite: 42-341 Introduction to Biomechanics.

42-444 Medical Devices: Fall: 9 units
This course is an introduction to the engineering, clinical, legal and regulatory aspects of medical device performance and failure. Topics covered include a broad survey of the thousands of successful medical devices in clinical use, as well as historical case studies of devices that were withdrawn from the market. In-depth study of specific medical devices will include: cardiovascular medicine, orthopedics, and general medicine. We will study the principles of operation (with hands-on examples), design evolution, and modes of failure. Additional lectures will provide basic information concerning biomaterials used for implantable medical devices (metals, polymers, ceramics) and their biocompatibility, mechanisms of failure (wear, corrosion, fatigue, fretting, etc.). The level of technical content will require junior standing for MCS and CIT students, a degree in science or engineering for non-MCS or non-CIT graduate students, or permission of the instructor for all other students.

42-447 Rehabilitation Engineering: Fall: 9 units
Rehabilitation engineering involves the application of engineering principles to design, develop, adapt, and apply technology to problems confronted by individuals with disabilities. It differs from classical biomedical engineering by its focus on improving the quality of people’s lives, rather than improving medical treatment. The course surveys assistive technologies for various functional limitations - including mobility, hearing, vision, communication, and cognition - applied to activities associated with independent living, education, employment, and integration into the community. We consider human factors and market forces that make some innovative technologies successful and others commercial failures. Engineering innovation by itself - without considering other factors – means that some innovative technologies don’t become or remain available to aid people with disabilities.

42-509 Stem Cell Engineering: Spring: 9 units
42-509 Special Topics: Stem Cell Engineering This class will give an overview over milestones of stem cell research and will expose students to current topics at the frontiers of this field. It will introduce to the different types of stem cells as well as environmental factors and signals that are implicated in regulation of stem cell fate. The class will highlight techniqus for engineering of stem cells and their micro-environment. It will evaluate use of stem cells for tissue engineering and therapies. Emphasis will be on discussion of current research areas and papers in this rapidly evolving field. Students will pick a class-related topic of interest, perform a thorough literature search, and present their findings as a written report as well as in paper reviews and a lecture during class. Lectures and discussion will be complemented by practical lab sessions, including: stem cell harvest and culture, neural stem cell transfection, differentiation assays and immunostaining, polymeric microcapsules as advanced culture systems, and stem cell integration in mouse brain tissue. The class is designed for graduate students with a strong interest in stem cell biology and the desire to actively contribute to discussions in class. Prerequisites: None. Co-requisites: None.

42-520 Tissue Engineering: Spring: 12 units
This course will train students in advanced cellular and tissue engineering methods that apply physical, mechanical and chemical manipulation of materials in order to direct cell and tissue function. Students will learn the techniques and equipment of bench research including cell culture, immunofluorescent imaging, soft lithography, variable stiffness substrates, application/measurement of forces and other methods. Students will integrate classroom lectures and lab skills by applying the scientific method to develop a unique project while working in a team environment, keeping a detailed lab notebook and meeting mandated milestones. Emphasis will be placed on developing the written and oral communication skills required of the professional scientist. The class will culminate with a poster presentation session based on class projects. Prereqs: Cell biology and Biomaterials, or permission of instructor.

42-530 Biological Transport and Drug Delivery: Spring: 9 units
Analysis of transport phenomena in life processes on the molecular, cellular, organ and organism levels and their application to the modeling and design of targeted or sustained release drug delivery technologies. Coupling of mass transfer and reaction processes will be a consistent theme as they are applied to rates of receptor-mediated solute uptake in cells, drug transport and biodistribution, and drug release from delivery vehicles. Design concepts underlying new advances in nanomedicine will be described. Pre-requisites: 06-262 Mathematical Methods of Chemical Engineering or 21-260 Differential Equations
Prerequisites: 06-262 or 21-260

42-531 Computational Methods in Biomedical Engineering: Spring: 12 units
This goal of this course is to enable students with little or no programming background to solve simple computational problems in science and engineering. Emphasis will be placed on enabling students to use currently available numerical methods (rather than developing anew) to solve engineering problems. Upon completing the course, the successful student will be able to use basic knowledge regarding computer architecture, data types, binary arithmetic, and programming, to solve sample quantitative problems in engineering. Topics will include: solving linear systems of equations, model fitting using least squares techniques (linear and nonlinear), data interpolation, numerical integration and differentiation, solving differential equations, and data visualization. Specific example computations in each topic above will be drawn from problems in physics, chemistry, as well as signal and image processing, and biomedical engineering. Students will work independently in groups for a final project. Matlab will be used as the programming language/environment for this class, although different languages such as C, Java, and Python will be briefly discussed (time permitting). Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: calculus, multivariate calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations
Corequisites: 21-260, 21-122, 21-121.

42-540 Introduction to Biomedical Signal Processing: 9 units
This course is geared towards graduate students who have not been exposed to signal processing before. The aim is to introduce the basic signal processing tools for analysis and mining of biomedical signals. These will include an introduction to digital sequences (1D and multiD), systems, and analysis tools (Fourier and wavelet). We will cover some basic tasks used in various biomedical processing applications. Students will team up in semester-long projects. Basic knowledge of Matlab is recommended but not required. Basic mathematics for engineers including basic linear algebra, or permission of the instructor, is required. This course is open to graduate students only.

42-550 Technological Innovation in Biomedical Engineering: Intermittent: 9 units
Developing innovative technologies in biomedical engineering requires understanding patents and intellectual property as well as understanding patient needs and market pull. This course will introduce students to technological innovation through discussion of case studies across biomedical engineering. Students will learn to read patents and analyze patent landscapes as well as discuss approaches to developing creative solutions that meet product and regulatory requirements. A team-based project will allow students to apply their skills in biomedical engineering and the tools in this course to proposing novel therapeutics, devices, or diagnostics that meet critical patient needs and have market potential.

42-570 Molecular and Micro-scale Polymeric Biomaterials in Medicine: Spring: 9 units
This course will cover aspects of polymeric biomaterials in medicine from molecular principles to device scale design and fabrication. Topics include the chemistry, characterization, and processing of synthetic polymeric materials; cell-biomaterials interactions including interfacial phenomena, tissue responses, and biodegradation mechanisms; aspects of polymeric micro-systems design and fabrication for applications in medical devices. Recent advances in these topics will also be discussed. Pre-requisite: None.

42-580 Bioinstrumentation: Intermittent: 12 units
This course aims to build the foundation of basic principles, applications and design of medical instrumentation. Topics covered include biosignals recording, transducers for biomedical application, action potentials EMG, EEG, ECG, amplifiers and signal processing, blood flow and pressure measurements, data acquisition and signal conditioning, spectral analysis of data, filtering, and safety aspects of electrical measurements. Ultimately, students will learn (1) how to apply basic circuit theory to perform measurement of biosignals, (2) be familiar and use common measurement devices, such as multimeter and oscilloscope, (3) be familiar with Op-amps circuits, (4) how to acquire and analyze a signal using time and frequency techniques, and (5) how to filter a signal to remove noise. Pre-requirements: Junior standing in CIT, 33-107 (Physics II for Engineers), or permission of the instructor.

42-620 Engineering Molecular Cell Biology: Fall: 12 units
Cells are not only basic units of living organisms but also fascinating engineering systems that exhibit amazing functionality, adaptability, and complexity. Applying engineering perspectives and approaches to study molecular mechanisms of cellular processes plays a critical role in the development of contemporary biology. At the same time, understanding the principles that govern biological systems provides critical insights into the development of engineering systems, especially in the micro- and nano-technology. The goal of this course is to provide basic molecular cell biology for engineering students with little or no background in cell biology, with particular emphasis on the application of quantitative and system perspectives to basic cellular processes. Course topics include the fundamentals of molecular biology, the structural and functional organization of the cell, the cytoskeleton and cell motility, the mechanics of cell division, and cell-cell interactions. Pre-requisites: 21-260 Differential Equations, or 06-262 Mathematical Methods of Chemical Engineering, or 18-202 Mathematical Foundations of Electrical Engineering. Advanced undergraduate or graduate student standing is required. Prior completion of 03-121 Modern Biology is suggested but not required. Proficiency in basic computation such as MATLAB programming is expected.

42-622 Bioprocess Design: Spring: 9 units
This course is designed to link concepts of cell culture, bioseparations, formulation and delivery together for the commercial production and use of biologically-based pharmaceuticals; products considered include proteins, nucleic acids, and fermentation-derived fine chemicals. Associated regulatory issues and biotech industry case studies are also included. The format of the course is a mixture of equal parts lecture, open discussion, and participant presentation. Course work consists of team-oriented problem sets of an open-ended nature and indivudual-oriented industry case studies. The goals of the course work are to build an integrated technical knowledge base of the manufacture of biologically based pharmaceuticals and U.S. biotechnology industry. Working knowledge of cell culture and modern biology, biochemistry and differential equations is assumed. Pre-requisite: 42-321 Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology or both 03-232 Biochemistry and 06-422 Chemical Reaction Engineering, or instructor permission.
Prerequisites: 03-232 or 06-422 or 42-321

42-632 Neural Signal Processing: Fall: 12 units
The vast majority of behaviorally relevant information is transmitted through the brain by neurons as trains of actions potentials. How can we understand the information being transmitted? This class will cover the basic engineering and statistical tools in common use for analyzing neural spike train data, with an emphasis on hands-on application. Topics may include neural spike train statistics (Poisson processes, interspike intervals, Fano factor analysis), estimation (MLE, MAP), signal detection theory (d-prime, ROC analysis, psychometric curve fitting), information theory, discrete classification, continuous decoding (PVA, OLE), and white-noise analysis.

42-640 Computational Bio-Modeling and Visulization: Spring: 12 units
Biomedical modeling and visualization play an important role in mathematical modeling and computer simulation of real/artificial life for improved medical diagnosis and treatment. This course integrates mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, computer science, and mathematics together. Topics to be studied include medical imaging, image processing, geometric modeling, visualization, computational mechanics, and biomedical applications. The techniques introduced are applied to examples of multi-scale biomodeling and simulations at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ level scales.

42-641 Bio Inspired Robotics: Fall: 12 units
This course investigates animal locomotion principles such as ground locomotion, flapping flight, swimming, and water surface locomotion and adapting those principles to bio-inspired robotic platforms. It uses the ‘Principles of Animal Locomotion’ book as the main course textbook while adding many recent updates and robotic content from research articles and news. Besides the basic biomechanics, locomotion dynamics, and mechanism design knowledge, it includes the current trends in literature, detailed case studies and discussions, and guest lecturer talks. Course final projects involve theoretical and hands-on topics on design, analysis, manufacturing, and control of bio-inspired robots with various locomotion capabilities. In addition to a final project presentation and report, the course requires a literature survey report and weekly or biweekly homework, and involves several quizzes. Pre-requisite: None.

42-642 Biological Fluid Mechanics: Spring: 12 units
Fluid dynamics and transport phenomena associated with biological and biomedical problems are studied through selected topics from cardiovascular fluid dynamics, swimming/flying in nature and biomimetic technologies. Course objectives are to prepare students to design and perform contemporary research in physiological, biological and biomedical fluid mechanics, and to understand emerging biomimetic engineering methods, emphasizing quantitative understanding and fundamental engineering concepts. Computational and experimental techniques (CFD, flow visualization, PIV, LDV, POD, confocal microscopy) will be studied with hands-on research projects. Principles of interdisciplinary (biologist/clinician/engineer) collaboration are emphasized. The course is intended for advanced undergraduate and entering graduate students. Familiarity with elementary fluid mechanics and introductory Matlab programming is expected. Students who have not previously taken a fluid dynamics class should consult with the instructor.

42-643 Microfluidics Intermittent: Intermittent: 12 units
This course offers an introduction to the emerging field of microfluidics with an emphasis on chemical and life sciences applications. During this course students will examine the fluid dynamical phenomena underlying key components of “lab on a chip” devices. Students will have the opportunity to learn practical aspects of microfluidic device operation through hands-on laboratory experience, computer simulations of microscale flows, and reviews of recent literature in the field. Throughout the course, students will consider ways of optimizing device performance based on knowledge of the fundamental fluid mechanics. Students will explore selected topics in more detail through a semester project. Major course topics include pressure-driven and electrokinetically-driven flows in microchannels, surface effects, micro-fabrication methods, micro/nanoparticles for biotechnology, biochemical reactions and assays, mixing and separation, two-phase flows, and integration and design of microfluidic chips. Pre-requisites: 24-231 or 06-261 or 12-355 or instructor permission.

42-645 Cellular Biomechanics: Spring: 9 units
This course discusses how mechanical quantities and processes such as force, motion, and deformation influence cell behavior and function, with a focus on the connection between mechanics and biochemistry. Specific topics include: (1) the role of stresses in the cytoskeleton dynamics as related to cell growth, spreading, motility, and adhesion; (2) the generation of force and motion by moot molecules; (3) stretch-activated ion channels; (4) protein and DNA deformation; (5) mechanochemical coupling in signal transduction. If time permits, we will also cover protein trafficking and secretion and the effects of mechanical forces on gene expression. Emphasis is placed on the biomechanics issues at the cellular and molecular levels; their clinical and engineering implications are elucidated. 3 hrs. lec. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Prerequisites: None. Corequisites: None. Cross Listed Courses: 24-655 Notes: None. Reservations:.

42-646 Molecular Biomechanics: Spring: 9 units
This class is designed to present concepts of molecular biology, cellular biology and biophysics at the molecular level together with applications. Emphasis will be placed both on the biology of the system and on the fundamental physics, chemistry and mechanics which describe the molecular level phenomena within context. In addition to studying the structure, mechanics and energetics of biological systems at the nano-scale, we will also study and conceptually design biomimetic molecules and structures. Fundamentals of DNA, globular and structured proteins, lipids and assemblies thereof will be covered.

42-647 Introduction to Continuum Biomechanics: Spring: 12 units
This course provides a general survey of the application of continuum mechanics (fluid and solid mechanics) to biomechanics. The course as whole encourages class participation and discussion in a seminar-type fashion. The course begins with a historical review of the subject followed by a review of vector and tensor analysis, before discussing various measures of deformation and stress formulations. The development and understanding of appropriate constitutive models for particular problems are at the core of this course. Both analytical and to some extent experimental results are presented through readings from reports in recent journals and the relevance of these results to the solution of unsolved problems is highlighted. The main objective of this course is to provide the basic ideas of continuum mechanics for engineering and science students with little or no background in Biomechanics, with particular emphasis on the application of quantitative and system perspectives to fluid and solid mechanics problems. In addition to looking at various examples with biomechanics applications, the last few weeks of the course are dedicated to discussing individually-crafted research projects for the students. Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: 21-260 Differential Equations, 24-231 Fluid Mechanics, 24-262 Mechanics of Deformable Solids, or permission of instructor.

42-660 Surgery for Engineers: Fall and Spring: 9 units
Students will interact with clinical practitioners and investigate the technological challenges that face these practitioners. All students must sign up for one of the three accompanying practicums: Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Cardiovascular, or Clinical Orthopedic. Students will complete a final report on the practicum that will describe an important clinical problem that can be solved with a new technology or a significant optimization of an existing technology. Pre-requisite: 42-202 Physiology
Prerequisite: 42-202

42-699 Special Topics: Fall: 9 units
42-699-A: Technicial Innovation for Biomedical Engineering Developing innovative technologies in biomedical engineering requires understanding patents and intellectual property as well as understanding patient needs and market pull. This course will introduce students to technological innovation through discussion of case studies across biomedical engineering. Students will learn to read patents and analyze patent landscapes as well as discuss approaches to developing creative solutions that meet product and regulatory requirements. 42-699-B: Neural Data Analysis The vast majority of behaviorally relevant information is transmitted through the brain by neurons as trains of actions potentials. How can we understand the information being transmitted? This class will cover the basic engineering and statistical tools in common use for analyzing neural spike train data, with an emphasis on hands-on application. Topics may include neural spike train statistics (Poisson processes, interspike intervals, Fano factor analysis), estimation (MLE, MAP), signal detection theory (d-prime, ROC analysis, psychometric curve fitting), information theory, discrete classification, continuous decoding (PVA, OLE), and white-noise analysis. 42-699-C: Basic Statistics for Biomedical Research This is a lecture/seminar course designed to cover medical experimental design, types of statistical error and the mechanics of commonly used statistical methods. Emphasis will be placed on use of appropriate statistical tools as opposed to the mathematical underpinnings of the statistical tests themselves. Students will be expected to solve statistical problems derived from clinical practice as well as the medical literature. Web-based resources as well as a statistical software package will be provided.

42-735 Medical Image Analysis: Spring: 12 units
Students will gain theoretical and practical skills in medical image analysis, including skills relevant to general image analysis. The fundamentals of computational medical image analysis will be explored, leading to current research in applying geometry and statistics to segmentation, registration, visualization, and image understanding. Student will develop practical experience through projects using the new v4 of the National Library of Medicine Insight Toolkit ( ITK ), a popular open-source software library developed by a consortium of institutions including Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to image analysis, the course will include interaction with clinicians at UPMC. NEW THIS YEAR: ITKv4 includes a new simplified interface and many new features, several of which will be explored in the class. Extensive expertise with C++ and templates is no longer necessary (but still helpful). *** Some or all of the class lectures may also be videoed for public distribution. website: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~galeotti/methods_course/ Prerequisites: Knowledge of vector calculus, basic probability, and C++ or python (most lectures will use C++). Required textbook, "Machine Vision", ISBN: 052116981X; Optional textbook, "Insight to Images", ISBN: 9781568812175.
Prerequisite: 03-121

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Department of Biomedical Engineering Courses

Note on Course Numbers