Biomedical Engineering: The Smart Design of Medical Implants and Devices

Course Description

Are you passionate about innovative approaches to improving human health? Biomedical engineers apply principles of biology, medicine, and science, along with problem-solving skills and critical thinking, to a broad spectrum of problems, from designing regenerative medicine and new methods of drug delivery to micro-devices and gene therapy.

In this course, you will explore how the field of biomedical engineering applies math and science fundamentals to the development of replacement tissues, organs, and devices. You will:
• Formulate solutions to biologically-relevant problems
• Explore the importance of mechanical and material properties in biomedical implant designs
• Apply fundamental biology, physiology, and math principles in order to analyze the effectiveness of biomedical implants and devices
• Interpret data from experiments involving natural tissues and man-made devices in order to improve replacement implant designs
• Consider the societal implications related to the design of biomedical implants and devices

"I really enjoyed learning how to use the CAD software and using it to create a 3D model of the blood vessel I designed. I liked how we had to think differently and come up with our own ideas."
- Biomedical Engineering student, Summer 2015

Course Requirements:
Time commitment: Your course will open on a Monday, two days in advance of the Wednesday course start date to give you time to get to know Canvas (Brown's learning management system), review course expectations and strategies for your success, learn about your instructor, and help us to learn a bit about you. These introductory activities should take you just a few hours to complete.

Plan to spend approximately 10 hours per week on coursework. To be successful in this course, you must have reliable internet access, and will be expected to participate in the course multiple times each week.

Technical:
Computer with reliable, high-speed internet connection | Note: Mobile devices (smart phones, tablets) are also supported, but may be less than optimal for some required assignments. We recommend using these as supplemental access points in addition to your computer. We also recommend downloading the Canvas Mobile App for iOS or Android devices for the best experience on mobile devices.
Up-to-date Internet browser supported by Canvas, Brown's learning management system
Headphones, earbuds or speakers
Webcam and microphone
Adobe Flash Player browser plugin (Course elements may require Flash and will not work on an iPad.)
Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc,.docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)

Supplementary materials: none

Prerequisites: Please note: Students who have completed Algebra 1 and Trigonometry are best prepared to participate in this course.