BME 1101: Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
Introduction: Definition, basic principles and problems in biomedical engineering, biomedical engineers, main fields of
biomedical engineering, familiarization with the enabling technologies for biomedical engineering.
Electrophysiology: Concepts of cell, cell membrane, ion channel, resting and action potentials.
Biomaterials: Definition, properties, examples, biocompatibility, practical applications of biomaterials.
Bio-signals and bio-signal processing: Definition, classification, and origin of bio-signals, Overview of ECG, EEG and EMG
signals, introduction to bio-signal processing, steps of bio-signal processing, applications of bio-signals and bio-processing.
Bioinstrumentation: Concepts of biosensors and transducers, bio-electrodes, medical instrumentation system, basic medical
instruments and their applications.
Biomechanics: Definition, subfields of biomechanics, applications of biomechanics.
Medical imaging: Definition, Imaging modalities and their applications.
Overview of various topics: Molecular engineering, tissue engineering, rehabilitation engineering, biotechnology, bionanotechnology, etc.
Applications: Applications of engineering principles to selected medical and biological problems, Contemporary issues and
roles of biomedical engineering.
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Topics Covered
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Definition
Basic principles and problems in biomedical engineering
Biomedical engineers
Main fields of biomedical engineering
Familiarization with the enabling technologies for biomedical
engineering.
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The Progression of Modern Health Care Systems
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The Progression of Modern Health Care Systems
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Definition of Biomedical Engineering
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Workplace of a Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers work closely with medical professionals, researchers and other engineers
where they utilize their knowledge to develop the equipment and procedures needed to solve
problems in the healthcare industry. Biomedical engineers might work in a variety of settings
including:
• Hospitals, where they help acquire, monitor and maintain medical machines and devices.
• Universities, where they research, design and test new tools and equipment.
• Government agencies, where they test medical products' efficacy and develop safety regulations
for them.
• Research institutions, where they work in the lab to study and test equipment.
• Pharmaceutical companies, where they develop new therapeutics and ways to deliver drugs.
• Medical device companies, where they design various machines and instruments used in
healthcare.
• Technology companies, where they help develop the software needed to run medical equipment
and assist patients and hospital staff.
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What does biomedical engineer do?
A biomedical engineer will typically do the following:
• Design systems and products
• Install, adjust, maintain, repair, or provide technical support for
biomedical equipment
• Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical
equipment
• Train clinicians and other personnel on the proper use of equipment
• Work with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists
• Research the engineering aspects within the biological systems of
humans and animals
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Biomedical engineer's job responsibilities
A biomedical engineer's job responsibilities typically include:
• Designing a wide range of medical equipment and devices, including
artificial organs, diagnostic machines and computer simulation software
• Training healthcare professionals to use equipment and devices properly
• Installing, maintaining and repairing existing medical equipment
• Testing medical equipment's safety and efficacy
• Studying human biologic systems to come up with solutions to existing
problems
• Writing reports and publishing research findings
• Presenting research to companies and medical staff as well as at
professional conferences
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Main fields of biomedical engineering
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Main fields of biomedical engineering
Due to the complexity of this field, biomedical engineers often choose to specialize in one
area. Examples of biomedical engineering specialties include:
• Bioinstrumentation: Using computer science and electronics to develop medical devices,
diagnostic equipment and treatments.
• Medical imaging: Developing new imaging techniques and improving upon existing
ones, such as X-rays, ultrasounds and MRIs, and their sensors and software.
• Rehabilitation engineering: Developing the tools, equipment and technology needed to
improve the quality of life for people healing from injury or living with disabilities.
• Bioinformatics: Developing software to analyze biological data and then interpreting the
results.
• Biomaterials: Creating the tissues, cells, artificial organs or body parts and other
materials that doctors implant into patients' bodies.
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Main fields of biomedical engineering
• Bio-signal processing: Developing diagnostic and treatment options based on
body signals, such as heart rate or brain waves.
• Tissue, cell and genetic engineering: Creating ways to treat or prevent disease at
the microscopic and cellular level.
• Neural systems: Studying the brain and nervous system to discover ways to
return lost senses or abilities.
• Robotics: Designing robotic systems to help surgeons train for and perform
surgeries, among many other uses.
• Clinical engineering: Working with hospital staff to acquire, maintain and
oversee the latest medical equipment and software.
• Micro- and nanotechnology: Developing tiny devices that are a fraction of the
width of a human hair for placement in medical devices or use during procedures.
• Systems physiology: Using computer modeling to better understand living
organisms and their body functions.
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